The New York Times today ran this piece (registration required) discussing how blogs and other postings on the Internet are undermining professional journalism.
Journalists covering the campaign believe the intent is often to bully them into caving to a particular point of view. They insist the efforts have not swayed them in any significant way, though others worry the criticism could eventually have a chilling effect.
Many of the Internet writers say they have been empowered by the Web to begin serving as a long-needed real-time check on mainstream outlets and reporters who they say wield too much power, sometimes irresponsibly and often with hidden partisan motives.
Considering the instances in the past several years where Internet-only journalists or blogs have exposed failures or oversights in the professional press, I think the Times could have presented the other side of the coin somewhat. Also, with media consolidation continuing apace, blogs and the Internet provide additional sources of information and voices. I really think what’s going on here is more sour grapes from the established media that their collective monopoly on public discourse is being challenged. Sorry to get all Dan Quayle and all, but is this another case of the cultural elite trying to ensure their place at the top of the food chain?
Sure, a lot of the rhetoric on blogs can be harsh and unprofessional. Partially that’s the point. But the great thing about blogs is that you can choose whether or not to look outside your own political corner. As for echo chambers, it’s not like the talking heads of the professional media offer a wide variety of opinions and perspectives anyway. The professional media, in my opinion, falls way short in their informational duty by covering only the conflicts over policy and elections instead of telling voters and citizens what the consequences or implications of one piece of legislation over another. Think back to John Stewart’s rant on “Crossfire.” Like him, I would love to see a real debate, but you’re not going to see that in the professional media.
Far too often we as citizens are completely unclear on the consequences of what our leaders are doing. The web, at least, gives us some alternative venue to discover that for ourselves.
