The role of business journalism in society

Craig Ey, the editor of the Philadelphia Business Journal, writes in Friday’s edition about the role and responsibility of business journalism in a free society like the United States.

Ey writes, “That begins to break down when the business press sees itself differently; when business journalists stop taking on the same kind of watchdog role as government and political journalists. In a way, that’s what happened over the last decade. The tough questions weren’t asked.

“When you read the Philadelphia Business Journal online or in print, you need to know that what you’re getting is accurate intelligence about community and business leaders, your competitors and your industry. Cheerleaders can’t do that. The old saying among ink-stained — and now monitor-weary — wretches is that our role is ‘to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’

“While we may roll our eyes at such idealism, it’s really still true. Life and business may be unfair at times, but an active press can certainly help level the landscape.

“The logo of California-based Ameriquest included an image of the Liberty Bell, which has become the symbol of what it means to live in a free society. But with freedom comes a ton of responsibility, and all media, including the business media, plays a central role. Hopefully, the lesson has been learned.”

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