One of the criticisms I heard of Nick Davies 'Flat Earth News' during the dust-storm he kicked up last year, was that he made a cast iron case for falling standards in the media without using his experience and insight to offer practical solutions.
In truth, I would imagine that's because the time for solutions has long since passed. But perhaps Nick does have some high hopes for future generations after all. I was interested to receive an email from Nick last night telling me about his latest venture - a one day masterclass in association with David Leigh all about investigative journalism - that means finding actual news stories (possibly even without the use of a 'Fake Sheikh' outfit). It actually sounds great (do check it out)... I'm almost tempted myself.
Nick promises: "A masterclass for anyone who ever wanted to know how to bring down a government with a notebook. Two of Britain’s most experienced investigative reporters join forces to tell the tales and teach the tricks of their trade – for student journalists and veteran reporters; print and broadcast; local and national; media lawyers, teachers and academics..." (not PRs then? The course is a bargain £125 for the full day (or £25 for students) and even includes the promise of a skinful of free booze in the bar afterwards. Old school.
People even more cynical than me may question the value of training people to be sous-chefs when the industry's only interested in burger flippers but it's vital the principals of quality journalism are not lost to society for the times when they can still make a genuine difference. Hopefully Nick's masterclass will be the first of many successful sessions.
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