Pointless or A Privilege? - Pilger and Paxman on Journalism

Veteran journalist and documentary maker John Pilger told The Observer that he sees journalism as 'a great privilege, in which the journalist is allowed into people's lives and trusted to go away and tell their stories.'

Meanwhile chief BBC Newsnight inquisitor Jeremy Paxman told The Independent on Sunday that he sees the media as 'underpaid and oversubscribed,' adding: 'What is the point of pursuing a career in the media?'

Surely Paxman's famous cynicism could have taken a back seat for a moment to allow him a minute to think of a witty or inspiring comment that might encourage journalism graduates on their quest?

As someone who regularly holds politicians to account in front of thousands of viewers, one would have hoped he could have come up with one or two reasons why investigative journalism in particular needs all the apprentices it can muster.

Well argued, genuinely interesting stories that challenge the establishment and the status quo now and then are needed more than ever before, as we try not to slip under the wheels of the juggernaut of globalisation, which we are forever being told is 'unstoppable.'


'It's all about bucks kid, and the rest is just conversation.' - Gordon Gekko in Oliver Stone's film, Wall Street.