Comments on: Should journalist associations take sides in union issues?

By: When journalists become politicians – Fagstein

When journalists become politicians – Fagstein — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:54:41 +0000

[...] race for the leadership of the Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec, which is already being framed as unions vs. employers, is also causing a lot of journalists to campaign, and not just for themselves, like Nicolas [...]

By: Jim J.

Jim J. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:27:06 +0000

"Everything you read in newspapers is absolutely true, except for that rare story of which you happen to have first-hand knowledge." - Attributed to Erwin Knoll, former editor of The Progressive. This is funny, because on occasion, you do come across a story about which you have first-hand knowledge, and you'll find something incorrect in there. It might be inconsequential, or trivial, or a specific detail that doesn't really doesn't matter that much to the story...but then when you extrapolate that out, if the newspapers can't even get the small stuff correct, how are we suppose to have any faith that they actually get "the big stuff" right?

By: emdx

emdx — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Élection 2009 à la présidence de la Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec : Un candidat s'en prend à la «multiplication des blogueurs et autres «journalistes citoyens»
http://manuscritdepot.com/internet-litteraire/actualite.326.htm

What pomposity! What elitism!
Only those who are anointed knights of the information should be able to write publicly!!!!
It's funny, but I noticed one thing with journalists: they are absolutely the very extreme best experts in whatever they are talking about, except for the things I know best: computers, railroading and SCUBA diving… Strange, eh?

By: Fagstein

Fagstein — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:31:20 +0000

How is he not progressive?

By: Jim J.

Jim J. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:35:17 +0000

This argument is somewhat reminiscent of teachers' unions, - especially here in New York, but I think this works elsewhere also - who like to couch their arguments as being good for education and learning and ultimately benefitting students. This is pure dishonesty. Teachers' unions are interested in looking out for the interests of their membership. That some of what they propose or support may coincidentally be to the benefit of students, is immaterial. Making the analogy to this specific case, the FPJQ could display a little intellectual honesty and admit that they couldn't care less about a free press, as long as they get pleasant and generous union contracts. One has very little to do with the other, and most of the connection is incidental, at best. Unions are primarily interested in getting improvements (raises, better fringe benefits, more agreeable working horus, more generous time & leave policies, etc.) for their existing membership; secondarily, expanding their membership; third, in the face of cutbacks, preserving employment levels and existing contract provisions; and fourthly, and only after the first three conditions have been satisfied, then the union will start getting into niceties such as "education" and "a free press" and other abstract social policy goals.

By: Jean Naimard

Jean Naimard — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:26:10 +0000

Of course! Journalist association should take sides! They should side with the employers; after all, they’re those who pay them… (roll eyes)

Geee, the things we hear nowadays…

By: Maria Gatti

Maria Gatti — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:38:21 +0000

I'm disappointed about François Cardinal; always thought he was progressive.

By: I. Muvrini

I. Muvrini — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:43:22 +0000

How pathetic - journalists afraid of unions. Jesus....i guess it explains the sad state of the press in Quebec.