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This is the environment in which the journalism originally flourished: obtaining and reporting information that is not readily accessible otherwise, often again
by ptero 6y ago
This is the environment in which the journalism originally flourished: obtaining and reporting information that is not readily accessible otherwise, often against the wishes of the powers on the ground; and frequently being in danger while obtaining it. I am not glorifying this setup, it is horrible; but the information it provides is very valuable.
Unfortunately, nowadays the journalist working on such project will not enjoy the backing at home: gone are the newspapers that would support independent investigations and publish important reports even when they do not line up with the editor's personal preferences. So the journalist reporting an unconventional view has to working with the other side of the political spectrum, which leads to being boxed all the same, just in a different box.
I think there is a real need for independent reporting, including (especially) on hot button topics. I even think that many people would gladly pay for such news if we can figure out the right model that ensures independence: it is perfectly OK to publish a partisan report, as long as publishing an opposing view is also acceptable. My 2c.
- jkhdigital 6y agoWhat’s weird is that the script is flipped here, if this article is to be believed: it is the alleged “underdog” that is attempting to suppress journalistic freedom (through intimidation) to control the news narrative.
- humanrebar 6y agoThe script was always shaky. If there are lines of mayors, governors, millionaires, corporations, and celebrities lining up to support you, you are not an underdog. There are not similar lines to make sure a given periodical has room and support to safely provide agenda-free reporting.
- macinjosh 6y agoReality isn’t a movie script.
- WarOnPrivacy 6y ago> if this article is to be believed: it is the alleged “underdog” that is attempting to suppress journalistic freedom (through intimidation) to control the news narrative. Consider the source. She has some history of standing against reform movements. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Rommelmann##MeNeither https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Rommelmann##MeNeither
- humanrebar 6y agoCould unions and professional associations fill that gap? Why aren't they now? Where are groups like the ACLU? It's worth noting that journalism as a profession has a problem with letting itself become political. Seems like for a journalism association to be effective in these cases, it must insist on the impartiality that most institutions seem to be finding too difficult lately.
- Dahoon 6y ago>Could unions and professional associations fill that gap? This and the below >journalism as a profession has a problem with letting itself become political Unions are by definition political, so that wouldn't solve the problem you describe.
- ptero 6y agoI think professional associations are pretty toothless; they are primarily for economic benefit, not for fighting or even providing support in an adversity. Unions might not be a very good fit either. They do have fists and I would expect a good union to put a fight for any member that got laid off, even if the union leadership finds that defending the person is a burden. But the union probably would not care about impartiality of reporting or help publish a particular view. But this does look like an almost perfect case for the freedom of speech defenders. I do not know why are they not helping. My only guess is that they are used to fighting the government or megacorps and have no idea how to help in this setup. But this is just a random guess.