Is Journalism on the Ropes?

Am I the only one who thinks true journalism is on the ropes and barely hanging on? I feel I am not!

I said this to my friend Myke Thomas back in October of 2022. He has been in the media industry for almost 50 years, and his perspective is invaluable to me. As an outsider, for many years, I made a number of assumptions, some of which he clarified for me and others he dispelled.

Journalism used to be a sought-after career. Journalists are supposed to search for the truth and present their findings to the public. Both sides are to be presented, and the public can decide what they believe. It is not supposed to be an attack. Opinion columns are identified as just that, the writer's opinion, and not to be sold as fully researched reporting by someone with a journalism degree, whatever that's worth now.

We have seen the media evolve at an exponential rate with the inclusion of some serious software and technology. Throw in a controversial lockdown, and some self-proclaimed journalists popped up at an increasing rate.

Young start-ups like Western Standard are coming into existence with a business plan that's simplified and based on a user-pay system, giving you a choice of supporting them or not. They have social media support, podcasts and sell advertising. They do not own their own buildings, radio stations, nor a fleet of logoed vehicles.

I learned that in numerous media organizations, ' Assignment Editors' have a tremendous influence on 'the twist' put on any story. Can you imagine what influence $600 million dollars brings? Or will a $1.1 billion-dollar yearly infusion of taxpayer dollars from the Liberal Government have an influence on the story? It would be very difficult for these media outlets, big or small, who have accepted cash infusions, to bite the hand that feeds them. That smacks of an opportunity for questionable journalism.

So, who do you trust to give you the facts to form your opinions? Who's telling the truth? Or how do you decide whom to follow and why?

I have discovered some first-hand knowledge of how 'political handlers' can and do influence the media. And it's not impressive! At that point, the only truth these individuals or outlets are giving you is what they've been fed by 'the handlers.' It is surprising that some journalists would be content to trade their integrity for the sake of a story they think may propel their careers to new heights. Sadly, once one aligns themselves with the wrong information source, a journalist's credibility can forever be tainted in the eyes of the public. And unfortunately, that doesn't go away.

So, where am I going with this?

The old business model of the large media corporation is dying, if not already dead, and many just cannot accept it.

Look at the once powerful Global who are now in a position for asking the federal government for money to continue operations. Their business plan is a modification of one made many years ago that may have included larger media options, but they failed to strip the operation back to the bare bones and start over. Should I even mention 'the bloat' at the CBC that would be crippling to any organization?

CBC has been the largest benefactor of Liberal government handouts of $1.6 billion each year of hard-earned tax dollars. How unbiased or accurate do you think their reporting is? Imagine how that kind of money could be applied across Canada if they were required to stand on their own? Many social issues could be accomplished, such as an improved healthcare system, a clean water supply for Indigenous communities, or more benefits for our veterans who fought for our freedom, just to name a few.

I could not imagine a windfall of $1.6B coming to my industry to solve the housing crisis in Canada without strings attached. If it did, I wouldn't accept it. Some would, but most would not because of unachievable expectations. I would rather the Government just stay out of the way. Seriously, think about it, when has government ever been successful in making business decisions? They legalized the cannabis industry, along with adding taxes and so many regulations that it became unprofitable for many who invested in it. Only the 'black market' continues to make a profit.

The young start-ups in the media business have re-structured the business model for media organizations from the ground up and proven they can make it work with subscriptions and less restrictions on their journalists, especially the young ones entering the field. This gives me hope for the future that unbiased reporting can still exist, and I have been the biggest skeptic.

I know I may appear cynical or very pessimistic. However, after lunch with Myke, I have a much better appreciation for real journalists. He left me with lots to ponder as any good journalist would. So, I have revised my opinion from thinking real journalism is dead to thinking there are still a number of young and old journalists trying to make a difference by returning credibility to their profession. I can get behind that!

Happily, there is some hope for 'real journalism' going forward. But only If the media avoids accepting handouts from the Liberal Government and sacrificing their integrity for their egos. People could then begin seeing them as a credible source of news without influence. However, until then, with more Censorship proposed under Bill C11, I, unfortunately, remain suspect.