Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2010/08/10/John_Nichols_The_Death_and_Life_of_American_Journalism

John Nichols, political blogger for The Nation, divides modern news into two categories: traditional journalism and press releases. He explains that a majority of stories now come from the latter and, as a result, people are kept in the dark about issues that really matter. “Power has always spoken its truth, but now power is shouting,” says Nichols. “It is dominating our discourse.”

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In a time when thousands of newspapers are shedding staff, being closed, sold off or swallowed, John Nichols reasserts the importance of fierce and independent political journalism.

Nichols is a noted U.S. commentator who writes for The Nation and was a visiting guest at the 2010 Walkley Media Conference. He warns his Australian audience that the dip in quantity and quality of American television and print media could spread, if Australia fails to value the institutions and outlets that act as our critical “fourth estate.” – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

John Nichols is a noted U.S. commentator who writes for The Nation and was a visiting guest at the 2010 Walkley Media Conference.