Since I published Kneading Journalism I’ve connected with some amazing members of the book reviewing community, including a recent review and exchange with Kriti at Armed with a Book.
Discerning and prolific readers like Kriti experience vast amounts of written content (like journalists). With such a volume, they have a more refined palate which which they sample books, and engage with the main thoughts.
In the author Q&A, Kriti gave me another opportunity to expand on some ideas in the book, and venture into other territory. As the author, it’s nice to be able to reformulate what brought Kneading Journalism to life as a concept (and seems to be resonating with readers), and reiterate that I tried to focus on nutrition along with novelty
For me, the intersection is fundamental: we need bread to live, and sharing and creating bread is an act of community. We need quality journalism as part of thriving constitutional liberalism (distinct from democracy, as Fareed Zakaria argued), which defines my perspective on society and community. Do I think journalism is as important as bread to the individual? As much as I would like to say yes, the plain truth is no: people need bread more than they need news. But if we see a renewed covenant between journalists and the public as a way to bolster community through documentation and reflection, then we’re on interesting ground.
Another important point that I make in my book, and it bears repeating, is about the role and attention on philanthropic initiatives for journalism. I’ve noticed a vibrant community of non-profits and corporate sponsorship aimed at supporting various journalism initiatives. I worry that many of these projects are treating symptoms and not diseases that afflict journalism.
Unless and until the public is convinced that journalism is worth money (and the expectation that all content is free has been corrosive), we don’t have a sustainable path forward. Hand-outs from philanthropy is not a business plan. As I told Kriti:
Ultimately journalism needs to recalibrate the supply and demand equation while proving its value. The airwaves have plenty of supply, and a lot of it is low value content. Can the public be convinced to rush from quantity to quality? I hope so…but a lot of things will need to work in concert to move the needle in the right direction.
