Gay Talese, in his seminal journalistic novel The Kingdom and the Power, described journalists as “restless voyeurs who see the warts upon the world, the countless imperfections in people and in places.” That’s it. No college degree or experience. No pledges to objectivity or serving the Public Trust. All that’s required to be a journalist,Continue reading “Warning: The Following is Not Journalism”
Category Archives: News Media
When PR is a Journalist’s Savior, Newspapers Have Gone to Hell
“…In a few years I seriously worry there will be much worth reading in newspapers. I already know I’m getting most of my news off the Web.” – Charles Bingham, 17-year newspaper veteran In a commentary posted online via Romenesko, the above-mentioned Bingham describes his move from a career in journalism to a new lifeContinue reading “When PR is a Journalist’s Savior, Newspapers Have Gone to Hell”
Former Santa Barbara News-Press Columnist Speaks Out; N-P Publisher Becomes (Lou) Cannon Fodder
"Wendy McCaw may own the paper, but she doesn’t own the news." — Anonymous Santa Barbara News-Press executive And on the Seventh Day, it all went to hell. One week since editors and a long-time columnist walked out on their jobs, Santa Barbara’s media establishment is still firing salvos across a deepening chasm – reportersContinue reading “Former Santa Barbara News-Press Columnist Speaks Out; N-P Publisher Becomes (Lou) Cannon Fodder”
The Santa Barbara News-Press: Another U.S. Newspaper Commits Suicide
We hear the talk and read the statistics: Newspapers are dying, circulation is eroding and readers are turning to blogs and mobile media for their news. Then there is Santa Barbara, California. I lived in Santa Barbara for five years and worked in the area as a full-time journalist and later as a consultant toContinue reading “The Santa Barbara News-Press: Another U.S. Newspaper Commits Suicide”
Below the Fold: Criminal Justice Edition (or “Dead Puppies Tell No Tales”)
Use An Arrow, Go to Jail: 2002 “Survivor” winner Brian Heidik was arrested for shooting a puppy he mistook for a coyote. But that’s not the weird part – no, the weird part is that Heidik shot the puppy with an arrow. That’s right, a freakin’ arrow. I’m sorry, but who the hell goes aroundContinue reading “Below the Fold: Criminal Justice Edition (or “Dead Puppies Tell No Tales”)”
Drive-By Journalism, Media Bias, the Case of the Disappearing Client and the Gospel According to John (Wagner)
Being on vacation is great for letting the mind wander. The problem is getting your mind back once you return. I’m still on vacation, so forgive the following items, as they were written without the benefit of my brain. If you like this better than my usual columns, however, please let me know and I’llContinue reading “Drive-By Journalism, Media Bias, the Case of the Disappearing Client and the Gospel According to John (Wagner)”
The Brand Illusion of News
The Big Four are no more. According a recent survey published in Ad Age magazine, only one in four 12-to 34-year-olds can name the four major traditional broadcast networks: ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox (sorry CW, you’re not in the club yet.) What networks can they name? MTV, Cartoon Network and Comedy Central. It’s enoughContinue reading “The Brand Illusion of News”
The Brand Illusion of News
The Big Four are no more. According a recent survey published in Ad Age magazine, only one in four 12-to 34-year-olds can name the four major traditional broadcast networks: ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox (sorry CW, you’re not in the club yet.) What networks can they name? MTV, Cartoon Network and Comedy Central. It’s enoughContinue reading “The Brand Illusion of News”
Lance Dutson Redux: The Blog That Roared
A Maine legislator has shot back in the pendng defamation lawsuit against local writer Lance Dutson, calling for an investigation of the state agency involved and suspension of the state’s contract with New York ad agency Warren Kremer Paino Advertising (WKP). The ad firm filed the multi-million dollar lawsuit against Dutson, who publishes the MaineContinue reading “Lance Dutson Redux: The Blog That Roared”
Death in the Blogosphere: What We Gained From Terry Heaton’s Loss
Those of you who follow Terry Heaton’s Pomo Blog already know that Terry’s wife, Allie, died this week. Her death at 41 was sudden, unexpected, and of course heartbreaking beyond words to Terry, her husband of only 18 months. Terry’s post about his beloved wife is touching and sincere, as one might expect. But whatContinue reading “Death in the Blogosphere: What We Gained From Terry Heaton’s Loss”
Gary Goldhammer -- Strategic storytelling for brands, organizations and executives 