Jason Whittaker
Media 2.0 – what’s off the table
In ‘saving’ journalism, there’s a tendency to bet the house. It’s time to start thinking about just what we’re trading away. Much has been written about what needs to change to secure journalism business models in the future. But what of the things that shouldn’t? What about a list of non-negotiables, the deal-breakers, the aspects of reporting that should be OFF the table in dealing in a new way of reporting? Let’s start a list…
REVIEW: Year of magical theatre
It is my sad duty to report that of the best pieces of theatre I saw in Brisbane in 2009, none of them were locally produced. But we were witness to some of the best writing from the world of theatre; some gems that truly left their mark. Here’s a round-up of the best of the best.
Cyberstumped: Big Media offline
Video never did kill the radio star, and nor will the internet and digital news kill newspapers. Similarly, despite what the sales department and bean counters will tell you, the recession we almost had is not responsible for the precarious balance sheets at many traditional media organisations. News companies are slicing costs and dicing journalists almost entirely for one reason: vision – or a Blind Pew-like absence of it.
Hail socialism in sick US system
It’s hard to imagine any of the ‘teabaggers’ have been in a United States emergency room of late. I spent the best part of a day and night in one last week. They are miserable places filled with people who can’t afford to be in them. Here, at least, reform is not even a question.
NJ wise guys turn purple shade
Republicans are beating up the victory of Chris Christie in yesterday’s New Jersey gubernatorial race, the first time conservatives have won any election in this state since 1997. But the people I talked too said the Democrat was simply on the nose. And the issues around shifting demographic and economic sands in this state are much more interesting and instructive for Australia.
Showman Mel’s river of dreams
Mel loves his job. He doesn’t love it quite as much as acting on Broadway, which he did for 33 years, but there can’t be that many more genuinely, infectiously enthusiastic tour guides across these United States as TourMobile’s Mel. He might be the most remarkable person I’ve ever met.
K-Dudd: The heartless wonder
Kevin Rudd gets far too much credit. Those who say he is being dragged to the Right – that he takes a more cautious, more conservative approach to appeal to John Howard’s battlers – discount the increasingly obvious reality that Rudd is already there. Certainly, as we’ve seen over the last few days, on refugee policy. Is there hope for this Prime Minister?
How faith, and America, can heal
The Trial of the Catonsville Nine is many things Australians dislike about Americans: political, patriotic and preachy. But unlike the worst of the United States, the play is also deeply questioning of its place in the world. It prosecutes American exceptionalism and the greyness of, and uneasiness between, faith and justice.
Times aren’t changing at Fairfax
Enough already. I just can’t take it anymore. Whether it’s the precious blogging world, or the desperately precious newspaper sector, I’m sick to death of being told partial ranting is the very essence of quality journalism. Or that aggregating copy produced for newspapers is the future of online media.
Dismantling the Liberal bomb…
The two most important things we’ve learned about Malcolm Turnbull of late are these: that he should probably have joined the Labor Party, and that he’d probably make a very good prime minister. The former is a hypothetical; the latter fast becoming one. For many reasons, the former barrister and investment banker is the proverbial square peg in the round hole.
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