Thoughts on Michael Rosenblum’s News Model:
I disagree with Rosenblum’s comments about newspaper and TV — that they are dead. I may very well be wrong and kicking myself for saying this years from now. But, in my opinion as long as there are people who would rather get their news by reading a printed paper or watching TV than get their news online, there will be newspapers and TV. It is very possible that myself (and our class) are unlike the rest of the population that is our age. It is true that most now do not seek the news, they wait for it to come to them. Going out to get the newspaper or having it delivered to one’s house does not appeal to most younger audiences. But I think Rosenblum would be surprised by how many prefer the print version.
Rosenblum says himself that he grew up watching TV. I believe those who grew up watching TV are more likely to make the jump to internet and to do it faster. However, those who did not grow up with a TV or if they did grow up with it they did not watch it often, have difficulty transitioning to online news. All the clutter and distractions of the internet are overwhelming and not welcome to those who usually get their news from a print paper or from the radio.
However, Rosenblum had some very interesting points in terms of not being afraid to make money. Journalists need to understand the business side of the industry. Journalists should not be afraid to acknowledge that in order for them to continue doing what they are doing and do the best possible job, they need to be making money doing it. Take doctors for example. They are doing the ultimate good for people — saving lives. Yet they do not hesitate to charge an arm and a leg while doing so. They know what they are worth and show it by charging their patients outrageous sums. I am not saying we ought to mistreat our readers/viewers/listeners, but we definitely need to acknowledge what we are worth and find the most lucrative way of doing business in this industry. With all that said, I do believe that there ought to be some differentiation between the two, the journalists and the business. I do not think it is good for the reputation and the integrity of the industry if one completely breaks down that wall. There need to be a balance.
