Why?
Generally, the profession of newspaper journalism has a proud heritage of in-depth, interesting and fair coverage of news and events. Quality journalism has generally been supported by large circulation newspapers. These large circulation papers enjoyed large classified advertising revenue. This classified revenue was referred to as the “rivers of gold”.
Times are changing though. Classified advertising continues to move on-line and newspaper reader numbers are falling. To maintain readers and cut costs publishers are taking their brands and news on-line. However, it is hard to make money with many people reluctant to pay for on-line news. Therefore, publishers are cutting costs by reducing journalist numbers and sharing content among their newspapers.
There can be no doubt that the quality of journalism is declining. At the same time, in Australia media ownership remains very concentrated. Less quality and less choice in any market is unsustainable. Less quality and less choice in news and information can not be good. We all need access to objective and balanced news to form real world views and to make the decisions that impact our families, environment and communities.
I’m putting this web site forward because it allows the people of Geelong and District to own their news and information. No foreign mogul at the helm. No profit motive to assuage. Apart from the internet becoming more accessible in many respects; it also supports criticism, archival, searching and following news stories as they unfold over time.
You might point out that the internet is already brimming with blogs, social networks and some credible news sites; for example Wikinews.org. However, none of these serve the need of local communities for critical, objective and fair on-line local news coverage. What distinguishes this new platform is communities owning their news while replicating the high ethical and quality standards of traditional journalism.
As the self-appointed first editor, I ask that you help us, journal Geelong and District’s future.
What?
- The Pivotonian’ is not just another blog.
- The Pivotonian’ is critical, in-depth, objective and strives to be fair and balanced.
- The Pivotonian’ does not serve any Publisher’s business and political agendas.
- The Pivotonian’ has to neither please advertisers, nor appeal to the lowest common denominator.
- The Pivotonian’ does not try to do everything that newspapers now do. There’s a whole internet out there for TV, recipes, opinion, weather, horoscopes, AFL, classifieds, cartoons, puzzles and so on.
- Last and not least; The Pivotonian is not dull.
How?
- Focusing on Geelong and District means all reports can, and will, be critically scrutinised by the editor(s) and readers.
- Correspondents are volunteer members of the community who posses high level skills in clear written communication, critical thinking and researching. Correspondents must also comply with a Code of Conduct.
- Readers are encouraged to comment on reports. All comments will be moderated.
Alan McKenney, Editor.