Time to cut the...
We have some talented and committed journos in Australia, we really do. But every day, news rooms across the country seem to take a further step away from the editorial values of old, with media houses slashing staff numbers and pressuring their remaining reporters to focus on crowd-pleasing picture stories and attention-grabbing soundbites, rather than the genuine examination of issues.
Why the seemingly-endless fascination with the comings and goings of Z-list ‘celebrities’, the latest round of political name-calling, or the off-field antics of sporting ‘stars’?
Who cares if Britney Spears wore a bikini today or if Joe Hockey spat the dummy in parliament and threw some mud at the other side? Sure as eggs, tomorrow we’ll hear that Joe’s foe retaliated and Britney’s been botoxed - and will any of it really improve our understanding of the world or our place in it?
I’m well aware of the tired old argument that today’s ‘churnalism’ feeds an addicted public the media drug they crave, but really, isn't it time to show a bit of tough love by cutting off the supply?
If media outlets continue to hide genuine news among a sea of insipid and uninspired offerings – and educate the new kids on the journalism block to do the same – then aren’t they just dumbing down our reading and viewing opportunities to the point of pointlessness?
Don’t get me wrong, there are many exceptional journos out there – men and women who are fighting with their employers to be able to investigate and report the news - and there are still publications and programs committed to delivering well-researched, informative and interesting content.
But unless things change, with media owners staffing their newsrooms adequately and supporting their journalists in delivering top-quality information to a consuming public that is treated with respect, I worry for the future of the media in this country.
How far will we go in devaluing the currency of news before it is too late?
- Nicole Maley-Randall, Account Manager
The material on this web page comprises the personal views of the author and does not represent the view or opinion of communikate et al. communikate et al accepts no liability for the content of this web page.
Post new comment