That seem to be true in the US, sadly. I'm amazed at how much time is wasted on tv news channels on these kind of stories instead of stories that are relevant to the citizens. It used to be the media's task to inform the citizens on what was happening in the society (and the world) so that they could perform their democratic duties (stay updated) so they can vote and make their voices heard based on an informed grounding. Why octo-moms and other scandals aren't left to gossip magazines, tabloids and "Believe it or not"-like magazines is a mystery to me. Instead, please give me insightful reporting on the world, science, business, environment & technology, politics/society and a bit of culture, please :-)
I, too, learned not to cite a news paper article for facts in grade school, high school and so forth. And media and politicians are still the most untrusted people in Denmark (up there with used car sales people) Nonetheless, it's my impression that American media is much more biased than anything I've seen in Europe!!! Danish - and the European media I'm familiar with - still try to do unbiased and fair reporting. Only the editorials define the official political line of the paper/magazine. You can't tell while reading the articles if the journalists writing it are left- or right-leaning. If at all, you'll see some of both in both newspapers with left- and right-leaning editorials. PBC and NPR are close to reporting the European way, but they are so afraid, it seems, to sound biased that they seem afraid of asking critical questions. They leave it up to their sources to criticize each other. I prefer when the host of radio and tv programmes is not afraid to ask critical questions. Campbell Brown on CNN (formerly worked for the great Tim Russert) comes close.
Another thing I hate about American tv news is that the hosts are told by their bosses to be funny and chit chat!?!? WTF!?!? Don't waste my time!!!
It's bad enough with all the aggressive adds and deafening volume in the middle of news programs, that makes my heart rate and cholesterol numbers explode. MAN, I miss good, public European, add free media!!! Even if I had to pay a decent amount for it, it was very much worth it for me.
Of course we need a steady stream of newly educated people within all branches, not just journalism, but in some countries there are just way too many new journalists entering the market while the jobs are getting fewer. That, too, presse down the salaries of the people who happens to have a job. Supply & demand.
I completely agree. In a perfect world that's how it would and should be. But I doubt that that's how it is and will be in any near future with journalism. I know some investigative journalists myself, and they suffer to get their (expensive) stories sold or funded because more and more media are cutting their budgets for investigative journalism. I wish that the majority of journalists, also the students, would get a chance to excel in investigative journalism, and that someone would pay them to do it.
AC said: "and we should ABSOLUTELY allow anyone to speak their mind on radio and blogs and to report on various issues..."
...With which I completely agree. But that is not the same as hiring people to work for free. It is not slave work either if the free workers do it voluntarily, but nonetheless it pressures down the price of that kind of job.
That it the point exactly, I think, that the worried journalist is trying to say. The market is biased if a bunch of people start working as journalists for FREE. I don't know what your job is, but how would you fell if a bunch of people started working your kind of job for free? Wouldn't you start worrying for your next yearly salary negotiation with your boss? I know I would.
Because they might not find someone who will pay them what they are worth when there are a ton of cheap newbies out there pressing down the price of experience.
In Denmark journalist students get PAID while they're on their internship!! I was one myself for 18 months, enjoying it so much more than the for the most part uninspiring teachers I was so unfortunate to have at the Danish School of Journalism. I'm aware, though, that more and more students from other disciplines in Denmark are so eager to get some journalism experience on their cv that they offer media companies to work for free! Which is really uncool for the journalist students because that will put their salary under pressure. Why pay for something (ok of a lesser quality, but will the masses notice?) if you can get it for free?
I think you twist his point. His point is that if the radio station succeed in getting enough free content from students, who will pay for journalism in the future?
If the masses of radio listeners and other media users are fine with just music, adds and voluntary journalism, which I have a feeling they are, why should any media pay tons of money for expensive, time consuming investigative journalism, which is already under immense pressure as we speak?
I don't understand why journalists have a lesser right to be paid for their job that people in any other professions. Should we stop paying teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, handymen and engineers? I think that's the point the complaining journalist is trying to make.
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Re: Well, duh....
Re: Journalist have become truth terrorists
Another thing I hate about American tv news is that the hosts are told by their bosses to be funny and chit chat!?!? WTF!?!? Don't waste my time!!!
It's bad enough with all the aggressive adds and deafening volume in the middle of news programs, that makes my heart rate and cholesterol numbers explode. MAN, I miss good, public European, add free media!!! Even if I had to pay a decent amount for it, it was very much worth it for me.
Re: flawed logic
Re: Re: His fears aren't entirely unfounded ...
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: His fears aren't entirely unfounded ...
...With which I completely agree. But that is not the same as hiring people to work for free. It is not slave work either if the free workers do it voluntarily, but nonetheless it pressures down the price of that kind of job.
Re: Re: Re: Re: His fears aren't entirely unfounded ...
Re: Re: His fears aren't entirely unfounded ...
Re: Student Journalists Will Destroy Journalism!
Student Journalists Will Destroy Journalism!
If the masses of radio listeners and other media users are fine with just music, adds and voluntary journalism, which I have a feeling they are, why should any media pay tons of money for expensive, time consuming investigative journalism, which is already under immense pressure as we speak?
I don't understand why journalists have a lesser right to be paid for their job that people in any other professions. Should we stop paying teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, handymen and engineers? I think that's the point the complaining journalist is trying to make.
Techdirt has not posted any stories submitted by eurydice.
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