Independent journalists often uncover stories ignored by corporate media, allowing them freedom and creativity, while corporate journalists rely on networks and sources but face reporting constraints.

As someone who has actually worked and reported from several corporate newsrooms, both broadcast radio/tv and print, the independent journalist is not wrong.

Still, as an independent, they have the freedom to report what those in “management” aren’t always ready to greenlight, allowing the journalist to pursue it. What independent journalists can write is what is called enterprise reporting in corporate news, but we (they) have news directors, who have managing editors, who have general managers, who have boards to report to. They also have to vet those stories because freedom of the press belongs to the keeper, in this case, the network, affiliate, i.e., the corporation. And although the editorial department is supposed to have a wall or a floor that separates it from sales. Sometimes the sponsor/government can shut down a story.

That is the reality.

Also, let us not forget that we (they) have feeds—news content distribution services—like CBS NewsPath and CNN Newsource. Those feeds can pick up the story or just let it flounder. Newsource has picked up my little stories and broadcast them. But they were harmless stories, like towns requiring a license to trick-or-treat. (Such a simple time back then) So there are a lot of moving parts to get news into the mainstream. Oftentimes, I’d break news in the Ohio Valley (150th Market), then I’d pitch to AP News… and by the way, that outlet is available to everyone if they have facts to support their story.

All this to say, corporate journalists can and do see the patterns and the stories before the public. In fact, their network is by far more vast than many can think of, simply because their “sources” are better connected and informed but they need to tell someone in secret. Sadly, corporate journalists can’t tell anyone because they fear losing out on a valuable pipeline of information if they betray their source. Or sometimes, they just aren’t always free to report it. But when they can report it they will use rhetoric already in the public square (yes that could be considered plagiarism) … So if you, the independent journalists, see your words in someone else’s high profile newspaper or broadcast news platform, that’s a wink-and-a-nod to your good work. In this case, imitation is the highest form of flattery. It is why independent journalists, freelance journalists, and “whistleblowers” should be protected at all costs – because if they can break the story first, then corporate journalists can fill in the blanks. Still, that’s no excuse for not giving a hattip to the journalist who broke the story – even the Associated Press gives credit where credit is due. So there you have it, a little more to the story. Feel free to add on—credit to The Journey Man Marlon Weems for his inspiring article.

In response to Substack Article “When News Becomes News” by Marlon Weems