Categories: OLD Media Moves

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.”

Read more here. A subscription is required.

Recent Posts

CT Mirror seeks an environment and energy reporter

The Connecticut Mirror (CT Mirror), a nonprofit, nonpartisan, digital newsroom that covers statewide public policy…

2 hours ago

Harnessing the power of AI at Dow Jones

Ingrid Verschuren, executive vice president of data and artificial intelligence and general manager of Europe,…

3 hours ago

Houston energy reporter Drane moves to investigations team

Houston Chronicle energy industry reporter Amanda Drane has moved to the investigations team from the…

3 hours ago

Houston Chronicle seeks an energy transformation reporter

As global demand shifts toward renewable energy and sustainability, the role of Houston’s energy sector…

3 hours ago

Business Insider founder Blodget is leaving company

Business Insider founder Henry Blodget sent out the following on Friday: Team, Seventeen years ago,…

6 hours ago

Dow Jones reports slight increases in revenue, earnings

Dow Jones & Co., the parent of The Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch.com, Barron's and Investor's…

7 hours ago