.: U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

CBS News Seeks ‘Hip’ Environmental Reporter, No ‘Knowledge of Enviro Beat’ Necessary

November 30, 2007

Posted By Marc Morano – Marc_Morano@EPW.Senate.Gov – 3:03 PM ET

CBS News Seeks ‘Hip’ Environmental Reporter, No ‘Knowledge of Enviro Beat’ Necessary

The low bar set by CBS News for their reporting may have reached new depths. CBS News is seeking a reporter for its ‘eco beat’ who does not need any “knowledge of the enviro beat,” but must be “funny, irreverent and hip, oozing enthusiasm and creative energy,” according to a new job posting on JournalismJobs.com. The potential CBS News employee must also be “vibrant” and bring “a dash of humor to our coverage.”

Potential employees of CBS News are told that “responsibilities include reporting and hosting two to three news packages per week, plus daily writing for our blog,” according to the ad which expires on December 12. (LINK)

It is refreshing to hear an established news outlet finally admit publicly that being “hip” or “funny” is a greater asset than “knowledge” when it comes to environmental reporting. The discredited CBS News is still reeling from the Dan Rather years and appears to be continuing the current trend in the media to down play actual science in environmental reporting in favor of repeating a fluffy regurgitation of talking points from environmental special interest groups. (See list below for detailed recent examples of the media’s woeful environmental reporting.)

CBS News has once again exposed the reason why the establishment media continues to lose audience and influence to the New Media which includes the Internet, Talk Radio, and cable news.

Text of CBS News ad for “Vibrant Reporter/Host for Eco Beat":

Seeking Vibrant Reporter/Host for Eco Beat

Freelance

Negotiable salary

Ad expires December 12, 2007

CBS is expanding its coverage of the environment. We seek a talented reporter/host for Internet video broadcast. We are looking for smart, creative, hard working up and comers, who can bring great energy, creativity and a dash of humor to our coverage. A deep interest in the environment and sustainability issues will serve you well.

You are wicked smart, funny, irreverent and hip, oozing enthusiasm and creative energy. This position requires strong people, reporting, story telling and writing skills. Managing tight deadlines should be second nature. Knowledge of the enviro beat is a big plus, but not a requirement.

Responsibilities include reporting and hosting two to three news packages per week plus daily writing for our blog. You should be comfortable using a video camera and the Internet. Be prepared to see America. Heavy domestic travel.

Send resumes, cover letters and links to katzn@cbsnews.com or send DVD reels to:

Neil Katz CBS News

518 W57th Street

NY, NY 10019

# #

Sampling of recent woeful environmental reporting by the establishment media:

CBS News reporter compares global warming skeptics to be the equivalent of “Holocaust deniers.” – 2006

Scientists Counter AP Article Promoting Computer Model Climate Fears - September 24, 2007

Newsweek's Climate Editorial Screed Violates Basic Standards of Journalism - August 5, 2007

Media Covering Up UN Global Warming Report’s Political Agenda, Senator Inhofe Charges - January 31, 2007

“Hot & Cold Media Spin: A Challenge To Journalists Who Cover Global Warming” -September 25, 2006

ABCNEWS Climate Reporter: 'Scientists tell us civilization as we know it is over'