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The Plight of PJTV

Conor Friedersdorf and I disagree about a few things, but we do agree that there is something starkly disconcerting about PJTV’s online venture, something that speaks to an overall problem of conservative media. Heck, it speaks to a problem in the conservative “movement.”

I punctuate “movement” that way because conservatives have become less of a movement, and more of a demographic. As I noted in a piece I wrote for Culture11, there’s a strong tendency to market along ideological lines. For conservatives, the lines are far more established than, say, liberal lines, where all you have to do is talk about “fair trade” and “organics” and suddenly you got yourself the yuppie demographic. Conservatives are easier. All you have to do is say, “I’m conservative!” and you’re in. See also: Mitt “What socialized healthcare?” Romney.

This isn’t a problem for PJTV, particularly Malkin and Reynolds who are, I can’t emphasize this enough, admirable conservatives with important contributions. What is a problem is that being conservative is thought to be enough to get by in a harsh, and competitive, economic environment. I just mentioned Culture11 — which had marketed itself as a “conservative Slate” — but it’s not even in existence anymore. These be hard times, yo, but especially hard times for a venture to limit itself ideologically. If you’re going to do it, go the non-profit route, for heaven’s sakes.

It’s not that such ventures are “anti-intellectual,” as has been the favored tag. It’s really just that this approach is anti-ecumenical. Given that we have our own media structures now, we’ve stuck to where we’re most comfortable. If conservatives have any hope of regaining political dominance, it will be by converting others to our way of thinking, not by preaching to the choir.

View all comments (8) |

Pingback| 2.20.09 @ 5:17PM

Dodgeblogium » Trashing PJTV… links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…is able to defend PJTV on this foolish and defeatist post? How exactly do they expect the next generation of right of center types to learn their trade on camera? It so nice to see how the right eats its own. Here is a slightly more sober take on PJTV. The bitchiness surrounding PJM & PJTV borders on the pathetic. Surely the fact they are still going deserves some kudos? The left must just love to see this whole drama…

Pingback| 2.21.09 @ 11:14PM

The Enlightened Redneck » The Problem With PJTV links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…as adept at their medium as Rush, nor the production quality of actual cable television. There’s just Joe the Plumber as Washington correspondent, offering analysis of this quality.” J. Peter Friere: “If conservatives have any hope of regaining political dominance, it will be by converting others to our way of thinking, not by preaching to the choir.” Dave Weigel: “It’s really…

Jason Esposito| 2.22.09 @ 12:33AM

I agree. PJTV needs to get out and mingle a little. I can certainly sit around and watch talking heads talk as much as the next guy, but that seems to be defeating the purpose of having the television capability in the first place. There are some shows I question on PJTv as well. I mean exactly what is "Ask Dr. Helen" supposed to be providing to the conservtive movement? More misandry and gender conflict? I was going to pay to join PJTV, but after watching its free content decided against it. I really thought there would be more exciting fare coming. I thought wrong.

More Blog Posts by J.P. Freire

http://spectator.org/blog/2009/02/20/the-plight-of-pjtv

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