A dream was passed on to a large majority of my generation in America of becoming a magazine editor. Whether food, fashion, rock journalism or political humor, there was something (I say with bias) glamourous about the freedom to create and dictate what the american consumer would digest as far as trends, gossip, real-life advice-essentially a niche market spectrum of entertainment and information-on a monthly basis. Over 200 years ago the elegance of newspaper print blossomed into colorful periodicals of pop culture, in order to transform print journalism.
I read an article today on Media Bistro that calls attention to the marriage of journalism and marketing threatened by the death of print, specifically questioning the objectives of a media consulting organization called: Innovation. Reading the accusation gives me a headache. Perhaps Media Bistro just wants to remind us that the art of objective journalism is dying and the reader, who has been so spoiled by the truth since the freedom of the press was put in motion by Ben Franklin, is susceptible to manipulation by this marriage. Journalism in America, I learned from my studies at BU, was this entity that supported the voice of the people our nation was built upon. How could being the bearer of truth to a country with an exploding spirit of liberalism not be idealized as a gallant, patriotic quest? Newspapers were like Robin Hood's bow and arrows.
I read an article today on Media Bistro that calls attention to the marriage of journalism and marketing threatened by the death of print, specifically questioning the objectives of a media consulting organization called: Innovation. Reading the accusation gives me a headache. Perhaps Media Bistro just wants to remind us that the art of objective journalism is dying and the reader, who has been so spoiled by the truth since the freedom of the press was put in motion by Ben Franklin, is susceptible to manipulation by this marriage. Journalism in America, I learned from my studies at BU, was this entity that supported the voice of the people our nation was built upon. How could being the bearer of truth to a country with an exploding spirit of liberalism not be idealized as a gallant, patriotic quest? Newspapers were like Robin Hood's bow and arrows.
So as magazine editors are being laid off and the consumer is now primarily reached online, media relations are entering a tunnel of darkness. I have to say, it's really cool to be in communications in New York as all of this is happening. My generation, that saw the birth of the internet, is now responsible for rebuilding how America gets its news. I admit I've had a difficult time converting to the "me" behind blog writing and Twittering, because after studying journalism and the importance of research, fairness, and a well-rounded story etc, I think in terms of articles, not incomplete thoughts and "diary" entries. And besides, my life is not all that fascinating.
I must say, "following your dreams" is overrated when you can be a part of a media revolution in America.
