Complexity Leads To Stumbles, Rejection For Independent Media - December 6, 2022
Under pressure from authorities, several Russian news broadcasters and publishers have fled to safer climes. Getting settled in a new location requires perseverance. But a certain set of Russian writers, reporters, editors and publishers have stockpiled that trait in abundance. There have been rewards, as well as awards. Independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta editor Dmitry Muratov was honored with the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. Reflecting on this, notorious Russian media regulator/censor Roskomnadzor ordered Novaya Gazeta shuttered.

News Crash: Light News Expected - December 5, 2022
A path forward is increasingly dreary for news outlets. This is not simply a seasonal effect. After three years - or so - of multiple, often intersecting newsworthy events those reporting, broadly, are catching up with the listeners, viewers and readers. This means, as several analysts and executives have noted, stepping back. It’s a cycle.

Big Climate Conference Draws Interesting Characters And Curious Reporters - November 9, 2022
The full range of climate issues have become editorial centers for major news outlets and agencies. Credit Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth (2007) as a starting point. Then came floods, wildfires, bushfires, famine and rising sea levels of the last few years. These have been magnets for gloomy news coverage.

Journalism Awards Not Given Or Taken Lightly - October 24, 2022
Big prizes for journalism are treasures. Skill and talent are acknowledged far too infrequently given the breadth of professionals toiling to bring light to the world. The recognition is important, too, as a marker. Exemplary attainment sends a message.

So Many Messages Scrambling For Attention, Little Space For Reflection - September 21, 2022
Television may have reached its maturity some time ago. Singular events still draw considerable audiences. Television is now only part of that. Digital platforms have risen. And with that the idea of that grand, unifying global media event has faded. We have just seen - or heard - its denouement.

Journalists And Populists Don't Mix - August 31, 2022
Watched carefully by all UK media watchers is the annual MacTaggert Lecture at the Edinburgh Television Festival. The great and the good - along with the spoiled and huffy - are called to address the great media issues of the day. This year (August 24) was the turn of Emily Maitlis, a well-known TV news anchor.

Aid Disappears, Local Media Closes Down - July 31, 2022
Unique in the media world are local outlets. These broadcasters and publishers connect people on a real level. National media are great, generally, for big subjects and comprehensive reporting as well as fit-for-purpose entertainment. On the other side, social media is good for fluff and distraction. Local media is at highest risk.