By Michael Mandigo, Staff Writer
John Baer, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News, spoke about the ethical challenges of the fourth estate to a filled Stretansky Concert Hall on Oct. 29.
The fourth estate is defined as the unrecognized societal force which drives the government. In most cases this refers to the media, especially print journalism.
Baer came to Susquehanna to talk about the challenges facing journalism in today’s digital age as well as the challenges facing journalists’ credibility in today’s political climate.
“Who has time to focus on looming change ahead when your focus is today and tomorrow,” Baer said.
Baer stressed the importance of journalism in his lecture, stating it is crucial to civic discourse and stability as it is the only form of media which is not regulated by the government under the U.S. Constitution.
However, Baer mourns for his profession as it appears to be dying and in ways has failed its mission.
According to Baer, journalism has three tenets: one is to remain independent, two is to have loyalty to the readers and three is a firm and commitment to seeking.
The goal of these tenants is to get the public as close to the truth as possible.
Baer continued stating the new age of media has been a difficult time for journalism as there is very little distinction between forms of media.
With the rise of the internet and social media, news comes in almost instantly and journalism is attempting to keep up with this rapid market.
He stated that newspapers were not ready for the digital age. However, Baer believes it has resulted in journalism becoming too unfiltered and unchecked.
He connected the new age of media to the downfall of the newspaper stating that the number of employees in a newsroom since 2004 is down 45 percent.
He continued to talk about how newspapers have adapted to the changes in pace of the media: how newspapers select their stories and comment sections have been added for people to express their own views about the articles.
To Baer, the economic model of journalism conflicts with compelling storytelling.
Baer also talked about the lack of trust the public has with journalism in the new age of media.
He pointed out that only 25 percent of the U.S. population trusts journalism in America. Baer spoke about the “fake news” phenomenon especially in the wake of the 2016 election but has its problems.
“Journalism is not fake, but it is flawed,” Baer said not denying the issues with journalism.
“Instead of denying the media is producing bias information, he offered an explanation that it is a self-preservation tactic,” said sophomore Jack Wagner, commenting on the statement made by Baer.
Baer closed out with a plea to young journalists telling them it is time to step up.
The practice knows what is wrong with it and is trying effortlessly to try and solve its shortcomings; Baer believes journalism will be revitalized as many groups are forming partnerships with newspapers to keep journalism alive.
In 2002, Baer was tagged by the National Journal as one of the nation’s top 10 political journalists outside of Washington.
Baer is a graduate of St. Mary’s University in Maryland and holds a master’s degree from Temple University.
Baer’s work has appeared in the New York Times, New York Post, Washington Post, USA Today, The Nation, Newsweek, American Journalism Review, Columbia Journalism Review and many other publications.
Baer has also appeared on TV making appearances on the Fox News Network, CNN, CSPAN, and MSNBC.
Baer has won numerous awards including first place in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s 2018 Media Awards for commentary/ column-writing on issues of law and justice, the 2015 Benjamin Franklin Award for Excellence from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and the 2014 Common Cause Media Award for distinguished reporting on accountability in government.