The challenge facing business journalism

Lou Dobbs of Fox Business Network was interviewed by business writer Don Mecoy of The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City about his new show and his opinions of business journalism.

Here is an excerpt:

Q: Give me your take on the current state of business journalism.

A: I think business journalism has never been more challenged because of the complexity of stories and issues and events that make up our time. In no other time that I can recall have we seen so much military conflict, geopolitical competition, as well as international trade competition, and the challenge of bringing prosperity to an economy that has been, frankly, stalled for a number of years. It’s why it’s critical for our political leaders to understand this is a time for innovation, a time for strength and positive perspectives on the part of our leaders. Unfortunately, on the national leadership, I think, that’s been wanting for some years. I hope that that changes, and I hope that the business community will continue to exert serious and strong leadership, focused on the national interest and particularly the strength of our middle class and those who aspire to it.

Q: You think consumers are being well served by business journalists currently?

A: Therein lies one of the issues. You’re talking about an audience that is made up of not only consumers but taxpayers, savers and investors, and employees and employers. The complexity of the issues is reflected in the complexity of the audience. Do I think they’re being well served? Absolutely. Can we serve them better? That’s what we’re striving to do at Fox Business. It’s what we’re striving to do on my broadcast. There’s a lot of heavy lifting, and it’s critically important that we bring strong and rigorous analysis to all of the elements of what we call business news every day.