The Unimaginably Awful Japanese Media

11/23/2009 by Peter Hart

The New York Times (11/21/09) describes Japan's elite "press clubs" as

a century-old, cartel-like arrangement in which reporters from major news media outlets are stationed inside government offices and enjoy close, constant access to officials. The system has long been criticized as antidemocratic by both foreign and Japanese analysts, who charge that it has produced a relatively spineless press that feels more accountable to its official sources than to the public. In their apparent reluctance to criticize the government, the critics say, the news media fail to serve as an effective check on authority.

The mind reels.

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15 Responses to “The Unimaginably Awful Japanese Media”

  1. Doug Latimer Says:

    The pot speaks ill of the kettle.

    Jesus, Mary and Joseph …

  2. Dr G Says:

    More hypocrisy from a country (U.S.) that has lost its ability for self reflection and critical thinking.

  3. The Unimaginably Awful Japanese Media - Fox News Watchdog Says:

    [...] The Unimaginably Awful Japanese Media [...]

  4. alfred joseph Says:

    Very few American journalist have the right to accuse anyone of being lapdogs. This is the same press that acts like a PR employee of the Defense and State departments on a moment's notice. They can't wait to beat the war drums for their masters. I give you the invasions of Grenada, Panama, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, etc… as examples. NOT a critical whimper or murmur. No, don't say a word about the Japanese journalists until you take care of your own house.

  5. Samuel Di Muzio Says:

    Vincenzo says, "Small brain…big blab". The NYT lost its integrity to the public 60 years ago. Blabbing about Japanese media is useless, childish and signs of insecurity.

  6. Peter Shaw Says:

    Judith Miller?

  7. Zainab Ghwari Says:

    *shudder*

    It's time someone reminds these guys that we too have brains… much to their dismay.

  8. Sarah McUmber-House Says:

    Seems there are no mirrors in NYT, and other US press restrooms, else the 'unimaginable' would look much more familiar.

  9. Bob Walton Says:

    The Japanese media make no secret of their arrangement while we…… well you know how it is.

  10. Doublespeak Says:

    That's precious. How could the Japanese be so backward.:)

  11. Dave S Says:

    Sound like the USA.

  12. lenny ruderman Says:

    people who live in paper houses should not throw stones!

  13. MP Says:

    Hilarious!

  14. November 2009 « Questionable Content Says:

    [...] http://www.fair.org/blog/2009/11/23/the-unimaginably-awful-japanese-media/ [...]

  15. The Unimaginably Awful Japanese Media, as described by the Unimaginably Awful New York Times [FAIR blog / Sweet and Sour Socialism Essential Archives] « Sweet & Sour Socialism 糖醋社会主义 Says:

    [...] Article link here [...]

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