People First: HuffPost Sets Example For Media

As a journalism teacher I am often asked: Should media cater to what interests the public or PUBLIC INTEREST? In recent times the media, with honorable exceptions, has brazenly catered to the lowest common denominator (generally pandering to the basest instincts) under the cloak of infotainment. Arianna Huffington, the moving spirit behind Huffington Post, has started HuffPost Impact to talk about issues that concern ME and YOU.

The real BREAKING NEWS is harsh realities of life — homelessness, hunger, school bullying, well-known theatre in search of funders to prevent closure, etc., etc. — and how to suggest practical ways of meeting the unending challenges.

Mind you, this indefatigable lady, a shining star in the media firmament, will make HuffPost’s new edition “Impact” a money-making venture. And why not? She had become the fitting answer to Murdochs of the world who allowed crass commercialism eclipse the social consciousness that was once the hallmark of journalism.

If Arianna’s “Impact” shows good results then the pundits who pontificate no end sitting in ivory towers on subjects that remotely affect people’s lives would either be driven out of their jobs, or have to start going out in the real world and earn a good day’s money by finding out what really “interests” the people.

Says Arianna Huffington: ” ‘Impact’ is where News turns into Action. I’m thrilled to announce the launch of HuffPost Impact, our new section devoted to service, causes, and giving back. This section holds a special place in my heart. It’s an idea I’ve been pursuing in one form or another for over 15 years.

“Back in 1993, I pitched the idea of creating C-SPAN 3, a channel devoted 24/7 to the work of nonprofit groups and giving back. I pictured people being able to tune in at any time and see programming that moved them, and inspired them to take action.

“That was before I recognized the power of 24/7 engagement made possible by the Internet — so that with a click and a link we can not only learn all about a cause but also immediately take action… and make an impact. That’s what we’re launching today….”

See for yourself here…

A major trivialization of the media and its functionaries started with the First Gulf war, thus impacting the freedom of the press. Maybe times a changing. The arrival of President Barack Obama in the White House has so far indicated that the wheeler-dealers would not be patronized by the State. Good journalists pick up the cues fast and get back to their real task — without fear and intimidation.

I have been teaching “Development Journalism” for over a decade to journalists/students from different parts of the world and motivating them to write in an interesting fashion about issues that “Impact” now talks about, so that these compete in the market with “sensational/glamor” news.

Congratulations Arianna Huffington for celebrating the changing times…And being respectful to the readers who can differentiate between wheat and chaff, as well as good discussion and fraud!!!