On Behalf of Journalism: A Manifesto for Change

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It's nice to know someone besides FAIR and Bill Moyers are keeping an eye on the "historical influences of 'Entertainment Tonight'" (quote from "Broadcast News") and corporate takeover of media.

This is from theAnnenberg Public Policy Center.

Entire documment here: http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/Overholser/20061011_JournStudy.pdf

Excerpt:

Propositions
In June 2005, a group of journalists, scholars and others concerned about the challenges confronting
American journalism gathered at the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
The nine propositions below served as starting points for their discussion.

• A greater role for nonprofits – organizations such as the Center for Public Integrity, the St. Petersburg Times
and National Public Radio, along with foundation support – could help lift all media.

• Citizens of a democracy have a responsibility to be informed. Media literacy courses, stronger civics
education and other tools can create the environment of vigorous debate in which the press can thrive.
• Our society would be better served if journalists could make their voices heard more effectively –
in response to freedom of information challenges, reporters threatened with jailing, concerted
efforts at misrepresentation of the press, and so forth.

• The media can significantly strengthen their own position by doing a better job of holding themselves
accountable and making their work transparent.

• The essential role of a free and responsible press must be made a primary concern of the public.
Only they can protect and sustain it. The discussion must be brought to public attention.

• More responsible corporate governance among media companies is essential if the costly work of
original journalism is to be sustained.

• In this period of challenge and change, journalists would profit by seeking a clearer common understanding
of ethics and good practices, and a deliberate recommitment to journalism’s public-service role.

• New forms of media, the engagement of a richer array of people in producing media, and new ways of
using media are transforming the landscape. An understanding of these changes, their potential
and the challenges they pose, is essential to addressing the problems and opportunities confronting
journalism.

• The government role in protecting, regulating, and supporting a free and responsible press demands
thoughtful consideration and public discussion.