http://nbergus.com/2009/02/the-gazettes-reoganization/ Thoughts on what media do, and can do better, and other things Wed, 16 May 2012 23:03:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://nbergus.com/2009/02/the-gazettes-reoganization/#comment-10 John Goodlove Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:02:00 +0000 http://nbergus.com/?p=270#comment-10 First of all, I'm not "grizzled." You're only as old as you feel, or think. I'm much "younger" than some people who are a lot younger in age. Anyway, Nick has some good comments. I'm just not as confident "watchdog" journalism is a high priority at The Gazette, or media in general. Talk is cheap, there's always a lot of talk about "journalism" but actions show up on page 1, which at The Gazette is not that often. It's hard, hard work. If the "watchdog" role was that important at The Gazette, it wouldn't have abandoned its award-winning investigative unit a few years ago. Advertising does not care a whit about a "watchdog" role, it wants money, and happy advertisers. Controversy and conflict, asking those uncomfortable questions and letting people squirm irritates advertisers, even when they're not a target. Change will come to journalism, but the "watchdog" will get chained to the doghouse more often. First of all, I’m not “grizzled.” You’re only as old as you feel, or think. I’m much “younger” than some people who are a lot younger in age. Anyway, Nick has some good comments. I’m just not as confident “watchdog” journalism is a high priority at The Gazette, or media in general. Talk is cheap, there’s always a lot of talk about “journalism” but actions show up on page 1, which at The Gazette is not that often. It’s hard, hard work. If the “watchdog” role was that important at The Gazette, it wouldn’t have abandoned its award-winning investigative unit a few years ago. Advertising does not care a whit about a “watchdog” role, it wants money, and happy advertisers. Controversy and conflict, asking those uncomfortable questions and letting people squirm irritates advertisers, even when they’re not a target. Change will come to journalism, but the “watchdog” will get chained to the doghouse more often.

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