Watching media contortions — a sport for ex-journalists News media has always been stratified: Cream of the crop. Bottom of the barrel. Big in-between. Today there’s less cream and much more…
Tag: news (page 2)
Tools & Essence
Tools reflect technology. But essence is forever. There’s nothing special about it. Just another nondescript suburban parking garage in Rosslyn, Va. Lots of concrete and shadowy corners. It’s where “Deep Throat” met…
Jibber-Jabber
How to control media herd? Turn around the lead steer. You’re inundated by it every day. A flood of words, empty of meaning but designed to arouse emotions. Think of talking…
King, Ferryman, Shepherd
A firm hand, a clear eye, and unwavering decisiveness. In one school of Tibetan Buddhism, there are three paths for leading others to enlightenment: The King, who knows the ultimate truth and…
Beyond Belief
As the world changes, we adapt. If we fail, clients pay the price. Long ago in a classroom far away, an instructor gave an assignment to a group of fresh-eyed journalism students:…
No Mistakes & No Escape
Crisis PR in the digital age: No escaping tethers of smartphones & 24/7 news. To Einstein, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result was the definition…
The Underbelly of Finessing Reputation
“Can’t fool all the people all the time. But with the internet, you can get close.” Since time immemorial, there have been those who polished the reputations of others. Plato did it…
Half-Empty, Half-Full, No Compromise
Sad commentary on media & politics: Creeping partisanship. More paralysis. It’s interesting to watch how the media report the same story. Same facts. Different conclusions and emphasis. Disregard editorials and op-eds. They’re…
Felony Stupidity
Can this go wrong? Let me count the ways. If stupidity were a crime, our jails would be a lot more crowded than they are. Of course, we’re referring to things people…
The Timeless Machine
They’ve invested years building their reputation, and they won’t let it be frittered away. “After the battle comes the Quiet.” ~ HG Wells, The Time Machine Wells, a child of…