The issue underlying most any criticism of journalism today is that the news media in general are focused on corporate profits. Profits are based on ratings or readership, which are based on the number of people (of the appropriate demographics) who "tune in" (read, listen, or watch). To maximize these numbers the broadcast media in particular use techniques that can only be described as "discrete pandering." These techniques tend to be ignored in journalism schools that have curricula more in tune with realities of the 1960's when news departments were well insulated from their advertising and sales divisions. In some ways the jobs of today's print and broadcast news directors are becoming like those of football coaches. They are based on "winning." Consequently, many news directors pressure journalists to do what it takes to try to keep profits high and jobs safe. When a competing news outlet starts losing ground against this type of game strategy they tend to compete by trying to "out pander" their competition. As media conglomerates continue to focus on the short-term economic advantages in fluffed up and dumbed down news, the public becomes less and less informed on the complex and important issues of the day. In the long run this makes it more difficult to sell newspapers and to hold broadcast audiences with legitimate news. A vicious cycle is created that imperils the future of any government that depends on an informed citizenry. Although Enron was the most visible target for corporate greed in 2002, in terms of the long-term social consequences for a democracy such as ours maybe we should broaden our field of vision. |
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