Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 144 Document Number: C22545
Notes:
Published in a column, "The Final Word," from Food Routes Network, Millheim, Pennsylvania. Issue 45. 2 pages., Author reports on consolidation of farm periodicals, with resulting cutbacks in editorial staffing and in local coverage. Describes financial pressures that lead to more use of free-lance writers that often write for ag publications and ag public relations agencies simultaneously. "But the divided loyalties often yield stories that resemble corporate press releases more than journalism." Cites an example from his experience as a free-lance writer.
Reports that focus group research among farm readers shows they want information that is not a commercial on the editorial pages they read. "Isn't it strange? The very credibility these folks crave is the first thing to disappear when publishers agree to relax their standards."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 171 Document Number: C28822
Notes:
Via "Media Watch" online. 5 pages., "Media Watch" commentator criticizes Queensland Country Life farm paper for "non-journalism" - printing news releases as if they were reported stories. Shows examples.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 171 Document Number: C28821
Notes:
Via Agmates online. 3 pages., Author and follow-up commentators respond to criticism of the Queensland Country Life periodical by ABC Media Watch for "churning out press releases as if they were real journalism."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 144 Document Number: C22547
Notes:
Memo. 2 pages., Offers historical perspectives and experiences that relate to his concern about the extent of advertiser pressure on editors of farm periodicals.
