Journalism Spotlight: Matt Welch, Editor-in-Chief of Reason Magazine

Of all the themes in Matt Welch’s pieces, one thing that struck me was his ongoing criticism for censorship and restrictions. Unafraid of insults or quick punches at new moguls, Welch is sure to disparage of anyone who dares limit an individual. Whether it is arguing to the defense of Geoffrey Davidian’s Putnam Pit, or Sergio Bichao’s DaHiller!, no organization is too small for attention. Censorship is censorship.

Especially interesting is his look at “Woe is Media” an article that contains the byline, “It’s time to save journalism from its saviors.” This piece criticizes A-list journalism advocates such as Bill Kovach, Tom Rosenstiel, Alfred A. Knopf and Jim Bellows. These celebrities are not only highly respected in the field of journalism, but also authors of books I have been required to study for journalism classes here at Miami. Though, much like Shafer’s attacks on the Shield Law, my pre-exposure seemed to automatically want to argue in favor of such works. Yet, Welch’s arguments are both articulate and convincing. A journalist should always seek the truth and encompass the ideals those such as Kovach and Rosenstiel so adamantly favor, but the new wave of media is not to blame for the costs of people’s negative feelings toward journalism.

It’s the over-sensationalism of crimes and corporate competition that is killing the quality of news. Everyone wants to beat out the competition and it has led to hurried deadlines that often create mistakes, or lack of heart in a reporter’s piece. Surely it is hard to be passionate about every assignment a reporter is given, but one should always keep in mind that when reporting a crime, both the victim and the criminal have families. While I am not claiming that these pieces should be written at a bias, it should be a consideration towards the serious nature of the piece. Journalism affects people; both those involved in a story and those without any affiliation. People should make sure the truth is done justice.

This is, as Welch argues, a major positive of this new journalism era. As Welch’s article, “Emerging Alternatives: Blogworld” states, due to the new allowance for blogging, “Freedom of the press belongs to nearly three million people.” This concept is stunning. While blogging does have its negatives, the fact that there are people out there pushing journalists to do their best is a great motivation. These people should not be censored. If anything, the professionalism of a blogger should merely be a bigger consideration when a person is reading a site on the internet.

Welch is certainly not the first to criticize censorship. The idea was established as early as those of our Founding Fathers. He is, however, a sound voice that brings its importance to contemporary public attention.