Donald Trump, both as candidate and president, trashed the press. Alex Wong/Getty Images By: Kevin M. Lerner, Marist College Over the past several years, and maybe even longer, it seems as if every day brings a new round of attacks on the American press. Some of these attacks come under the guise of criticism: accusations of being “fake news”; arguments that journalists are biased. But some more seriously threaten journalists themselves. Just recently, Fox News host Tucker Carlson unleashed what was described as a “calculated and cruel” verbal assault against New York Times reporter Taylor Lorenz repeatedly on his show. Some rallies for Donald Trump even saw attendees displaying threats of lynching reporters on a T-shirt. This kind of criticism – attempting to delegitimize the press – serves to undermine trust in the work that journalists do. But even ...
Media self-criticism is not just important to improve journalism, it is a political, professional and moral imperative.
Something very worrying has happened in the world of journalism. When we talk about the dangers for reporters around the world, it is hard not to conclude that there are no safe spaces any more.
As the battle heats up over how much protection and freedom the news media deserves as it goes about its business, a famiiar problem is once again raising its head. In these days where anyone can start a website, run a blog or publish via social media, what IS a journalist anyway?
Coverage of the Christchurch terrorism by Australia’s television channels raised “serious questions” about whether they had breached the television codes of practice, according to the broadcasting regulator, the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA). However, it has declined to make specific findings that the codes were in fact breached. Instead, it proposes to discuss with the television industry whether the codes are adequately framed to deal with the kind of material generated by the atrocity, especially the footage from the terrorist’s bodycam.
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd argues a royal commission is required to rein in the power abuse and unethical journalism practices at the Murdoch news brands.
The public interest journalism carried out by public broadcasters has long been an important part of a strong and independent media, and with 40 years' experience in the area, The Fourth Estate's first Journalism Advocate, Alan Sunderland is clear on what he sees as the challenges ahead.
After nearly 150 years in business – as a business – The Salt Lake Tribune wants to become a nonprofit. But first its owner must get approval from the Internal Revenue Service.
As a scholar who studies social media and memetics, I wonder if political cartoons are the best way to connect with today’s diverse readership. Many crave searing, cutting political commentary – and they’re finding it in internet memes. What if internet memes were elevated – not only as a serious art form but also as an important form of editorializing that’s worthy of appearing alongside the traditional cartoon
You hear a lot of heated claims and baseless generalities these days about what’s wrong with the news media. What’s seldom heard is what the underlying data indicate about true problem areas and where journalists need to improve.