The word “free” has many connotations in our literary and cultural world. In either a political or social context, there remains to be found any word with more power to its name. But to a burgeoning journalist such as myself, that term gives me pause and a case of jungle fever. Our profession thrives on the occasional newspaper or subscription sold. Now, our respected profession is being taken over by the free content that spans the Internet.
Fifty years ago, the daily newspaper was a staple of American society. The average youngster could make a buck or two riding his 10-speed up and down the city streets, giving the local banker or dentist the morning news. Now, the only way the paper boy can make a quick buck is by showing grandma and grandpa how to access the New York Times on that box in the corner of the room. Technological evolution is such a downer.
Just take a moment to think about all the things that were once free that now have a dollar sign attached to them. Most airlines are now charging extra for a second bag on commercial flights in this country. Passengers can request a certain seat on a flight, but a nominal fee is now required. Bike enthusiasts around the country were stunned when they discovered that in certain places, air for tires cost $1. Thirty years ago, our parents and grandparents would have scoffed at the notion of charging for a bottle of water. Move to present tense; that has turned into a reality.
Mind-numbing as it is, if people can charge a fee for something, they most likely will. It’s survival of the fittest, and the almighty dollar is the kingpin of this brigade. Journalists aren’t a greedy bunch. We just need our weekly allowance to pay for our nightly trips to the bar and our chain-smoking habits (present company excluded, however). Tracking down and talking with government officials can be as hard as finding a Republican who supports Obama’s health-care reform. You may find one, but try getting her or him to talk when you have a microphone in your hand.
When the only thing that can shine a bright light to our eternal darkness is watching All The President’s Men and old reels of Cronkite waxing poetic on that night’s festivities, we have reached meltdown status.
The increased numbers in our profession were in part due to the Watergate scandal that rocked the nation. Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward became the poster boys for the good that the journalism profession can create. Today, the scenario has shifted, and the more likely conclusion will be a breaking news story on a blog, written by a recent college graduate living in his parents’ basement.
The good thing about this movement toward web journalism is that it requires the average journalist to be proficient at most tasks that once were rudimentary, but now have become the norm. Shooting and editing video is not just for the Daily Iowan TV staff now. Basic skills such as this can help the beginning journalist stand out in the crowd, especially when revenue is tight and jobs are scarce.
If my bantering comes off as complaining, then I apologize. As journalists, we understand the business we enter into. We enjoy long nights editing copy, speaking with sources, and attending City Council meetings. The only concern we should have is that when the news is free, there really is no barometer of quality. Blogs can run rampant with heresy and speculation, and because of their free nature, they receive undue credibility. If you purchase the New York Times, there is a sense of depth and quality reporting that you receive. You may complain about the cost, but at least you know what you’re getting when you sit down in the morning with your coffee.
The fiery Fourth Estate is free-falling into the fathoms of fear. But alas, we will strive forward. That is our only recourse, and one we will undertake. The world needs journalism in any form it can withstand. A newspaper is like oxygen. You never know how bad it is until you don’t have it.