MacFarlane.
Scott MacFarlane is the latest journalist to leave a legacy news organization and hint he will soon begin working on his own. The former justice correspondent for CBS News is known for his tenacity, deep voice, and Murrow influenced delivery.
He announced last week on social media that he is leaving the network and that the decision was his. The distinction is important as CBS News muddles through a leadership change made last year that some insiders have complained is too heavily influenced by an editor in chief, eager to please the new ownership, and the Trump administration.
Quoting from his post MacFarlane said, “For the next phase of my career, I look forward to some independence and finding new spaces to share my work in line with my personal goals.”
How Much Is Too Much?
In the last few years there has been no shortage of former legacy media journalists who have struck out on their own using platforms like; You Tube, Substack, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and podcasting, to create their own niche audience. Often the new audiences surpass the size of the legacy supported audiences.
But in a recent podcast on this topic, a former MS NOW host asked whether there will be a tipping point at which it becomes impossible for consumers to keep up with all the talented people practicing independent journalism. It may be safe to argue we have already reached that point.
The next question is; does someone need to create a platform, or modern network of some kind, that makes it easier to access credible, reliable talent under one brand? Is there value in a single network(or competing networks) with recognizable standards?
Questions are being raised.
