Comments on: Journalists today: how would you grade them?

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:31:51 +0000

I agree with Tcip. Power to the new media!

The old guard who refuse to embrace the changing times will die a slow death as their ivory towers crumble. CBS is discussing eliminating their evening news program altogether (after Katie is finished). 30 years ago, Walter Cronkite was the voice of God. The times, they are a changin’

By: tcip

tcip — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:01:50 +0000

This is why the Internet is so cool. We don’t have to rely on the “Big $” media outlets for information. It’s websites like this one that bring a certain perspective to the world out there. Trust in the journalist is gained over time and reputation is everything.

By: Lenka Bliss

Lenka Bliss — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:16:21 +0000

Great post. You’re so right. I am fed up with all news and journalists that see “$” in their stories. I don’t usually watch TV or read press much but now my brother is at home and he has to be updated about everything. But what I get whole day from news reporting chanels is 10% of real issues (like politics, current news, or analysis) and 90% of murders, catastrophes and wars.
The sickest example that I observed is the story of Fritzl who abused his daughter for 24 years. It’s such a tragic story and everybody is just so interested, moreover media. To get the latest pictures of anything, having interviews with neighbors (Who are being paid enormous money because of such tragedy)… I even heard that people are taking pics of themselves in front of the house. It was impossible to escape this news and I wish I had escaped.

Something with perception of journalism is distorted. I guess they all have great teachers like you but then money change their perception and they just think it’s normal this way for the rest of our lives.

But you’re right that there are still some good ethical journalists, alas I suppose they struggle to be heard by masses.

By: robertstevenson

robertstevenson — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:14:02 +0000

Thanks to you both. I value your feedback.

By: Pentad

Pentad — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:06:56 +0000

I love topics like this, and I completely agree with your take, and angle. I remember taking a course in college years ago (overseas) about ‘Power, and the Media’. Fascinating stuff. I guess ‘misuse of power’ is more accurate.

I think that the general public still has expectations of a higher standard, than that which is practiced. I have often times wondered if journalists feel pressed between a rock, and a hard spot. As a Registered Nurse, there were many times we felt the burdens of ethical dilemma. In other words, torn between our oath, and the finances of our employers.

By: Erik Johnels

Erik Johnels — Sun, 04 May 2008 18:37:23 +0000

Thank you!

“if a journalist lies to get a story he just might win the Pulitzer Prize.”

This is unfortunately the truth of the day. It’s becoming increasingly hard to find a journalist more than 2 months out of school that has an intact perspective.