Journalism Spotlight: Jack Shafer, Slate Media Critic

While Shafer writes in a manner which reflects a newer, blunt, and opinionated press, he in fact exudes favoritism towards the morals of old-fashioned journalism. He wants the best form of journalism, be it a lack of plagiarism and “loophole” usage, a no-claim policy for who can call themself a journalist, or merely the feel of a fresh copy of the New York Times. While Shaker often writes about the popularity and demand of new media, he tends to criticize it, also showing his “old soul” attributes. His continued idealism for the respect of journalism shines past his quick jabs and sarcasm with the traditional backing of information by sources, despite the fact that he is often writing about something strictly stemming from opinion over issue.

Whether I agreed or disagreed with Shafer, which changed from article to article, I always saw his side of things. As in the case of his Shield Law argument, I had always been in support of a federal shield law when studying the basics of it in previous journalism classes, yet never really considered the threat of having to license and define journalists. His arguments, though they tend to ramble, are clearly presented and unexpectedly examined without a bias before he concludes his opinion. Basically, Shafer is the guy in the back of the room that listens, nods his head, and then says, “I understand what you’re saying, but…”

Though at times I found Shafer’s topics to be a bit unnecessary, other than its comedic premise, such as “Fisherman Beats Rare Dolphin to Death,” I enjoyed the nature in which his articles relate. Journalism is often compromised. It is biased, stolen, repeated, and sensationalized. This was never its original intent, nor should it be.