The media is under attack.  Is it deserved?

Our freedom is dependent on a free press.  It’s the Fourth Estate.

From Merriam – Webster:  The term fourth estate has been around for centuries. In Europe, going back to medieval times, the people who participated in the political life of a country were generally divided into three classes or estates. In England they were the three groups with representation in Parliament, namely, the nobility, the clergy, and the common people. Some other groups, like the mob or the public press, which had an unofficial, but often great influence on public affairs, was called the fourth estate. In the 19th century, fourth estate came to refer exclusively to the press, and now it’s applied to all branches of the news media.

What makes great journalism? A few months ago I sat down with Charles R. Maulden… Currently a News Director of KOTV in Tulsa, OK and formerly of KOLR10 in Springfield, MO.

We discussed why broadcast journalism newsrooms seem to be struggling so much? Charles believes its because there is no real journalistic vision or real journalistic mission that resonates through most media companies. Media stocks aren’t good growth and dividend investments because most media companies aren’t investing in our most visible and most valuable asset…people. Many media companies do not understand that good journalism is good business.

Charles believes that broadcast journalism can get on a better track by understanding the life cycles of leadership and organizations and by focusing all of the efforts on the value of journalism.

The role of the free press in our democracy is protected by the Constitution…

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Do journalists really believe and have faith in journalism?

    1. You must develop a faith in the gospel of journalism. 
    2. You must preach the gospel of journalism. 
    3. You must understand the costs and consequences of a strong faith in journalism. 
    4. You must know the characteristics of one who is faithful to his or her cause. 

We discussed where did the industry go wrong. Charles believes its because we were led to follow a different gospel, a perverted gospel. The journalists must turn away from the perverted gospel and come to the genuine gospel.

Since we talked, Charles has moved onto to Tulsa and we wish him the best. And…Congratulations to Lissa Hamblen, KOLR 10’s new Station Manager! We are in very capable hands. Here’s a welcome aboard clip…