I'm reading the Power of News by Prof. Michael Schudson. It’s been my go to book for years. Schudson writes with an ease that connects dots hidden in plain sight. It’s starts with a thought experiment to which I’ve slightly added my own insight.
Imagine a world in which governments, businesses, lobbyist, social agencies, deliver information directly to citizens on their mobile/computer. Nobody knew of this thing called Journalism. What would happen, he asks.
We’d rely on what the government says, the council, and the bodies that make up our social institutions. Then there would be various businesses and entrepreneurs telling us why we should buy their goods. This will make you lose five pounds everyday. That track and trace is bound to work and your data will be safe. …
My next Masterclass starts with a simple premise. “Ms Smith, what is it you want to be?” It’s a question many of us have entertained, and sometimes stumbled answering.
I did. I could have easily tanked my degree. I didn’t but my lecturers gave me a new lease of life. We’re going to let you sit that paper again. University was an experience and I was making sure I sucked the air out of it.
If Dr West ever stumbles upon this post, he might be as surprised as I am what his support meant for me. I desperately wanted to become a journalist, but how? …
I was moments from going on air to co-present a weekly show on BBC Radio London, when standing in the BBC newsroom watching LA in flames, stores being looted, a network television reporter said something that took our breath away.
His voice over talked about black people looting, but the pictures showed black and white people hauling electronic goods from a wrecked shop.
How could the journalist have got it so wrong? One of the producers (Black) I was next to was livid. She called BBC’s main newsrooms and complained.
It’s 29th April 1992, the LA riots.
Three reasons why I remember that event. …
About
