In the article “working the fringes” by Brent Cunningham, he states that “the nation could use more “out there” journalism. The center has grown too complacent. The trick, of course, is to find creative ways of working the fringes and connecting the dots” (Cunningham para 6). He basically posits that journalism needs a new way forward by having a new attitude towards mainstream journalism. While this statement seems to be true in many ways, it makes one wonder whether the current journalism has lost its touch with objectivity and thus spiraled far from its roles.
Cunningham begins with an appraisal of reactive journalism on things that have happened. He applauds previous journalism for their laudable coverage on different useful aspects that keep the reader informed. In his analysis of the recent happenings in New Orleans, he states “Extensive coverage of the rebuilding of New Orleans is certainly something readers and viewers deserve” (Cunningham para 1). In my opinion, the arguments of Cunningham are quite true as it seems that current journalism is nothing close to an arbiter for positive national conversation.
Sections of this writing had me cheering in my head mainly because I could associate with the issues being discussed. Over the recent years, the norms of journalism are oppressing making it impossible for readers like me to obtain the much needed knowledge. I share the author’s sentiments when he explains that “the paper asks readers to digest long articles raising big questions, but then mostly drops the subject until the next big project” (Cunningham, Para 9). This argument supports my thoughts as I have come to the realization that a great number issues are simply sidelined after the emergence of another issue. As a student and employee, the recent peak in oil prices affected me to a great extent. I was definitely not well informed about this issue until it happened. Had the norms of journalism remained the same, I probably would not be in that predicament. I would have been more informed, and more prepared for such a drastic change.
Work Cited
Cunningham, Brent . "Working the fringes." Resilience. N.p., 17 Nov. 2005. Web. 2 Feb. 2014. <http://www.resilience.org/stories/2005-11-17/working-fringes>..
