It’s a New York state of mind for us English folks when it comes to Journalism playing out in the fold and in the field in America. We can’t quite understand the passion for the project, and turn back to our rumination’s about a new Prime Minister – or the old one. The industry doesn’t land here as strongly as its setup in New York City.
Stateside, the respect is seen in ruptures. These form as staff leave or arguments explode. It happens onscreen and offscreen, as it does anywhere else, but it means a lot where the job matters. Mostly it has to involve the significant figures for it to be a cultural moment. It goes down as a lesson, but also as drama no one can really write.
The firing of Scott Pelley from the 60 Minutes program is a travesty that leaves debris in its wake. Pelley is much loved beyond the confines of a studio. He doesn’t need to explain himself. However, an interview with the New York Times made sense to him. Maybe it did – in the moment – but it’s unlikely to calm the situation in high Journalism.
He’s has his say, but his word isn’t golden. Many views exist. The startling downturn of events will be resolved. It’ll appear in print (and possibly fine print) in months and years to come. This is the way of office politics. The event happened. There are things to say. Events come. Seasons go. The issue is the future of it all in itself.