I was on the brink of applauding the White House for challenging some traditions of the daily press briefings in opening to more news organizations and adding the Skype seats, only to then learn of some mainstream news organizations not being welcomed in the room. So instead of diversifying access, this seems to be a … Continue reading Rethinking White House Press Briefings: Two Steps Forward, One Giant Leap Back
Fourth Estate
Where was the Fifth Estate when Flint Michigan needed it?
Americans and the world know now about the 'poisoned water' coming out of the taps in Flint, Michigan, covered well today in an exposé written by SCOTT ATKINSON, AMY HAIMERL and RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA for the NYT. In switching the city's water from Detroit's supply to the Flint River in April of 2014, to save money, a cascading series of … Continue reading Where was the Fifth Estate when Flint Michigan needed it?
Independence of the Press is Key to Any Leveson Reform
It is heartening to read Alan Rusbridger's editorial in The Guardian of 25 March 2013, as he seems to have become more aware of some of the serious weaknesses in the proposed press regulation, which has changed in ways that may have undermined his early support. See: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rics20/current He calls attention to the private meetings … Continue reading Independence of the Press is Key to Any Leveson Reform
How Can Politicians Endorse Press and Internet Regulation that Compromises Freedom of the Press?
A classic study of public opinion found that while Americans generally supported abstract principles of freedom of expression, many would not support the application of these principles in concrete cases, such as permitting an extreme group to speak at a local school (McCloskey and Brill 1983). That the public can support concrete actions that undermine … Continue reading How Can Politicians Endorse Press and Internet Regulation that Compromises Freedom of the Press?