Mr. Magazine

The publisher emeritus of our local paper Mr. Jesse Phillips once told me that he refers to his paper The Oxford Eagle as “refrigerator journalism.” When I asked to elaborate he said, “You know as in all community newspapers our job is to reflect and record all what is happening in town. Your son scores a soccer goal; we take his picture and put it in the paper. You buy the paper, cut the picture out and put it on the fridge for all to see…” I thought back that this type of “refrigerator journalism” made great sense and it still does. The good community newspaper still covers all the activities of the kids in town and stills provide a printed forum for all those stories and pictures to be cut and taped to the fridge door.
The reason for this lengthy introduction is the recent increase that I have noticed in the number of magazine titles sprouting in different communities around the country sporting pictures of social events. Page after page of parties, social events, and charity balls, etc. which showcase the movers and shakers in towns all across the nation. From a small town the size of Oxford, Mississippi to a major metropolitan town the size of Las Vegas, Nevada magazines are being published to provide a printed record of all the activities taking place in town…the catch is that all these activities are aimed at the elite and the rich and famous. It sort of reminded me of the above talk with Mr. Phillips. These magazines are nothing but “refrigerated journalism” for adults to see and be seen. Just pick any town U.S.A. and you will see one of these magazines. In most cases they are distributed free and they give you a quick glimpse at the lifestyle of the elite of the town. To give credit where credit is due, the leader of this trend is Ocean Drive magazine that was started more than ten years ago and is still going strong. Who said imitation is not the best form of flattery.
By the way, a journalist recently asked me if I consider these publications journalism. I immediately said no, they are anything but journalism. Like gossip and celebrity publications they join the ranks of other media outlets, but for the life of me I cannot consider them journalism. To me journalism, true journalism, is everything and anything that have a direct impact on you, your life, your home, your money, your country, your world, etc…. you name it.