Follow Up to Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s Interview With Fortune’s Adam Lashinsky This has all the background information on what is coming to be known as Google’ refusal to bail out the newspaper industry.
After a Twitter exchange with Jay Rosen he brought it to my attention that perhaps instead of me asking “why should Google help newspapers?”, I should I ask, “why is Schmidt worried”? Rosen is the man. He always gives me good jumping off points for further investigation.
So, why is Eric Schmidt worried about the failing newspaper industry? Here is the final question and response from the Fortune interview.
What if the newspaper industry does go down?
To me this presents a real tragedy in the sense that journalism is a central part of democracy. And if it can’t be funded because of these business problems, then that’s a real loss in terms of voices and diversity. And I don’t think bloggers make up the difference. The historic model of investigative journalists in any industry is something that is very fundamental. So the question is, what can you do about this? And a fair statement is, we’re still looking for the right answer.
Based on this exchange, Schmidt is worried because he feels that newspapers are the source of journalism which is a central part of democracy. He feels that losing newspapers results in fewer voices and less diversity which cannot be offset by bloggers.
As we know, Democracy is, “the practice or principles of social equality”. So Schmidt is implying that having fewer voices and less diversity will result in social inequality and in turn harm democracy. He is right, who could argue with that. But it is news and investigative journalism that strengthen democracy, not The Newspaper Industry.
So is Google obligated to bail out the newspaper industry? Is Craigslist? Is Monster.com? What about The United States Government (which is us remember)?
Throughout the entire interview Schmidt never indicates a desire to save the newspaper industry for the sake of preserving established companies. What he does repeat over and over again is the popularity of news and the value of investigative journalism. Why can’t these happen successfully outside of newspapers? Why so much worry? Why not say something like, “the free market will find a way”.
Finally, is Eric Schmidt worried as a citizen or for Google? If Google, why? Is it a revenue issue?
Clearly, Mr. Schmidt’s interview raised more questions for me than answers. I hope he can answer them here. What do you think? Why?
Related posts:
- Rachel Maddow interviews Google CEO Eric Schmidt at 2008 Democratic National Convention
- Follow Up to Eric Schmidt’s Interview With Fortune’s Adam Lashinsky
- How Is It That McClatchy CEO Gary Pruitt Is Still Employed?
- Newspaper Industry Needs Outside Help, Concludes Closed Door Summit!!!
- Catharsis Hits The Newspaper Industry
The problem with journalism outside of newspapers is that there has not yet been established any sort of model that replaces newspapers with any level of professionalism and veracity. Bloggers definitely won’t do it; who will police them, prevent personal thought imbuing their blogs, edit them and make sure they are focusing on the correct topics? Why the need for focus? because, like it or not, people need to be directed. One set of eyes is good, multiple sets give depth and detail and allow for nuance and understanding.
Maybe newspapers have outlived their usefulness, I’d rather think not. I think that readers have lost their way, with newspapers’ help, and need to refocus. A deluge of technology and gadgetry — as well as the gleeful punditry of those who hate newspapers and journalism for their own profit — has turned their heads and a lessening of abilities and responsibilities — reading, thought, understanding, citizenship to name a few — has blinded them. I don’t know what the answer is. It may be that this is the beginning of this country’s slow, painful free-fall into the worst of times — hopefully not.