Here’s an editorial from W. Scott Westerman, III, president and general manager of my own life:
It’s easy to forget that almost all surviving entities which call themselves news organizations exist for the sole purpose of maximizing income and shareholder value. Rupert Murdoch was a guest speaker at one of my Harvard classes and said as much, when a fellow student asked him why he printed sensational innuendo in his Fleet Street newspapers. “Cash flow rules,” was his answer.
By the way, if you’ve ever been in Facebook Jail or received a nasty email from a social network alleging violation of “community standards,” know that the only motivator is potential regulatory scrutiny that might harm cash flow.
The maxim, “Every statement has a point of view. Challenge it,” is a good attitude to develop. Blind loyalty to those who foment fear, uncertainty and doubt got us where we are. Questioning every paradigm; especially our own, may be a good road back to sanity.
I welcome contrasting points of view.
