I will never understand journalism. Despite working in the industry (either full-time or part-time) for more than two decades, the insanity of the industry never ceases to amaze me.
In speaking with the executive editor of a national outlet recently, I told him that our Republic is in trouble without the media. Sadly, our media isn’t up to the task of helping create a well-informed citizenry. We all suffer as a result.
Editors yell about the need to be more substantive in their reporting and dig deeper than the latest press release or statement. So, they turn to Twitter for guidance as if it’s some type of all-seeing oracle providing a window into the thinking of humanity.
Maybe step outside the office or the bubble and talk to a real person.
How can a media organization that can’t be transparent and honest with its internal team hold “the powerful” accountable? Even worse, why should it expect its readers to believe anything it reports?
Too many outlets don’t want to hold “the powerful” accountable. Doing so harms their access, so instead of holding “the powerful” accountable, they want to look like they’re holding “the powerful” accountable.
Too many times, I’ve seen the media kowtow to elected officials, policymakers and business leaders. All the news that’s fit to print unless it isn’t.
For whatever reason, I still believe in the importance of the media, even in the face of the preponderance of evidence. Yet, I am continually stunned when the industry continues to disappoint. At this point, the media seems to only excel in disappointing.
It’s not limited to national outlets or cable television news. Go pick up your local newspaper. If there is any coverage of your local community, it’s likely slanted or incomplete.
News organizations continually whine about the loss of readership. Maybe they should deliver a product that informs people. Maybe they should stop approaching “journalism” like a community newspaper in 1992.
Whether we like it or not, most people aren’t clamoring for the print edition. Maybe stop thinking that HTML is the modern incarnation of newsprint.
Telling the news requires hiring people in diverse disciplines, including video and audio editors and programmers. It’s 2024; efforts should match the technology available.
Sadly, journalism is dead; it’s been dead for years. No one side has a monopoly on the truth or the lies. Yet, it would be impossible to tell based on the modern journalism landscape.
What’s the old saying? “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Is the industry insane, or am I?