The Death and Resurrection of Journalism?

The importance of true journalism is arguably on par with society’s need for government, medicine and commerce. It monitors all areas of life to ensure justice, seek out truth and serves as the gatekeeper and agenda setter for public discourse on the most important events and stories impacting the world. For me, the definition of journalism begins and ends with print media and more specifically the newspaper. The oncoming demise of the print newspaper has been predicted, discussed and analyzed, but in 2009 it will arrive. Could journalism die with its most accountable and investigative medium?

The Atlantic is one of the U.S.s oldest publications and one of the best examples of the journalism elite . Earlier this month it sent shock waves through the industry, outlining the death of the New York Times by May. This news comes alongside reports of the Los Angeles Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Chicago Tribune  and Star Tribune all facing the possibility of going exclusively online or closing down completely. I lamented this trend in August and suggested the answer and revival of local dailies could be in redirecting its focus on truly being the local voice of the city in which it resides. The Atlantic proposed a similar approach, while the New York magazine wrote of hope through new media types with skill in journalism, developing and design.

Could it be enough though? Earlier this month, tech blog Gizmodo broke that Apple’s Steve Jobs would not be delivering the Macworld keynote address due to health reasons, while traditional media refuted the story, regurgitating Apple PRs explanation that is was more due to “politics than his pancreas.” Traditional media was wrong and with this misstep it fell another notch in its argument of better sources than new media journalist. I do not use the word journalist lightly. 2009 will be a historic year with the ushering in of the first African American U.S. President, the worst economic climate in more than 50 years, the demise of local print media and the resurrection of true journalism through passionate, aggressive new media bloggers.

One last thought on this topic is how citizen journalism and specifically Twitter will mix into this new journalistic environment. I agree with MediaMemo’s Peter Kafka that citizen journalism is important, but will not be the foundation for future news reporting, instead a supplement. A great example of its power is demonstrated in the reporting of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 crash this week. Here is the first photo of the story, posted through Twitter:

Apple vs Microsoft…not so clear cut

My work has recently provided me the chance to live in a Mac world…exclusively. I was excited about the opportunity because I have heard for years the greatness that is OSX and how Macs are significantly more secure (security by obscurity?) and provide a flawless computing experience. I jumped headlong into the Mac ocean…eh-em…pond I mean.

Understandably, I have been a daily Mac user for exactly four days. I may need a full month of usage to compile a fair revue, but I find my user experience lacking. Many have told me that moving around in the Mac environment is very intuitive and simple. I agree, but perhaps its too simple. I am very knowledgeable of Windows and its inner workings and thus far have found the OSX coming up short. There is a great post I happened on to today at Gizmodo that mirrors my thoughts and mild frustrations. As the post suggests, perhaps I am just too smart for Macs.

Probably my greatest complaint would be the functionality of programs beyond the browser. Lets get serious, trying to use Microsoft Office on a Mac is obnoxious compared to Windows. When I am working in Word, I want it to be the only thing in my screen and the text should be simple to read. Yes, I have learned the magic of the little green button, but it takes significantly more work to operate Office on a Mac. Simple…not so much. Also, one mouse button is great until you want to copy a link. Now I have to hit Control and the Mouse simultaneously. In Windows land I can copy thousands of links and paste them into a document without ever utilizing the keyboard. Trite? Perhaps, but this is not simpler.

My roommate has a solution for my MS Office woes. Its called Parallels. This virtualization software allows you to run OSX and XP at the same time (unlike Boot Camp). With Parallels, I can get flawless browsing and media experience, while creating documents in its native world. For this reason, I may still consider getting a Mac for home computing, but surely this option is not simpler. Additionally…No Microsoft Money for OSX and a Quicken program that is embarrassing. How do the Mac faithful budget?

Lastly, there was a recent mention on Buzz Out Loud about the Mac vs PC commercials and how Microsoft has yet to respond. The mention points to a great conversation on its message board about how this impacts the business of both companies. I however was surprised that there was zero mention of Microsoft’s plans to respond as laid out in the June 2008 issue of Fast Company. You can hear my response and their candor on episode 753. I think this makes me legit. I am officially a content provider for CNet.

You think you know, but you have no idea…untold story of the iPhone

Well CES is finally over…giving tech geeks just a few days to prepare for the most important tech show this year…MacWorld and devote their energies towards firing up the Apple rumor mill.

As a precursor to the Event, Wired has put out an excellent article of the untold behind the scenes story chronicling the creation of the Jesus Phone aka iPhone. While I know my colleagues on Nokia may start breaking things if they hear one more word about Apple’s “innovative” smartphone…this article is an intriguing read at how iPhone changed the structure and economics of the U.S. wireless industry. Not only will it open up networks for consumers and drive demand for higher priced, innovative handsets, but also create increased value for carrier networks through new products and services.

Dont believe me…then take it from our great friends at Good Morning Silicon Valley:
Almost as if Oprah herself had blessed it, there’s universal consensus across the blogosphere today that if you’re at all interested in Apple, the iPhone and mobile communications, you need to read a new Wired piece by Fred Vogelstein.

how to make bill gates cool…

Microsoft PR…they may be on to something. In the second week of ’08 we may have campaign of the year – making Bill Gates a lovable Geek. Think Apple’s Mac Vs PC campaign is ingenious? You haven’t seen anything yet. Overall Gate’s keynote at CES 2008 was regarded as strong, but its the video accompanying the presentation that is snagging the blogoshere headlines.

The video features Gates’ last day at the office, in which he works out with Matthew McConaughey, tries to impress Bono with his “Guitar Hero” chops, tests Jay-Z’s patience with his rap skills and lobbies to land the VP spot on the Democratic ticket.

This is a great example about how you must be bold to create an endearing and viral campaign in today’s critical online environment. If Microsoft only went half way…this never would have worked and they would look completely foolish for it.

You can view a segment of the video here. Full version here.

Thoughts?

Off Target…

 

So your name is Regan Ritter and all you want for your birthday is an iPod. Mom buys said iPod and today is your birthday. Life is grand…then you open iPod box to find…rocks, lots and lots of rocks. This is unique…and so you decided to exchange your rocks for an iPod at Target. Alls well that ends well…until you open your new iPod box to find…rocks. Suddenly you are unimpressed with the new and improved iPod.

This is what happened to a Fort Worth teenager. Is this news worthy? Maybe not, but the manner Target handled the situation surely is. Target’s customer service said there was nothing that could be done to replace iPod, but that she was welcome to use the $350 store credit on other items.

“In the end, we’re pleased she was able to use her store credit in full to make other purchases.” – Target customer service

Yep…and the Ritters were pleased to pass that along to the news. Sometimes I wonder if customer service policies guarantee employment for crisis communications. How easily this situation could have been avoided…