The Awakening

The newspaper industry of the 21st century is not what it used to be. Most are owned by corporations which are profit-driven, and this is alot of difference from a community-owned newspaper. Advertising dollars are keeping the publication afloat, and paid susbcription is a risky undertaking given the free flow of information on the web. Electronic media and online pages are introduced to maintain readership numbers. Some newspaper in the US have reduced their staff numbers as a desperate cost-cutting measure. Corporations and their diverse portfolio sustain the publications, and shareholders are the ones behind corporations.

Yesterday, I was assigned a job, which involved photographing a group of rich businessmen who are looking at new ways to increase their wealth by investing in a new industry. Its a business story, my reporter and I got stuck in an expensive restaurant with these rich guy swho wanted to do the interview over lunch followed by the photoshoot. I was not too fond of the shark's fin soup and delicacies that cost them more than S$1000, an amount which Im trying very hard to save monthly.

I enjoyed listening to these businessmen making comments on politics, investing, shares and even making some deals over lunch. One of them turned out to be a shareholder of my company (Mr A). While another (Mr B) had a good look and feel of my bulky camera, Mr A commented "be careful with that, its part of my investment." His comment drew some laughter from the rest, but I think its a lousy joke, if it was even meant to be one. An arrogant comment which reflects certain perceptions that has already affected the jounalism industry.

The day at work ended with an argument with my bosses. Not very smooth-sailing indeed.