Journalism has hit rock bottom.

Dry_bean.

Probably nothing most thinkers have not come to terms with, however my take on the subject is that many so called news items we read nowadays are little more than thinly disguised promotions for commercial interests.

What has prompted this post is a report by Paul Barry on Media watch the other night http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s4429222.htm

I know, I'm a grumpy old cynic, regardless, it all seems pretty obvious, Fairfax and Murdoch press both seem to have their snouts well and truly in the trough, and the public seem to lap it up. :mad:

Brett H

I love Mediawatch.  I loath modern journalism.  This particular example is reprehensible!  Shame on them!

Moon

I'm on the other side of the coin with this story Eating junk food when emotionally stressed is a major contributor to putting on the kilos .. especially when already overweight .. vicious cycle. It may not be ground-breaking news ... only anything that attacks the widespread consumption of junk food in a negative light .. is fine by me. On the other hand ... any publicity trying to influence public acceptance of being 'fat' or 'obese' being the new 'normal'.. I find cringeworthy.

kbilleter

And on the third hand, VLC meal replacement is not exactly real food either or encouraging good habits.  On the fourth hand, if the poor eating habits are due to stress and emotional eating, surely it's better to address the source - improved health outcomes all around. Edit:  bloody new Tapatalk version. Sigh.

Brett H

It was worth reading three times

admin

I have to say that it's really a worry the amount of stuff you see published as an 'article' that came straight from a PR release, as a [retired] editor I got to see just the sheer volume of PR stuff that gets sent out... probably the most worrying bit is that there are now estimated to be roughly 4x more journalists working in the PR industry than there are employed as 'journalists'  ???

on 1458973462:

It was worth reading three times

Kbilleter - presumed you were happy for me to delete the first two versions of your post

Dry_bean.

The subject of the program was just happenstance, what I'm on about is advertorial journalism, http://www.openschoolofjournalism.com/resources/encyclopedia/advertorial amounts to journalism without ethics. :mad:

Kevohere

on 1458974669:

The subject of the program was just happenstance, what I'm on about is advertorial journalism, http://www.openschoolofjournalism.com/resources/encyclopedia/advertorial amounts to journalism without ethics. :mad:

Totally agree DB. You only have to watch and listen to these "Journalists" and their insensitive, headline seeking, questions as they hassle exiting (and sometimes, entering) "courthouse victims". Only to complain when abused for their intimidating actions! It appears that a career in journalism is so insecure these days that they're all out to make a name/headline for themselves (and their bosses)!  :pan 

Dry_bean.

Frank Sinatra nailed it during his 1974 visit to Australia when he said on stage in Melbourne, "On stage at Festival Hall in Melbourne, Sinatra mused: “They keep chasing after us. We have to run all day long. They’re parasites who take everything and give nothing. And as for the broads who work for the press, they’re the hookers of the press. I might offer them a buck and a half, I’m not sure.” http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2015/12/11/frank-sinatra-despised-australia/ Pretty much applies to male journalists as well nowadays, very few with any integrity left in the Aust industry. :mad:

Dry_bean.

What triggered the whole Sinatra episode was a headline in the Aussie press "Sinatra's Molls" paper not identified. Cant blame him for reacting to it. Below is a link to the hooker remarks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k_IY6_GRxM

Dry_bean.

This is exactly the rubbish I'm talking about. http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/mixing-it-up-thermomix-myths-busted-20160328-gn0ylr.html Disclaimer at the end states. "Disclaimer: Dani Valent is a massive Thermomix fan but is not employed by Thermomix." Then tells us, "She is the author of two cookbooks of Thermomix recipes. Sign up at danivalentcooking.com to hear about her Thermomix cooking video website, launching in May." Yep, supposed to be a news item. :rofl: :pan :doh:

Moon

We are getting that trash .. yet the Gov't is trying to water down/restrict/merge the ABC and SBS.

Lwowiak

The ABC is the source of the trashiest journalism around. I cannot think of a more biased and politically motivated cesspool. It is supposed to be impartial, but failed that mandate decades ago. They believe they are untouchable. The wages paid to them are criminal and absolutely ridiculous.

Dry_bean.

on 1459225085:

The ABC is the source of the trashiest journalism around. I cannot think of a more biased and politically motivated cesspool. It is supposed to be impartial, but failed that mandate decades ago. They believe they are untouchable. The wages paid to them are criminal and absolutely ridiculous.

Cant disagree with what you say Lwowiak, although the direction of the perceived political bias seems to depend very much on the viewers personal political leaning. :stir

Dry_bean.

on 1459217104:

We are getting that trash .. yet the Gov't is trying to water down/restrict/merge the ABC and SBS.

Smart move in my opinion, a nation of 24 milli0n can barely afford one national broadcaster let alone two. A merger would only strengthen the organisation and improve programming. :thumb:

FreshCoffee2

You blokes are optimists......I think it can sink lower....a lot lower, despite that its already within a hair's breadth of being at floor level now....there is precious little that isn't tainted with manipulation and bias.

Dry_bean.

Hope your wrong A, but I suspect not, sad state of affairs..

askthecoffeeguy

I don't watch television or follow any commercial media offerings but I will say that for my money coffee is a pretty good appetite suppressant! P

Dry_bean.

on 1459291393:

I don't watch television or follow any commercial media offerings but I will say that for my money coffee is a pretty good appetite suppressant! P

OK. :-|

Brett H

on 1459289287:

You blokes are optimists......I think it can sink lower....a lot lower, despite that its already within a hair's breadth of being at floor level now....there is precious little that isn't tainted with manipulation and bias.

Yes!  This will happen when the rules about ownership over local networks change.  The three big free to air networks have had combined losses last year of hundreds of billions and yet Nine has just bought 10% of Southern Cross Austereo.  This would seem to be a dud move unless they can down the track make a takeover bid or at least install their own board members.  That can't be good for competition and diversity!

Moon

The ABC in recent times appears to use the same sources and drivel the commercial networks use .. so there is far less quality than there used to be. Sure it will save some $ if merging, avoiding overlap etc .. only I can't see merging the 2 and further cost cutting as being good for Journalism and better services to the Public Mergers/reduced competition are only ever good for Companies and their shareholders ... not choice, lower prices and better customer service. Ask long time customers of ISP 'Internode' how the merger with iNet and then TPG is going for them with quality and CS.

Lwowiak

on 1459233695:

Cant disagree with what you say Lwowiak, although the direction of the perceived political bias seems to depend very much on the viewers personal political leaning. :stir

I think blind freddy can see the "perceived" political bias.  :stir I prefer to call a spade, a spade.  :pan If you tiptoe around the tulips, you are destined to step in manure.

Dry_bean.

on 1459744584:

I think blind freddy can see the "perceived" political bias.  :stir I prefer to call a spade, a spade.  :pan If you tiptoe around the tulips, you are destined to step in manure.

Perhaps so! However perception and reality are two entirely different things. :coffee2: