Local journalism is no more local now. The news field is Pasadena, the wealthy city just outside Los Angeles, but instead of the local journalists it will probably be written by people from India. James Macpherson, editor and publisher of the Pasadena Now website after inserting an advert on Craigslist has hired couple of reporters last weekend from Mumbai and Bangalore. Both the new recruits will cover the Pasadena City Council and will the Mumbai reporter $12,000 a year while the Bangalore journalist will get $7,200 pa.
If you wonder without being physically present in news field how the reporters will write the report. Let me tell you that the council actually broadcasts its meetings on the web live. Sitting on other side of the globe, from nearly 9,000 miles away, the outsourced journalists from Bangalore and Mumbai will watch it and then will write their stories.
Can local journalism be the next big zing thing after outsourcing of manufacturing, technical support, airline reservations and tax preparation jobs.
James Macpherson, editor and publisher of the two-year-old website pasadenanow.com says "I think it could be a significant way to increase the quality of journalism on the local level without the expense that is a major problem for local publications, Whether you're at a desk in Pasadena or a desk in Mumbai, you're still just a phone call or email away from the interview.”
Bryce Nelson, a University of Southern California journalism professor and Pasadena resident said, "Nobody in their right mind would trust the reporting of people who not only don't know the institutions but aren't even there to witness the events and nuances. This is a truly sad picture of what American journalism could become."
To develop internet communities require deep pockets. This is an innovative way. Good luck James. I am building global financial Securities Portal www.gcronweb.com from Bangalore, India.
Posted by: Nidhi Devanur | May 13, 2007 4:28 AM | Permalink to Comment