American Journalism in the Era ofFacebook, President Trump and Red Ink

Reflections: 

Does Facebook and other social media corporations play a role in the proliferation of fake news ? And if so, do these mega-rich corporations have an obligation as some suggest Would a cash influx make a big difference in the future of American journalism, especially in the era of President Trump, fake news and alternative facts?

The chief question may be, what would represent a disruption in journalism, the same type of disruption that Donald Trump represented in American politics in 2016 that cleared a pathway to the presidency? Did that disruption already come and go with the rise and influence of Hunter S. Thompson's gonzo journalism in the 70s? Is journalism by its nature too conservative a profession to be able to forge a new path?  Is journalism in danger or and in need of disruptive change or is it the current political climate that suggests that it is disfubctional if not on its last legs?Can journalism, even if completely torn from any reliance on newsprint and TV adverts really survive if it became even more of a web-based entity? Does a new, til now unforeseen business model of journalism exist within the American business enterprise system? Could and should a BBC-style model of American journalism and media evolve in the US to compete with purely profit-driven models ?

Is quality American journalism fighting with one hand tied behind its back as it is wedded to the Superman virtues( of truth justice and The American Way) while its corporate overseers and need to meet payrolls demand profitability ?

It seems like there remain many more questions and no easy answers as journalism faces continuing challenges with the continuing disappearance of local media and the pressures of a new government Administration that paints much of MSM and actually any news outlet that strives for objective coverage  as the "enemy."  The future of journalism in an era of ascendant public ignorance and 1984-style rule-by-misinformation remains a big question mark, but journalists need to keep up the struggle, holding that lamp high, and the profession as a whole needs to consider all options, remaining open to risk and experiment. The survival of American journalism, and the American Democratic Experiment, depend on it.

Anthony Napoli

Deep in the Heart of Brooklyn

NYC:GroundhogDay

Missing from the action was Mayor Bill deBlasio, who, having failed in his commitments to Animal-loving Real Estate Moguls seeking to eliminate the Central Park horse drawn set, and whose Administration is currently under investigation for possible campaign finance violations, said investigation now possibly having expanded into the Mysterious Death of Staten Island Chuck in his previous incarnation, has apparently foresworn all involvement with animals through the conclusion of the election year. Having just settled a deal with the NYPD, he was seen happily making his way to the Park Slope Y where he could exercise undisturbed by protesting cops, and where the only wildlife are the hipsters and gentrifying stroller moms protesting outside “Brooklyn Chuck’s” condo on Prospect Park West, far from SI Chuck.  

 

Fortunately for the current transgender prognosticator, SI Chuck is safe to live another day.

 

-Brooklyn Beat

Deep in the Heart of Brooklyn