The Tabloid

Is this a newspaper or a tabloid? Are we here to do pure advertising? Or are we here to report on the happenings of the world?

I often ask myself these questions as I work in advertising and as I write stories. My vote is that this small paper is a tabloid. The people I sell advertising for seem to think we only do advertising and that being prepared with quality news stories is not a priority. These are the same people who stifle creative freedom and good journalists who are not afraid to ask. It was for that very reason they fired the best one they have had for years.

Maybe I sound judgemental, but is this the new wave of journalism? Are we so afraid to go out into the world and question the injustices that surround us? Do we fear the courts and law so much that we are not afraid to stand up to it?

The old days were good ones. Journalists out in the world sticking their noses into other people's business. This keeps out government straight and open. The governement manages to do a lot in secret because they have created these laws stating what is and isn't an open meeting. These people were elected by the public and therefor should be willing to make their decisions in front of the self same body.

I am a nosey person. I like to know everything and I remember important things. The government does not scare me. Throw me in jail, let me sit there for reporting the truth. New journalists are chickens. They have been raised so much on fear of the law.

Throw me away for the truth I say!