Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Washington Post public editor: the powerful have realized they don’t need the Post

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

I have long said that the future of media portends the future of education, and nothing I've seen over thirty years dissuades me of this. So reflect on this: "Tesla... has done away with its media relations department—effectively formalizing an informal policy of ignoring reporters... we should also recognize this for what it is: one more glaring data point showing that powerful people no longer think they need the mainstream press, especially critical and ethical outlets like the Washington Post." A free press is essential to a democracy, just as is a free educational system. Neither estate has served the public well, however, eschewing social responsibility in favour of the needs of the wealthy and well-connected (who are often also their owners and alumni). So I can see why journalists would consider abandonment by the powerful a "horrifying assault". But perhaps like educational institutions they need a concordat with the public, not one tailored to serve business and industry (as discussed yesterday), but one addressing the needs of the people, one taking seriously the idea that all people deserve and ought to enjoy security, identity, voice and opportunity.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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Last Updated: Apr 19, 2024 10:23 p.m.

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