Nicole's Editorials

Serving the Public or the Pocketbook?

I thought I'd follow the story that Kate's blog brought to my attention about the Los Angeles Times as the editor and publisher continue to deal with the demand that they slash more jobs. I applaud their efforts, but I'm thinking there may be a few jobless people soon. In David Folkenflik's article "Tribune's Plan to Cut Paper's Staff Sparks Revolt," he raises many questions about the world of journalism today. Have newspapers, or rather their CEO counterparts, become too focused on the profit rather than the public service?

It seems daily that I'm reading something about the downward spiral of journalism: fewer jobs, less money for more profit, and print media being a dead duck. Things aren't looking too bright. It seems like every newspaper is demanding more work from fewer journalists in hopes of creating a greater profit.

"At The Dallas Morning News, The Philadelphia Inquirer and even The New York Times, the ranks of reporters have been slashed as owners seek to reassure investors."

Last time I checked, newspapers were making some pretty good bank, even with decreasing readership. As reported in this article, The Los Angeles Times is making a 20 percent profit.

"But the hometown Chicago Tribune runs a much leaner outfit -- making about 30 percent. And corporate executives want to bring the Times in line."

Since when did journalism become about making money rather than being the "watchdog" for the American people? The focus of our newspapers needs to be changed and soon. A round of applause to Los Angeles Times editor Dean P. Baquet and publisher Jeffrey M. Johnson for refusing to make the cuts. It may be an unanswered cry for change at this point, but I hear them loud and clear.

posted by clevergirl @ 9:16 PM