How Journalism Was Corrupted by the Power of Privilege | Gay Talese | Big Think

TL;DR

Journalists have shifted from being outsiders and critics of power to seeking privilege and access, leading to a failed profession.

Transcript

It was alleged that the newspapers were not aware the large percentage of the population of American citizens were unhappy with the ruling establishment, did not feel their voices were being heard and they voted against what everybody thought was the leading candidate and instead voted for this rank outsider, a very unpredictable and generally unpo... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Journalists were once outsiders, coming from backgrounds with a spirit of skepticism towards power.
• 🙈 The shift in journalism has seen journalists from elite backgrounds seeking privilege and access to power.
• 🌎 The author suggests journalists should refocus on covering diverse perspectives and stories from across America.
• 🥺 There is a critique of journalists seeking access to power and privilege, leading to a failed profession.
• 🧡 The author advocates for journalists to report from state capitals and cover stories that represent a wider range of perspectives.
• 👾 The decline in journalism is linked to journalists' aspirations to be a part of Washington's power game.
• ✊ Journalism has moved away from being critics of power to becoming part of the power structure.

Questions & Answers

Q: How have journalists' backgrounds shifted over time?

In the past, journalists came from outsider backgrounds, instilled with a spirit of skepticism towards power. Today, many journalists have privileged and elite backgrounds, altering their perspectives and priorities.

Q: What does the author suggest journalists should do differently?

The author advocates for journalists to break away from the focus on power in Washington and instead report from state capitals, covering diverse perspectives and stories from across America.

Q: How does the author view the current state of journalism?

The author believes that journalism is a failed profession, as journalists now seek to be a part of the power game rather than critics of power, lacking the courage and skepticism of their predecessors.

Q: Why does the author criticize journalists for seeking access to power?

The author believes that journalists' pursuit of access to power and privilege has led to a loss of objectivity and a failure to represent the diverse voices and experiences of Americans.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Journalists used to come from outsider backgrounds, bringing skepticism of power and courage.

• Over time, journalists have become part of the elite, seeking access to power and privilege.

• The author advocates for journalists to return to their outsider roots and focus on covering diverse perspectives.