Should you talk to the press?

A new trend of business leaders bypassing the press altogether.

Author

Clint Betts
August 13, 2024

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  • Dear Clint: Should you talk to the press?

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  • Why Tho?: The First Amendment

  • Must Read: Can you trust the press?

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QUESTION
Dear Clint,

I’m observing a growing trend in which companies are bypassing corporate media organizations entirely when launching a new product, announcing a fundraising event, or generally wanting to get the word out to the public.

Why do you think this is happening?

Sincerely,

Olivia

ANSWER
Dear Olivia,

Every company and leader needs to be able to connect with the public directly, without depending on traditional media. This isn't a judgment on the ethical or moral standards of corporate news organizations (which should be apparent by now), but it's essential for staying competitive and establishing a sustainable community and communication channels you can control.

Traditional media will tell you they’re undergoing significant changes due to technological advancements, evolving audience expectations, and the increasing decentralization of content creation and distribution. There’s a lot of truth to that. However, a big part of the industry's decline can be traced back to its stubborn refusal to adapt, take responsibility, or even acknowledge the trust it has lost.

The simple reality of how we consume information has led to a decline in journalistic standards, especially in fields like business and technology reporting. Complex issues are often oversimplified or misrepresented to fit a narrative that attracts more readers.

There are real and undeniable advantages to controlling your own narrative.

  • It empowers you to create content that reflects your company’s beliefs and expertise, rather than conforming to traditional editorial biases.

  • You will foster a stronger connection between your brand and your followers, leading to a more loyal and involved customer base.

  • Focusing on user-aligned content and leveraging technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, creates a more trustworthy, impactful, and sustainable means of communicating your story.

The future of traditional media will depend on how they adapt to decentralized and expert-driven sources of information. In the meantime, we should reconsider their role in society until they move away from sensationalism and towards more responsible, fact-based reporting.

A recent Munk Debate on this topic featured Malcolm Gladwell and Michelle Goldberg against Matt Taibbi and Douglas Murray. It's definitely worth watching.

Yours,

Clint Betts

Contact Clint

Phone: (385) 217-0670

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QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution was proposed by James Madison and ratified on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights. It undeniably stands as the cornerstone of American democracy.

The First Amendment's origins can be traced back to the Enlightenment era and English legal traditions. Thinkers like John Locke, as well as documents such as the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights, greatly influenced the framers' perspectives on individual rights and the limitations of government.

Key Points

  • During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the original Constitution's lack of explicit protections for individual liberties became a point of contention. Many states, concerned about a potentially overreaching federal government, insisted on a Bill of Rights as a condition for ratifying the Constitution.

  • James Madison, who was initially doubtful, became a key advocate and drafted the amendments that would form the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment, in particular, was crafted to ensure that Congress could not pass laws infringing on the basic freedoms that the framers considered essential to democracy.

  • The First Amendment has been the subject of extensive interpretation by the U.S. Supreme Court over the centuries. Landmark cases such as Schenck v. United States (1919), which introduced the “clear and present danger” test, and New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), which established protections for the press against libel claims, have shaped its application.

There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, “I don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.” To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: “If you don’t see the use of it, I certainly won’t let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.”

- G.K. Chesterton

MUST READ

Can you trust the press?

In a recent Racket News article, James Rushmore details how the federal government, the press, and academia coordinate on speech. This reporting is crucial because it exposes the extent to which these institutions, which are supposed to operate independently, may be collaborating to influence public discourse and suppress dissenting voices.

The report is based on documents obtained through FOIA requests. These documents demonstrate a level of cooperation that blurs the lines between independent watchdogs and government regulators.

The press has traditionally been seen as the fourth estate, a crucial check on government power. However, when the press engages in close coordination with the government, it raises concerns about its ability to hold the government accountable.

The involvement of academic institutions in this coordination is particularly concerning. Academic institutions are expected to be spaces for free inquiry and debate. When academic research is influenced by government agendas, it risks undermining the credibility of scholarly work and eroding public trust in academic findings.

By controlling the flow of information, these institutions can shape public opinion in ways that may not reflect the full spectrum of viewpoints.

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