Category: Media Industry Author : Duncan Riley Posted: May 10, 2009
Tags : newspaper bailout, newspapers, obama, white house correspondents dinner, white house correspondents dinner 2009, white house correspondents dinner obama
In an otherwise mostly funny roast at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington DC Saturday evening (May 9), President Barack Obama ended on a serious note, pledging his undying support for journalists and specifically newspapers.
President Obama spoke about media job losses and changes in the industry, then quoted Jefferson, “if he had the choice between Government with newspapers or newspapers without Government, he’d choose the latter.” The gushing was perhaps understandable at a press function, but it’s what he said next that foretold of a newspaper bailout.
Obama told the crowd “Your ultimate success is essential to success of our democracy” before shortly saying “Government without a tough and vibrant media is not an option for the United States of America.”
The notable thing in context is that Obama primarily in the speech talks about newspapers, with other media outlets being mentioned second (collectively), or when making a joke (for example, noting that Jefferson hadn’t seen Cable News.) It would appear from the speech clearly that Obama holds the mainstream media, and particularly newspapers above online media. It is clear that when he talked about “tough and vibrant media” that he is referring to mainstream media, and newspapers in particular.
He concludes with the line that the problems in the media industry are “problems worth solving,” which sounds an awful lot like the final word that there’s going to be a newspaper bailout.
One interesting thing of note: as of early Sunday morning (US time) May 10, all MSM outlets have ignored the remarks: the tough and vibrant media are ignoring a virtual head job from the Commander and Chief of the United States, right before he’s going to pay a huge check for the privilege of having given it to begin with. Tough and vibrant media indeed.
From 12:45 in the video following:
![[Video] Google puts together clip of 2010′s most searched terms](http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2010/12/Screen-shot-2010-12-09-at-5.15.24-PM-100x100.png)
May 10, 2009
I admire his enthusiasm but you can't override the voice of the people.
Devoting more money to print media/newspapers won't change people's viewing habits.
I have not picked up a newspaper in 2 years. I can get whatever I want news-wise from my laptop in seconds. Free and convenient.
I would like to see an even balance between print/internet but the manner in which the news media has evolved has made any equilibrium and impossibility.
Ryan
May 10, 2009
His emphasis upon newspapers stemmed from the fact that he was invoking Thomas Jefferson–whose media outlets did not include online sources, cable news (as you yourself mention), etc.
I think President Obama's campaign proved his awareness of how powerful online media can be when that power is harnessed intelligently. But I also think he realizes that either as a viable industry, or as a symbol of free speech visibly circulating, many of the traditional media outlets should remain in place to support democracy.
May 10, 2009
haha someone sounds a little bitter
I think “angrykeyboarder” is right though. I watched the whole thing (on the Huffington Post website, ironically… they had it up first), and he seemed to be just giving them a head nod that it's tough times… I think his point was that media itself is important (FOX News excluded), but that newspapers have traditionally been the cornerstone of that.
He even mentioned that “things are changing” for newspapers, maybe indicating they need to get with the program.
–Kyle
Jun 18, 2009
Wow, once again it is amazing how many haters we have in this country. As far as the picture itself, (who cares). The fact that the staffer is such a hater she doesn't even reconize her hatred.
The staffer should not have the pleasure to represent the Tennessee government. And if she is still on the job then it is clear that the state of Tennessee is a bigoted state. Therefore I will take it of my bucket list of places to visit.
Jun 18, 2009
most people find this hilarious…. and for the record elizabeth, Thomas Jefferson said the only truth in newspapers were the advertisements.
Jun 18, 2009
Well PETA would just hate me!! I kill as many of those pesky little bastards as I can!!! I also kill mice, gophers and moles that get in my yard!!! oooohhh I am a terrible person! Not get a life PETA. maybe you need to focus on something else like actual people that are suffering that i my book are a lot more important than any insect!! My gosh i still can't believe they are making this big of a deal about it!