In their first Hoon of 2025, Bernard Hickey & Peter Bale chat with regular guests Cathrine Dyer on climate & Elaine Monaghan on geopolitics, along with guest Lucy Stewart on science reforms
"Journalisms job is to look out the window & see if it's raining or not" - Elaine Monaghan
I absolutely loved this analogy, though my initial instinct was to dismiss it as over simplification of journalism as a job(as a couch critic I assume it's not easy?). But what Elaine was talking about is the task required from journalism i.e.; find out if thing is true.
The part that may be complicated is the journey to get to the truth(not as simple as looking out the window), but the simple part of knowing what needs to be done should be universally recognized in all media.
This tendency for media/journalists to "both-sides" everything is a flaccid attempt to appear neutral.
If more journalists applied Elaine's analogy, their job will become way more clear even if the investigative aspect remains complex.
It was so cool hearing her perspective on politics & media, though I do appreciate Peters input, I liked the fact that he disagrees with them on some things but can recognize the merits in what they say. It was really interesting hearing all three of their perspectives.
I think Bernard is onto it when he talks about the individual journalists vs the organizations.
People trust the individuals more because they are seen as independent or more likely to be independent...though that is not always a guarantee.
I also appreciate journalists who are investigating/exploring things that no one else is. Bernard is really good at this & it's the fact that he is not "working for the man" so to speak that enables him to do this.
I particularly enjoyed the commentary regarding science and research. And yes, the thing about research is that you don’t know whether it will pan out when you start doing it. That’s why it requires investment. I didn’t realise that our current govt doesn’t appear to understand that.
"Journalisms job is to look out the window & see if it's raining or not" - Elaine Monaghan
I absolutely loved this analogy, though my initial instinct was to dismiss it as over simplification of journalism as a job(as a couch critic I assume it's not easy?). But what Elaine was talking about is the task required from journalism i.e.; find out if thing is true.
The part that may be complicated is the journey to get to the truth(not as simple as looking out the window), but the simple part of knowing what needs to be done should be universally recognized in all media.
This tendency for media/journalists to "both-sides" everything is a flaccid attempt to appear neutral.
If more journalists applied Elaine's analogy, their job will become way more clear even if the investigative aspect remains complex.
I agree with the person who said they wanted to hear more from Elaine and less from Peter - she is on the ground...give her more air time
Oh hell yeah!!!
It was so cool hearing her perspective on politics & media, though I do appreciate Peters input, I liked the fact that he disagrees with them on some things but can recognize the merits in what they say. It was really interesting hearing all three of their perspectives.
But yes, More Elaine please!
Sorry, another two cents from me...
I think Bernard is onto it when he talks about the individual journalists vs the organizations.
People trust the individuals more because they are seen as independent or more likely to be independent...though that is not always a guarantee.
I also appreciate journalists who are investigating/exploring things that no one else is. Bernard is really good at this & it's the fact that he is not "working for the man" so to speak that enables him to do this.
I particularly enjoyed the commentary regarding science and research. And yes, the thing about research is that you don’t know whether it will pan out when you start doing it. That’s why it requires investment. I didn’t realise that our current govt doesn’t appear to understand that.