January 10, 2005
Parallel Universe of Journalists?
I'm on the road all week with Tomorrow's Workforce -- a few days at the Raleigh News & Observer and then on to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- so posting will be thin.
Here's a snippet from the Guardian's special section examining the role of the press in Britain. A critic asks: Do journalists live in a parallel universe? Zenna Atkins responds:
Not so much a parallel universe, more a universe of soundbites and isolated incidents used inaccurately as examples of the norm, spun press releases and half-baked populist views. Where has the inquiring mind gone? With information at the touch of a button, press releases a click away and personal comment available with the waggle of a mouse is it any wonder I question the "value added" by the journalist. Much of what is written focuses on the personal and sensational or on the politically popular topics of the day. I don't just want to read what is in the minds of politicians now, I want to be stretched to think about the long-term impact of today's decisions. In the housing sector, for example, where do we think our children are going to live? (Emphasis added.)
Also: Don't forget to read morph, where I'm guest-blogging. Here is J.D. Lasica's post today on Citizens Journalism, Santa Fe Style.
Posted by Tim Porter at January 10, 2005 07:14 PM