True Journalism

(Updated Below)

A free and independent press is an essential component for a functioning democracy – one that is appropriately people-centered. In 21st century America the so-called ‘fourth estate’ is failing us. Dominated by corporate-owned, profit-driven firms, modern media has become a ratings circus, a mix of eye-catching headlines and commentary aimed at polarizing the audience in an attempt to generate loyalty.

Jeremy Scahill is an independent journalist and author best known for his investigative reporting into the actions of private security firm Blackwater. He was recently awarded the “Izzy Award” for outstanding independent journalism. In an interview with alternet.org he does a wonderful job describing the proper role of a free and independent press:

I would define an independent journalist as someone that's totally un-embedded when it comes to their relationship with the powerful. In other words, you don't get into bed with any political party. I'm not a Democrat; I'm not a Republican. I'm a journalist. It means that you don't get in bed with the military, with the CIA, or wealthy corporations, and you don't compromise your journalistic or your personal integrity in the pursuit of anything, including a story.
I believe that the way independent journalists are most effectively able to conduct their work is by maintaining their independence from the powerful. I don't hob-nob with the powerful. I don't count among my friends executives or other powerful people. I think it's important for independent journalists to not be beholden to any special interests whatsoever.
On the flip side of that, it's the role of independent journalists to embed themselves with the victims of U.S. foreign policy -- in the case of U.S. journalists -- or domestic policy. What I mean by that is to actually go out to where the people live who are most affected by these policies -- be it Afghanistan or the slums of the United States. You have to be un-embedded from the powerful and you have to embed yourself with the disempowered, because I think part of our role as independent journalists is not only to confront those in power, but to give voice to the voiceless.

Can you imagine the conflicts of interest that arise when Katie Couric or Chuck Todd shares a glass of Champaign with the Obama press secretary at the White House Christmas Party? Apart from the obvious insider’s club that is created, do you really think 6 and 7-figure earning media personalities are able to relate to the rest of us, or to the billions around the globe who are affected by our actions?

During my stay in Ghana I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of Ghanaian journalism. Though not as ‘polished’ as their American counterparts, journalists here do a much better job of focusing on the concerns of the people. Reporters cover issues such as access to clean water, corrupt customs and police officials, and dangerous or unsanitary working conditions, all without pandering to government or corporate interests. Beyond refreshing, it has been nothing short of eye-opening. A reminder of what journalism can and should do for a nation.

Back in the US, and around the world, there are many ‘Jeremy Scahills,’ embedded with the disempowered, helping their voices to be heard. Unfortunately their reach is limited, and moreover, all but drowned out by the braindead megaphone (.pdf) of corporate media.

Update

With perfect timing for my posting, salon.com blogger Glenn Greenwald offered this today:

Every now and then there are little vignettes that capture what Washington really is:  an insular, incestuous, fundamentally corrupt royal court, populated -- as all sickly imperial capitals are -- by political and media courtesans and other hangers-on.

Click here to read the rest