Archive for the ‘Newspapers’ Category

Can a Hacker become a Hack?

Posted: October 3, 2012 in Business, Futurist, ICT, Media, Newspapers
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The life and times of Julian Assange, one of the founders of WikiLeaks, is so fantastical and filled with paranoia that it should be made into a movie; oh wait it has. The movie titled ‘Underground: the Julian Assange Story’ is a feature length biopic about the early years of Assange. I believe the movie will show him as a gifted youth with a passion for the truth and a desire to unmask the secrecy and lies in the corridors of power.

While this is not far from the truth the more pertinent question that has been raised about Assange is whether or not he is a journalist or just a source? Does the existence of WikiLeaks and the track record of Assange releasing secret and sometimes damming documents to the public make him a journalist? Assange calls himself the Editor-in-Chief of WikiLeaks. However, there are many voices that believe he is more of a high-tech source in the digital era rather than a true Journalist.

It is interesting to note that Assange came to prominence or infamy, depending on how you perceive it, in the mid 1990s. Julian and fellow hackers broke into the master terminal of Nortel, a Canadian telecom company. This was one of many activities of the Cypherpunks group of which Julian was a member.

The attack on Nortel was not malicious and in my mind shows two things: Julian is very intelligent and he has a clear disrespect of authority. This incident would bring Assange to the attention of only a handful of people in Australia. However, in 2007 when WikiLeaks, the website set up for dissemination of confidential information, released the Guantanamo Bay operating procedures the world sat up and took notice. In 2010 the release of the ‘Collateral Murder’ and later the ‘Afghanistan War Logs’ was instrumental in stirring up a hornets’ nest in the United States of America. And when the USA is upset the World takes notice.

Thus the saga began: Assange was accused of being a terrorist, a woman in Sweden accused him of rape, and he decided to seek political asylum and to avoid extradition by entering the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK. All this after he received the Martha Gellhorn Journalism Prize and divided opinion in the Journalism community as to his status as a bonafide Hack or a hacker with an agenda.

There are so many holes in the Assange story and dubious claims that it is hard to consider Julian having any integrity and the big issue with releasing sensitive information: Duty of Care. Duty of care is a core component of being a good journalist. As David Conley states Assange isn’t a journalist by practice, education or training. He is a convicted hacker who uses WikiLeaks to publish all information even information that is harmful and jeopardises the life of Afghan informants and soldiers. If Assange were a journalist he would need to have a duty of care as a hacker he does not.

Among all the dissenting voices weighing in on the debate Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, does not believe that WikiLeaks is journalism but data dissemination. I agree with this sentiment and I also believe that Assange is a revolutionary in some ways such as providing a platform for encrypted dissemination of documents. Assange needs to take the time to read the sources and present the information in an unbiased tone of voice while protecting the lives of the innocent. Only then will Assange go from being an ‘Australian diva with his secrets’ to a true leader of the revolution of journalism in the digital age.

From Fit to Print to Fit to Click: The Old Gray Lady reinvents herself

Posted: October 3, 2012 in Business, Futurist, Media, Newspapers
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From its Inception in 1851 the New York Times has collected accolades as though they are going out of style. The NYT has received 108 Pulitzer Prizes and had more than two (2) million papers printed daily. Today the circulation has dropped to just around 1.5 million copies daily making it the third largest newspaper in the United States of America. The excellent documentary Page One highlighted the tumultuous time that saw the closure of many Newspapers across the USA. It was a time when even the venerable New York Times was shaken and stirred especially the uncertainty that seemed to permeate the news makers working in the News Room.

The News Room or Engine Room of the New York Times was for many years seen as the pinnacle of Journalistic achievement. To have made it in Media or as a serious journalist you had to be working at the New York Times.

What made the Old Gray Lady so special? It is not as though the New York Times (NYT) was the first to hire a woman journalist. While Jane Grant was one of the first female Journalists at the NYT her experience at the NYT was less than satisfactory. It was not until 2010 that the NYT had its first Female Executive Editor in Jill Abramson. So the NYT was not at the forefront of equal opportunity.

The NYT was not the first to introduce colour photographs in fact the paper was one of the last in the USA to have colour photographs. A point that may seem innocuous today but was quite an ‘un-revolution’ back in the day. Again the NYT was not the first to embrace new technology.

Perhaps the fact that the NYT has been at the forefront of breaking scandals and exposing the underbelly of political, economical and social injustice has given the paper a sense of gravitas. From the exposé of the Pentagon Papers when Daniel Ellsberg, a former State Department official, leaked papers that had damming evidence of the USAs time in Vietnam War. To the exposé of the ‘Collateral Murder’ video that showed the US airstrikes on civilians that were carrying cameras instead of guns from the whistleblower website Wikileaks.

Both the stories brought to light the lies and shameful conduct by the US government. These well researched and thoroughly fact checked stories were well written and were beyond reproach in journalistic integrity.

So is the NYT all about exposé’s and being the voice against the US government? Looking at the history of coverage by the NYT and some of the cadre of personnel who work at the prestigious address; 620 Eight Avenue, Manhattan NY it is clear that trustworthiness makes the NYT such an institution.

The motto ‘All the news that is Fit to Print’ ran deeper than just a catchy slogan. While the web is a place that anyone can post anything, the integrity and trustworthiness of the NYT online content brings a sense that the principles that governed the print version also undergirds their online content.

Moving into the digital age and user pays subscription model has been a master stroke. A move that no one would predict the Old Gray Lady would undertake. But go online she did. Dusting off her old fashioned bonnet and cardigan the Gray Lady embraced a quite unfashionable position: Paid online content. Surely news on the internet is free?

But 30 million unique site visitors a day shows that the admirers have continued to come because what the NYT brings to the Media world is not just style or a unique voice but substance. The Old Gray Lady has come a long way.

Al Jazeera – ‘The Island’ in the Media World

Posted: September 19, 2012 in Business, Media, Newspapers
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In just 42 years the State of Qatar, a small (almost) island in the Persian Gulf, has become the richest Country in the World. It now boasts the best Airline in the World, Qatar Airways, with the youngest airline fleet. The first Middle Eastern Country to host the prestigious 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will feature the best Football (Soccer) nations in the World.

Qatar’s achievements do not end there, in 1996 the Emir or Ruler of the Country bankrolled the modern era’s newest and one might say only unbiased News Channel: Al Jazeera. What started as a 6-hour broadcast in Arabic has now grown into 3 sports channels, 2 English channels, a children’s channel and a documentary channel. As I mentioned in an earlier blog post Al Jazeera’s news team features some of the best talent from BBC and CNN.

Al Jazeera Arabic News Channel was the name that was making the rounds among the Media professionals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1996. I was working in Dubai and was fascinated by the potential that a well funded channel with a quality team could achieve. To, perhaps, understand the motivation behind Al Jazeera, it is important to note that the Al Thani family, ruling family of Qatar currently led by a ‘benevolent monarch’ who tends to go his own way, value their independence and being the best above all else. When the UAE, a federation of 7 emirates, were forming a unified country, Qatar was asked to join but instead decided to become an independent Country. The other bold and ground breaking decision was in 1993 when Qatar pulled out of Gulf Air, the largest Airline in the Arabian Peninsula, to form Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways has now become the best airline in the World.

So it was quite understandable that the buzz in the Editorial and Media community, in the UAE, when word spread that Al Jazeera Satellite Channel was launching just as the BBCs Arabic Language channel was closing down and laying off all its staff. The feeling was that if this new Channel was going to have the same capital, desire for excellence and top quality staff then the possibilities were endless.

A mere 16 years on and the Al Jazeera satellite network has received, in equal measure, brickbats and accolades. From being labelled as a terrorist network for showing videos from Osama Bin Laden and during the invasion of Iraq for showing dead and injured American soldiers. While on the other hand many Arab countries accuse Al Jazeera of being a mouthpiece for the Americans and anti-Arab for shining a spotlight on police brutality in Kuwait, bad governance in Egypt and for allowing Jews to be interviewed in Hebrew on the Network. While the Israelis have a voice into the Arab world through Al Jazeera even Israel accuses the channel of biased coverage in favour of Palestine.

There is no doubt that Al Jazeera is well funded through Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani and other investors as well as having the best talent through hiring quality from some of the other channels. In my opinion the question of unbiased reportage can be answered by mentioning that across the Gulf all references to Israel including all websites ending in .il are banned. However, Al Jazeera allows Israelis the opportunity to have their opinion, or as the logo says the opinion and the other opinion, heard. In an ironic way the fact that Al Jazeera is equally criticised by both sides is a testament to their commitment to allow all viewpoints airtime. So maybe, just maybe Al Jazeera is the only island of unbiased news network in the Media World.

Is Trust gained with age?

Posted: September 12, 2012 in Business, Media, Newspapers
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The more I watch the BBC, CNN, SKY News and the 10 other 24-hour news channels on my Foxtel subscription, the more I realise how ubiquitous news media has become across the World. The Internet and RSS feeds have enabled us to get news the instant it happens. Sometimes while it is happening, nothing new there you might say. But have we stopped to ask the question is what is am watching accurate? Have all the necessary facts been checked? Who has decided that this story or issue is important enough to be on the Television/web/print media?

The question I stopped to ponder: why do I find myself switching back to the BBC World Service? Why does HARDtalk, Panaroma, Breakfast with Frost (although sadly this show is no more), and The World Today still command viewers over the 100s of other new variations on CNN, SKY News and other News networks?

Reputation is a word that springs to mind. Trust gained over years of high quality reporting and reporters. A place you know you will get just the facts without the over the top antics and in your face style of reportage. Trying to take you into the midst of the action rather than framing the information to show you why the action is taking place. Thinking for you by saying this is what you should think of this issue rather than this is the issue in its entirety the good side, bad side and even the ugly truth.

Going back to the start of the BBC and the earlier incarnations under John Reith (Lord Reith to some) the Beeb did make its fair share of mistakes. The Independent television controversy when Sir Winston Churchill denounced the BBC as communist and Sir John Reith deciding to ban Churchill. More recently the BBC reported that the Ethiopian government used money raised for famine to pay for weapons. This incorrect and damaging report undid years of good work and had Bob Geldof and the Ethiopian ambassador to the UK challenge the report and call it a disgrace and ridiculous. While the BBC stood by the claims it finally relented and apologised since they did not have enough evidence. Even that bastion of reporting and journalistic integrity Panaroma had to back track on a story about Fake child labour footage from Bangalore, India. The footage in question claimed that Bangalore based suppliers of Primark, a large chain of retail stores were using child labour. To its credit the BBC conceded that the footage was not genuine, although the apology came after three years.

So how does the Beeb continue to be so trusted one might ask, scandals which go to the very heart of what a respected News channel needs to be about – being accurate, trustworthy and impartial. Perhaps it is the fact that the BBC does not claim to be infallible. Going even further the BBC is willing to publicly turn the microscope of investigative journalism and the hunt for the ‘story behind the story’ on itself.

One has to follow the positives that the BBC, as a global media outlet, has achieved from honesty in its reporting and the aim of its Charter to be politically independent and free from interference caused by commercial interests. Examples of the Beebs adherence to its Charter aims include openly admitting defeats during the Second World War which was in marked contrast to the propaganda of Germany’s radio stations. The BBC broadcasting honestly and some might say too openly, during the fighting with Argentina. When the BBC reported that the bombs being dropped on Royal Navy Ships were not detonating the Argentineans changed their fuses leading Admiral Sandy Woodward, commander of the British task force, to comment that the BBC was more concerned about fearless reporting the truth rather than the lives of British servicemen. There are other numerous instances where the British Broadcasting Corporate (BBC) has turned the microscope and placed the spotlight on their own ‘British’ government and reported the truth no matter how negative or unflattering.

The reputation of the BBC was enhanced as it was the prime mover into new markets such as Hungary, rest of Europe, Africa, Asia and finally into the Middle East. Reporting from every new country the ethos of telling the truth offering an in-depth and unbiased perspective led to The World Service reaching 188 million people a week on average in June 2009. It is also an interesting point to note that as I channel surf and stop at the Al Jazeera English News Channel I see many faces that previously and sometimes very recently were on the BBC channel. High praise I think, as the newest channel on the block and also the best bankrolled, Al Jazeera, recognises quality and the value of balanced journalist by paying enormous amounts to secure the services of these veteran BBC anchors.

While we might be inclined to say that just because the BBC has been around the longest and by virtue of its age it demands respect and a good reputations, I feel, that through the years the BBC has had its faults but by sticking to its Charter goals and being honest, fearless strivers for the truth: it has earned its reputation as a trusted global Media Band.

Captain Courageous vs. The World

Posted: August 22, 2012 in Business, Media, Newspapers
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Following on from the wonderful world of Rupert Murdoch and News Corp. The only other name that is synonymous with media domination is Ted Turner. Nicknamed ‘The Mouth from the South’ and ‘Captain Courageous’ for his outspoken nature and controversial statements; Ted is never one to shy away from a good fight. For those interested in the machinations of media moguls, especially in the 1990’s, you will be familiar with the rivalry between Rupert Murdoch and Ted Turner.

The rivalry came to a head not in the boardroom of Turner Broadcasting Systems or News Corp but on the water during the 1983 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Rupert Murdoch’s yacht collided and sank Ted Turner’s boat after which Ted challenged Rupert to a good old fashioned Fist fight. Rupert politely declined. However, this attitude to life, obstacles and challenges is a clear indication of Ted’s approach to life.

If Rupert Murdoch is a consummate deal maker then Ted Turner is a visionary. I would pay good money to see them in a boxing ring for the sheer entertainment and monetary value this would generate. Apart from the fact that Rupert or Ted at 81 and 73 respectively would probably have a heart attack. If these two icons of the Media World decided to work together on any project I would bet my last dollar in that venture. It is rare that we see such uniquely skilled yet polar opposite contemporaries in one lifetime.

In 1979 the idea that we, the audience, would be able to watch news unfold 24-hours a day was not a reality. One man, Ted, not only thought that it was possible but made it a reality on June 1st 1980. As usual, Ted Turner lived up to his nickname ‘Captain Courageous’ and took on the World with his US based Cable News Network (CNN). Today in the age of instant news and constant updates on Twitter no one in this generation would realise how truly revolutionary CNN was.

From taking over his father’s billboard company at the age of 24 Ted Turner grew his interests in Media with News Stations, TV Studios, Sports teams, World Wrestling Entertainment and Philanthropy foundations. From US$1 Million in revenue from his father’s business to an estimated fortune of US$3 Billion in 1997 Ted turned his vision into a reality. One could accuse Ted of making his billions by showing bad news 24-hours a day and making his fortune from other’s misfortunes.

CNN US truly came into its own during the 1986 Challenger disaster, which was only shown live by CNN. Every other station in the US showed the CNN live feed. The 1987 the Jessica Mclure saga, of an 18-month old who was rescued from down a well, again put CNN live in the minds of millions of Americans and audiences internationally watched the entire rescue effort. The biggest event, that also cost the lives of thousands of innocent American and Arab lives, the 1991 Gulf War, firmly established CNN as the go to media vehicle of choice. Estimates put the coverage of CNN, as well as the feed being played on other TV stations, at close to a billion viewers worldwide.

So was Ted just luck or was he a visionary who saw the future and made sure he was prepared to take on the unknown World that we know as the 21st century media reality. I think the fact that Ted Turner is reviled and loved in equal measure is almost a sure sign of genius in action. While Rupert Murdoch is just a media genius, Ted Turner’s vision goes beyond just controlling the world but making it a better place. Turner’s staggering US$1 Billion donation to the United Nation to create the United Nations Foundation that is making a different across social issues speaks volumes of the man. More than 1 billion volumes, and counting, to be exact.

Time to take the Rupert out of Fox

Posted: August 14, 2012 in Business, Media, Newspapers
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For all the protestations one cannot shake the feeling that everyone at Fox News Channel is as far right as you can get. Trying to watch five (5) hours of Fox News is truly an exercise in running a marathon on crushed glass. It is not that the quality of programming is bad, the presenters unqualified, or the production values are subpar. The issue is that FNC does not sit on the fence: you either hate it or love it.

To paraphrase a saying quite synonymous with Rupert Murdoch, ‘Give the Devil his due’, which in this case is that Fox News is considered the 2nd most trusted news network in the USA. What is most remarkable is that in 1985 the idea that a fourth Network in the USA was not possible or needed. Rupert Murdoch thought differently and developed a new network to compete directly with CBS, NBC, and ABC. For all its unabashed Right wing, conservative and Patriotic stance Fox News Channel is very highly rated.

While most observers cannot separate Rupert the media Mogul from FNC’s political bias, I believe that Rupert is beyond political leanings and right wing agenda. Rupert is first and foremost an ambitious and astute media-man. Note I did not say Newspaper man or Journalist. He is driven with being in control and giving the public what it wants. Rupert is impartial, morally ambiguous and pandering to the lowest common denominator: case in point the Page 3 topless girls in The Sun. But he also owns The Times in London and the Wall Street Journal bastions of old world respectable upper-class society.

Rupert is a consummate dealmaker and negotiator. When he wanted to grease the wheels in China so as to enable his Star TV network to get government backing he did what was necessary. His HarperCollins book publishing division was ordered to kill a book by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten. Chris Patten’s book East and West was going to be hostile to the Chinese regime and this did not sit well with Rupert’s ambitious plans for China. There is no love or political agenda here he believes that a potential market of 1 billion people is worth more than journalistic integrity. Most serious journalists would find it abominable, yes, Rupert can be criticised for being morally bankrupt but if there was more money to be made pandering to the far left then Fox News Channel would swing the other way.

Rupert wants to be in control but not necessary profitable. While the financial implications and profits will most likely drive the direction of Rupert Murdoch’s empire, it is control and the ability to reach the most people that will win out. Closer to home the Herald Sun panders to a very mainstream and entertainment hungry audience. This has led to the Herald Sun beating The Age into submission and the Herald Sun has the highest circulation and profits. On the other hand The Australian continues to lose money hand over fist, yet Rupert continues to hold on to the National newspaper.

The reason, in one word, control. The ability to influence political opinion in Canberra is what Rupert wants from The Australian. What political viewpoint will Rupert support: one that will enable him to have more control and political sway.

While FNC tries to convince us that FNC is Fair & Balanced there is no doubt the balance is tilted towards the Republican Right. But what of Rupert Murdoch, Is he the Fox in FNC? When we look across the pond (the Atlantic) to UK politics Rupert’s media holdings were said to support the conservative Margaret Thatcher and John major. But during Tony Blair’s campaign all of Rupert’s media outlets were neutral or supportive. I think this going with the flow is what Rupert stands for, backing winners or the most likely to win.

Rupert Murdoch can be accused of many things but being partisan and dictating the bent of the FNC cannot be one of them. He backs winners and is only partisan to his own agenda and interests. Unlike FNC I would watch Rupert Murdoch for five hours and be the better for it.