Everyone in this season of "enthusiasm gaps" is asking the same question: Why are Americans so disgusted with politics and the democratic process?
I think the political media plays a big part in the answer. At least it does for me.
After the 2008 election, I swear not three weeks went by before I started hearing about "repercussions for the midterm elections." Not three weeks.
In the next two years, huge policy initiatives were introduced, haggled over, debated and eventually passed - or not. But more likely than not, the bulk of the media coverage revolved not around the substance of legislation, but around the political and reelection prospects for the legislators involved.
It's all about the horse race. I understand that certain reporters are paid to cover politics and it's a very legitimate beat. But isn't there anything more to politics than elections? How about the long-term policy implications of legislation - rather than the short-term political?
We're all pretty sick of the horse race. Or at least I am.
And now, right on cue, comes the first glimmer of the next leg. Coming around the far turn, heading for the home stretch, two weeks before the midterms: There's this.
Let the handicapping for 2012 begin. I, for one, am hoping that the starting gate gets stuck.
Showing posts with label media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label media. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
A Sad Ending
I'm sure that veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas never dreamed she'd go out this way.
Over the years, Helen was a journalistic role model and a favorite person. She was characteristically feisty in her watchdog role, no matter which party was in power. She had a great sense of humor and was never afraid to skewer her own importance. An NPR special about how she broke down barriers in the early years of female reporters was an inspiration.
More than a decade ago, I saw her lecture at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. About one-third of the way into her talk, she began rustling papers at the podium, then shuffling them around fiercely. A few moments later, as her speech turned disjointed and a little odd, I realized she had mixed up her pages and was reading them out of order.
Ever the pro, she soldiered on, never letting on that she was flustered. And the speech, full of funny anecdotes and interesting memories, worked even though it was a little jumbled up.
I always say that I'll keep on writing and working as long as I'm able to put fingers to keyboard. But Helen's situation makes me wonder if that's a good idea. I think many people get to a certain age and they feel they've earned the right to say whatever comes to mind, politically incorrect or not.
That bluntness got the better of Helen Thomas, finally, and I'm sorry for it. I hope some friends give her the retirement party she deserves.
Over the years, Helen was a journalistic role model and a favorite person. She was characteristically feisty in her watchdog role, no matter which party was in power. She had a great sense of humor and was never afraid to skewer her own importance. An NPR special about how she broke down barriers in the early years of female reporters was an inspiration.
More than a decade ago, I saw her lecture at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. About one-third of the way into her talk, she began rustling papers at the podium, then shuffling them around fiercely. A few moments later, as her speech turned disjointed and a little odd, I realized she had mixed up her pages and was reading them out of order.
Ever the pro, she soldiered on, never letting on that she was flustered. And the speech, full of funny anecdotes and interesting memories, worked even though it was a little jumbled up.
I always say that I'll keep on writing and working as long as I'm able to put fingers to keyboard. But Helen's situation makes me wonder if that's a good idea. I think many people get to a certain age and they feel they've earned the right to say whatever comes to mind, politically incorrect or not.
That bluntness got the better of Helen Thomas, finally, and I'm sorry for it. I hope some friends give her the retirement party she deserves.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
What's a Writer Worth?
Jim Rainey's "On the Media" column in today's L.A. Times features a gloomy outlook for freelance writers.
He accurately nails the twin dilemmas of shrinking newspapers/magazines and websites that recruit professionals - Chamber of Commerce types, think tank pundits and professors - as free columnists, spurning the tradition of paying journalists for their talents.
Back in November, the BusinessWeek SmallBiz page featured a column decrying the freelance economy in general. Not sure I agree with his conclusions, but it's an interesting debate.
Having been happily self-employed for two decades, I hope I never have to return to employer-based work. But the outlook for writers who expect a living wage seems to be dimming.
He accurately nails the twin dilemmas of shrinking newspapers/magazines and websites that recruit professionals - Chamber of Commerce types, think tank pundits and professors - as free columnists, spurning the tradition of paying journalists for their talents.
Back in November, the BusinessWeek SmallBiz page featured a column decrying the freelance economy in general. Not sure I agree with his conclusions, but it's an interesting debate.
Having been happily self-employed for two decades, I hope I never have to return to employer-based work. But the outlook for writers who expect a living wage seems to be dimming.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Future of Journalism
I woke up to good news this morning: My Smart Answers podcast has been named a finalist in a digital media competition.
The American Society of Business Publications Editors (how's that for a mouthful!) also named six other BusinessWeek.com finalists in categories including web news, commentary, video and podcasting. The SmallBiz channel, which is the site that I specifically write for, was named a finalist in the Web Microsite category. The awards will be handed out in early November.
Whether we win or not, it's quite an honor to be a finalist for a national award. And the timing couldn't be better: Bloomberg is currently deciding how much of BusinessWeek.com it will keep alive in the new year. My colleagues and I are hoping that getting the nod today will help push that decision in the proper direction!
What else is going on in journalism?
The Washington Post reports on one journalist turned entrepreneur who could be a role model for many of us.
And a new report assessing the future of community journalism - and how it might use new, innovative funding models - is being released tomorrow.
Look for some interesting conversations on the possibilities raised, including government grants to journalistic outlets that do investigative and innovative reporting. That should stir up some controversy!
The American Society of Business Publications Editors (how's that for a mouthful!) also named six other BusinessWeek.com finalists in categories including web news, commentary, video and podcasting. The SmallBiz channel, which is the site that I specifically write for, was named a finalist in the Web Microsite category. The awards will be handed out in early November.
Whether we win or not, it's quite an honor to be a finalist for a national award. And the timing couldn't be better: Bloomberg is currently deciding how much of BusinessWeek.com it will keep alive in the new year. My colleagues and I are hoping that getting the nod today will help push that decision in the proper direction!
What else is going on in journalism?
The Washington Post reports on one journalist turned entrepreneur who could be a role model for many of us.
And a new report assessing the future of community journalism - and how it might use new, innovative funding models - is being released tomorrow.
Look for some interesting conversations on the possibilities raised, including government grants to journalistic outlets that do investigative and innovative reporting. That should stir up some controversy!
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