Serious newspapers have an obligation to deliver to readers news and commentary which is honestly arrived at and presented without fear or favour. This is the guiding principal of all good journalism.
One of the lesser discussed but, I believe equally important, ideals of journalism is the obligation for a publication to play a constructive role in the community it serves – to build up rather than pull down.
This also happens to be one of the guiding principles of Business News, which has always refused to accept the bogus proposition put about by many journalists that “good news doesn’t sell newspapers”.
Do these noble and aspirational pieties have a role to play in food and wine reporting? I believe they do. While criticism must serve the greater good – by enlivening debate, fighting for the paying customer, educating and explaining, and advocating for better standards and practices – it must also encourage and support the community of common interest it reports upon – in this case, the restaurant industry. It is often a difficult balancing act.
To provide a better balance to our Food & Wine coverage we’re expanding it to two pages with the express purpose of giving the restaurant community a voice and a promotional vehicle. All restaurants, hotels, cooking schools, winemakers and produce sellers are invited to send their news to this page. If you have photos to go with your media release or story, we’ll be happy to try to include them.
A new seasonal menu, the appointment of a new chef, the release of a new wine, the launch of a new food product, the promotion of a food or wine festival, publicity for a regional food event, even the odd bit of industry goss – these are the sort of items our new page could use. We are also encouraging Letters to the Editor (Food & Wine).
Rush your items to Food & Wine Editor, Business News, 26 John Street, Northbridge WA 6003 or fax us on 9227 6503.
