The Importance of Independent Media
Yesterday, a journalist friend flagged a tweet from Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of the Washington Post.
She used one word to describe it —“Terrifying.”
In essence, perhaps in support of U.S. President Donald Trump, Bezos is saying that the paper’s staff on the opinion pages would be expected to write “every day” in support of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets.
The Amazon and Blue Origin founder, who has billions of dollars at stake in government contracts, said viewpoints “opposing those pillars” would be left to be published by others, and that, as a result of the move, the Post’s opinion editor had resigned.
I had to pause and think: how did a paper like the Washington Post get here?
Will there be similar changes down the road to its news pages?
When did it become okay for the owner of such a major U.S. newspaper to be so bold-faced and public about encroaching on his writers’ independence?
Importance of Independent Media
Bezos’ stance is a reminder of why independent media is so important.
As the chief reporter of 18 Degrees North Investigations, no one tells me what I can and can’t write. In fact, I take great pride in presenting an opposing viewpoint, especially on the occasions when I express my opinions.
I believe in uncovering information that holds the powerful to account and challenges their thinking because better information should lead to agitation for better decision-making, which should lead to a stronger democracy.
As this newsletter celebrates five years, my promise to you, my readers, is that I will never just accept the narrative of politicians regardless of the side they are on.
I promise to present something different rather than what everyone else is working on.
I promise to think, to be thorough, to listen to different viewpoints and to be humble enough to change course when the facts don’t support my own thesis. I promise to do journalism that will spark conversation, aim to root out corruption, and, hopefully, inspire change for the better.
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Bezos’ move yesterday may have been a gut punch to the media landscape this week and a confirmation of what mainstream media has become.
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Sincerely,
Zahra