We journalism students are glutens for punishment. Not only do we read the newspaper for classes, but we would probably would read it on our own. However, I must admit that when it comes to most subjects I only know a little bit of everything (OK, not everything).
But when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of government we could all use a little educating.
For example, when I heard on Sunday that the government would be bailing out, yet another, mortgage company I was not sure how to put it all into perspective. I'm aware that the government has already has some involvement in both entities, but I cant say there is much more I understand about the issue.
It is for this simple reason that we go to online journalism sources. Technology has made it ridiculously easy to find information while it is still happening.
Take this Los Angeles Times Q&A that breaks down what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are and how the governments response will affect us. In a very concise, direct wording the article takes much of the confusion out of understanding the government-sponsored corporations.
So I continued on with the LA Times to see if whether the story is near the top of the website.
Hmm, not so much.
At the 3:45 on Monday, people were still more interested in Palin's style (for like the 4th day in a row) and dogs that can surf.
And while the story has gone from headlines to second page news in less than 24 hours, international news has picked up where much of the mainstream media has left off. The Independent reports how this will not only affect smaller banks, but also the international banking system. The story offers and box filled with several related articles as well.
And while I don't wish the U.S. to slide any deeper in the hole, the need for greater government transparency and public education is alarming. Now theres a story for the media?
Did I mention the "severance package" the former CEOs will be given? CEO Watch reports 23 million.
--Erin M.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Interesting observation, Erin. One of the biggest advantages of multimedia and web posting is exactly the extra space that it affords to publications, so that they can post additional materials that may help to educate theirs users.
-Raul.
Good post, Erin. And a good eye! You make a very important observation about (and distinction between) U.S. news coverage of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac versus that of the international news community. Which, in general, is a HUGE difference.
And while it's important that the L.A. Times (and now, of course, other major U.S. news outlets) offer a "Famie and Fremac 101" Q&A -- the point is that the overwhelming damage has already been done.
I.e., where was the L.A. Times and every other major U.S. news source in the last three years on this entire issue BEFORE the crap hit the fan? Effectively, NOWHERE.
Whereas, the int'l. news community was reporting on foreign industry and financial concerns about what was happening here much louder, clearer, and MUCH earlier before this week.
So, your other observation about the news "hits" hierarchy is equally telling as well. One cannot help but recognize that mega- corporate media interests are interfering with proper news coverage, instead of finding ways to shore up solid journalism without losing its vital revenue stream. I think their mentality, if not their true motives, are entirely wrong -- and why U.S. news publications are in such deep trouble.
How many of us in class wouldn't agree that monolithic media have a huge hand in dumbing down the consciousness of the American public. It's very disturbing, but they're doing a very good job at it - at eroding and dismantling the entire function and purpose of the "Fourth Estate."
The founding fathers were wise enough to understand how absolutely VITAL a solid, free press is to a democracy. I mean, are we, or are we not, in the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?
That said, imagine what those dead ol' white (but otherwise pretty darn ingenious) guys would say today to corporate media's convenient excuse of "just giving people what they want"? And where journalism is expected to play dumb and kiss the bottom line.
That being the case, I think the founding fathers would say, without hesitation, that we don't deserve democracy.
I say, let's prove 'em right by proving 'em (and big media) wrong! ;)
- Misako M.
Post a Comment