If "Real Journalism" Fails As A Business, Should Government Step In?

News Type: Opinion — Seeded on Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:49 PM EST

Article Source: TechCrunch

us-news, journalism, newspapers, print-media

When the business model of "real journalism" fails, what should society do in response? When things are considered important, but can't be supported with a business model, government sometimes steps in. National parks, highways, police and national defense are all examples. Should print journalism be next?

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{"commentId":1398473,"authorDomain":"ZenAid"}

ZenAid

I can't believe this is even up for debate ...

Freedom of the press is one of the most important checks on government. If they're paying the bills, the press is no longer independent.

{"commentId":1398473,"threadId":"208237","contentId":"1253041","authorDomain":"ZenAid"}

1 vote

#1 - Thu Jan 24, 2008 7:50 PM EST

{"commentId":1400059,"authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

ShaunV

Freedom of the press is one of the most important checks on government. If they're paying the bills, the press is no longer independent.

If it's a temporary bail out, it might help them reorganize and change the outdated business model.

The press, is already somewhat controlled by government sanctions in the US. America is not as free as we all like to think.

I am not sure how the public can help.

On the up side, this type of scenario may boost the standing of citizen journalists.

{"commentId":1400059,"threadId":"208237","contentId":"1253041","authorDomain":"SVForbes"}

2 votes

#1.1 - Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:45 AM EST

{"commentId":2062568,"authorDomain":"dolores"}

Dolores M. Bernal

There are news services that are cnot orporate. Take for example NPR news, Pacifica Radio and other community radio stations, oh and PBS news. I worked for a corporate news service once and to be fair, the reporters there as well as me, were doing the best we could. The problem was the one or two editors who were SO afraid of getting fired by the publisher if they allowed reporters to write something too controversial or too political.

{"commentId":2062568,"threadId":"208237","contentId":"1253041","authorDomain":"dolores"}

1 vote

#1.2 - Thu Jun 26, 2008 11:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":1399814,"authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}

jfxgillis

Zen:

What can't you believe? That the pure-market model is obviously failing? Or that government regulation might be imposed to address that failure?

I really don't see a difference in a "pick your poison" scenario if both toxins are fatal.

{"commentId":1399814,"threadId":"208237","contentId":"1253041","authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}

2 votes

#2 - Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:20 AM EST

{"commentId":1400528,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Government has already established its rendition of Journalism. It is called the US Government Printing Office. Many States have a similar apparatus. The output from some government offices can exceed the local newspaper. Ask any print editor about the pile of news releases he receives on a daily basis. You are paying for them to tell you lies and pat themselves on the back. Now to find someone who will publish those facts.

{"commentId":1400528,"threadId":"208237","contentId":"1253041","authorDomain":"farmer"}

2 votes

#3 - Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:54 AM EST

{"commentId":2064063,"authorDomain":"farmer"}

oldfogey

Real journalism is just changing media and formats. What was once print is now digital data that can reappear as print on Newsvine.

{"commentId":2064063,"threadId":"208237","contentId":"1253041","authorDomain":"farmer"}

2 votes

#4 - Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:34 AM EDT

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ZENAID

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If "Real Journalism" Fails As A Business, Should Government Step In?

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