Google CEO Eric Schmidt threw bloggers under the bus during his recent schmooze with The American Society of News Editors. "There is an art to what you do," he said to the real journalists. "And if you're ever confused as to the value of newspaper editors, look at the blog world. That's all you need to see. So we understand how fundamental tradition and the things you care about are." (Read Write Web, 4/10/10).
Interestingly enough, "fundamental tradition" is exactly what found journalism toppled by bloggers in the first place. I understand reporters report information, but explain editorials, opinion, investigative reporting? Previous to everyday man's access to an instant publishing format, the story behind the reports (otherwise known as the truth) did not get out to the public. As a result, bloggers uncovered--and published--what editors did not or chose not to reveal to the public.
Those who control journalism can no longer slant public opinion as a sole entity. Take the sex offender issue. Newspapers delivered old research and equally dated statistics to the front doorsteps of Americans up until last year, about the time grassroots efforts finally broke through with the truth. Blogging the facts--bolstered with instant communications and the instant ability to organize through the Internet--tipped public opinion. (Unfortunately, many found themselves personally impacted through the laws before the profession of journalism chose to actually interview persons knowledgeable of the facts, people other than those who stood to gain from a propoganda campaign, i.e. politicians and law enforcement administrators).
As you read, a Floridian with an agenda has pulled a Lawton Chiles with her Walk in My Shoes campaign to draw attention to child abuse. Along her trek to Tallahassee, the press has covered the daughter of a very influential Florida lobbyist and served as a conduit to report "the facts" regarding child abuse as interpreted by Lauren Book-Lim.
Word to journalists. Is fact-checking still a part of your job?
If so, why does it take a blogger to direct your attention to Book-Lim's oft-cited incorrect statistics?
Her mistruths prove why most recent videos of Mrs. Book-Lim have been removed from Florida's online news sites.
And that, Mr. Schmidt, is why bloggers will always flutter about your precious journalists, to serve to remind of the unreported truths.
