Rupert Murdoch’s speech to the US Federal Trade Commission was very enlightening. He proposed three prominent points that need to happen in order for journalism to survive in the 21st century. They are:

First, media companies must deliver the news media consumers want – and do it in the ways that best fit their lifestyles. That means we must innovate like never before.

Second, we need to do a better job of persuading consumers that high-quality, reliable news and information does not come free. Good journalism is an expensive commodity.

Finally, the government needs to clear the path for companies to invest and innovate – by reducing unnecessary regulation and eliminating obstacles to growth and investment.

The speech also featured some very striking yet truthful statements that make perfect relevance to journalism and the changing landscape of the industry.

Statements that I feel made Murdoch’s speech strong and empowering.

1.Without content to transmit, all our flat-screen TVs, computers, cell phones, i-Phones and blackberries, would be blank slates.

2.They [representatives of 13 former British colonies] understood that an informed citizenry requires news that is independent from government. That is one reason they put the First Amendment first.

3.Whether the newspaper of the future is delivered with electrons or dead trees is ultimately not that important.

Photo:http://www.ngonlinenews.com/media/media-news/news-thumb/091109/murdoch.jpg