there must be no bailouts for newspapers

In the ever spiralling drain of North American journalism, the broad swath of guilt flows from what was once the top of field downward. Though it should not be a surprise given the most recent election within the United States was covered by the media akin to pimply faced teen writing up a report on the pep-rally for the school newspaper, hope of any change to unbiased, quality journalism is dissolving rapidly. The sad fact of the matter is that quality work is most typically found in smaller venues with many of the so-called "leaders" evolving into tabloid style rags.

It is interesting point to consider that whilst the quality of journalism dropped, the financial viability of newspapers is becoming increasingly more difficult. Combined with a digital age that gleams information on-line and degrading educational standards that find genius in endless acronym's nudged into one hundred forty character bit, quality newspapers have run straight into a tough roadblock. While some will lay blame on the financial problems of the industry on changing technology it is the there lack of understanding on how to penetrate the market along with free-falling educational standards. Though I never wish to defend the deplorable depths journalism in North America has sunk to, they are victims of a society that no longer appreciates education, the arts and for that matter, its heritage.

On the horizon is something far more chilling as within the United States lobbyists are cultivating interest in a “financial bailout" for newspapers. Though many will cry out that the industry is deserving of joining the ranks of those bailed out by the administration, this must never happen. Capitalism and freedom can be a bitter pill to swallow but talks of government involvement in media must be culled at the first mention. Already a form of "recessionary journalism", where stories more appropriate for the school newspaper and wreak of the foul stench of jingoism have appeared, further questioning the integrity of media outlets. The New York Times sunk to new levels with John Branch's "Canada Protects Home Advantage at Olympics" as it attempted to rally the band around unfair advantages of Canadian athletes have over American's at the upcoming Winter Olympics. I am not sure if the New York Times editor is desperate for content or merely unable to navigate the ship through the storm but if this is the quality of work that this once great institution can offer, there is no wonder why it is failing financially. The article, like much of the industry if a bailout is completed, will lack credibility and be unable to live up to journalistic standards of impartiality, objectivity, accuracy and public accountability.

The sad face of journalism can and will turn around but it must do so without government involvement. What the industry must do is lead with vision, build with integrity and insist upon quality.