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Published on 03/23/1998 All articles from this issue

Speaker talks 'business of journalism' at Morning Forum

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By Marjorie Kellogg-Van Rheeden

Special to the Town Crier

Paul Solman, the witty commentator on Jim Lehrer's News Hour, served the Los Altos Morning Forum a banquet of easily digested economic, business and journalism facts during his March 17 appearance, liberally spiced with humor.

Before his first course of "The Business of Journalism," the former Harvard Business School professor encouraged audience participation. "How many watch the 'News Hour'?" he asked.

After an impressive show of hands, he quipped, "I hope this church doesn't get hit by a bomb, it will ruin our ratings."

He then asked, "Why do so few people watch economic and business news and why isn't there more in-depth coverage?"

"Economics is a dismal science," a man shouted.

Other comments were: "Journalists don't know what they are talking about." "They don't do their homework." "Deadlines." "Pressure."

Solman reminded the audience that these are not unique criticisms, and quoted Thomas Jefferson (1790) who said, "The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them, inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and arrogance."

He quoted de Tocqueville, who said in 1830, "The characteristics of the American journalists consist of an open and coarse appeal to the passions of his readers. He abandons his principles to assail the character of individuals, track them into private life and disclose all of their weaknesses and vices."

And Oscar Wilde, in 1900, said, "In the old days men had the rack. Now they have the press," Solman quoted.

He has studied economic and business news for 22 years, and has declined appearances on commercial TV. He pointed out that journalists in general are not well informed on these issues.

"Who watches business news?" Solman asked, then answered, "People with money. Why does it not appeal to everybody?" Audience responses were: "Because it is not sexy." "Not sensational." "It is difficult to understand."

Solman explained that TV news has become the same as entertainment - cheap and exciting. "Like Ed Bradley interviewing Willey on '60 Minutes'- He pre-interviewed, knew exactly what she was going to say and how to get a reaction.

"Sensational TV is in control. It brings high ratings that are drawn from a percentage of 1 million households."

Shows that pay for performers are costly so necessitate more ads. So why are news shows among the top 15-20?

"It is simple economy - time and money. Talk is cheaper than advertising," Solman said.

Morning Forum is a members-only lecture series held at the United Methodist Church of Los Altos. To get on a waiting list for membership, write to: Morning Forum, P.O. Box 274, Los Altos 94023-0274.