Walkley Foundation launches first public campaign in 60-year history to ask: ‘What price would you pay’ for quality journalism?
The Walkley Foundation has launched a public campaign for the first time in its 60-year history to ask Australians ‘What price would you pay?’ for quality journalism.
Journalists such as Kate McClymont, Adele Ferguson, Hugh Riminton, Louise Milligan and Hedley Thomas are the faces of the ad, which was created in partnership with the now-defunct Naked Communications on a pro bono basis. More than 15 media outlets also donated media placement for the campaign, which will roll out in the coming weeks across TV, print, online and out of home.
I don’t think most people would baulk at paying something towards the cost of good journalism, but the subscription model is weirdly outdated. For example, it used to be that even though you just wanted a $3 cup of coffee you had to spend, say, a minimum of $15 in order to pay with your credit/debit card, whereas now you can use it to pay just the $3. The media should be just as flexible – offer readers/viewers the options to pay per article view, or pay for a week/month/year’s access with rates/add-ons that reward a longer commitment, or even nominate the amount they’re comfortable paying for a basic news subscription. Given the growing number of people accessing their news online and therefore able to make an instant payment, this flexible model would seem a bit of a no-brainer.
Correct me if I’m wrong but they’re all white and able-bodied journalists. It certainly says something about the lack of diversity in Australian media. I’ll happily pay when the news better reflects our nation.
Good journalism doesn’t care what gender, colour or ability level you are. It’s having the guts to put yourself on the line to bring the truth to light. If that’s not worth paying for, the future looks bleak.
Include good photo journalists.. good reporting should include a balance of good news stories as well as the hard and invitigative stories.