We’re planning to issue a press release next Monday, concerning a matter we believe will attract considerable interest. We’re updating our database of media contacts, and so it was that I enquired of The Economist who their political editor is, and for that person’s email address. They informed me that it’s James Astill, and put me through to him. I explained to him who I am, said a few words about J4MB being the only political party in the world fighting for men’s human rights, and could I please have his email address, so I might email him the press release in question?
He asked what the matter was about. I said I couldn’t divulge that information in advance of the press release, but could I please have his email address, to ensure he received it? He responded contemptuously with the following, before hanging up:
To be honest, don’t bother. Thank you.
So much for journalistic curiosity in the mainstream media in 2014. It’s little wonder the press media is in terminal decline. I subscribed to The Economist for 25+ years and still buy it from time to time, but I shall never buy it again. I can always read it in my local library. Why should I contribute even in the smallest way to James Astill’s livelihood? The most I’m willing to do is contribute a new award for his mantelpiece, a well-deserved ‘Toady’:
