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Journalism
Thirty years ago, very few journalists had a chance to become millionaires. But today, even as ordinary journalists find it harder to make a living, the very top journalists can land huge book deals and command big bucks on the lecture circuit. They can also attain something equally alluring: media stardom. Maybe it's just coincidence, but as the financial rewards have become more lucrative, and the star system has become more entrenched, journalism fraud seems to have risen. More disturbing is the trend of corrupt journalists getting caught red-handed, and still making money off their deceit.
Key Scandals
Jayson Blair has signed a book deal with the Los Angeles publishing firm New Millenium Press. Blair is receiving a mid-six six figure advance for Burning Down My Master's House: My Life at The New York Times due out March 9, 2004 with an initial printing of 250,000 copies. Links to a range of articles analyzing Blair's deceit of The New York Times, as well as his subsequent success in cashing in on his record of lies.
Before there was Jayson Blair, there was Stephen Glass. Read about Glass's history of perfidy and his six-figure reward for being disgraced.
At least a half-dozen other high-profile journalists have been embroiled in ethics flaps in the past few years. Like Blair and Glass, some have cashed in handily on their deceits.
What Ails Journalism?
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Poll: Most journalists believe bottom-line pressures are damaging their profession. |
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Poll: Journalists see entertainment and sensationalism crowding out news in the public interest. |
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Research: Quality and the bottom-line can go hand and hand -- in theory, anyway. |
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While star journalists become millionaires, merely average journalists get by on low pay. Link here to study on journalist pay. |
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National Writers Union: Pay for freelance journalists has declined in real terms. |
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