Do automobile corporations bribe journalists, and if that’s the case, how precisely do they do that? In a video by Sam Alexander shared on YouTube titled “How Automotive Firms Bribe Journalists,” Sam addressed the authorized ways in which automobile corporations corresponding to Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Volkswagen, and others are in a position to bribe journalists for constructive protection. Sam famous that the one automaker that doesn’t play this sport is Tesla and he shared how this impacts the reporting on Tesla on the whole.
Sam opened his video about Tesla’s high quality management and requested if this was a respectable downside or one which automotive journalists are simply amplifying, because it’s not a good, apples-to-apples comparability.
“It really is perhaps that these journalists aren’t really evaluating apples to apples. Bribery and corruption within the media appear to be simply details of life at this level in historical past. And whereas many acknowledge that truth in the case of politics, a lot of individuals appear to consider it doesn’t stray out of the political world.”
Sam defined that he typically will get requested about why he calls out so many media shops for his or her clear and current biases towards Tesla in addition to EVs. He defined that the aim of this specific video ought to assist reply that query.
Lots of Tesla’s critics discover me on Twitter, by way of my private jewellery web site, or on different social websites corresponding to Instagram and sometimes accuse me of spreading Tesla propaganda. I personal one share of Tesla (needed to promote the opposite one), but even Benzinga made it appear as if I’m making substantial income in its article about Elon Musk’s response to considered one of my CleanTechnica articles.
“’Whereas that’s not, in my view, against the law, it ought to be famous that VW is a competitor to Tesla and Germany is VW’s territory. That apart, the larger problem is coal,’ Johnna Crider, who has private investments in Tesla, wrote for CleanTechnica.”
I feel it’s unfair what number of within the media have handled Tesla supporters, clients, and even different writers like myself who cowl Tesla pretty. And a few of the nuttier critics have even despatched me horrid messages on my private web site — all as a result of they actually hate Tesla. You’d suppose I used to be supporting an unpopular political candidate or one thing as a substitute of advocating for electrical automobiles and sustainability.
Nonetheless trivial it might appear, Sam identified that the automotive trade offers the clearest view that he’s discovered in regards to the energy dynamic between large firms, authorities, lobbying, the media, and in the end find out how to manipulate the patron.
“You possibly can consider it as a case research of types. A case research of how energy corrupts, and the pursuit of revenue maximization in any respect prices can’t be an organization’s finish purpose. Identical to in life, there should be one thing extra vital than simply cash on the coronary heart of the enterprise or they’ll finally get misplaced in that pursuit.”
Tesla’s finish sport, in contrast to lots of the automotive producers, isn’t revenue maximization in any respect prices. Tesla has been very vocal about its mission of accelerating the transition to sustainability. In August 2021, whereas he was at Giga Berlin, Elon Musk gave an inspiring message. He stated,
“Do you wish to get up each morning the whole lot is only a downside? However what evokes you? What makes you excited in regards to the future? There’s bought to be some issues like that.”
In his video, Sam touched upon the connection between media shops, and extra particularly for this video, auto journalists and their relationship with automotive producers.
“Automotive journalists are being paid with out technically being paid in an effort to write a extra constructive assessment of the automobiles. They’re frequently flown to fancy locations and put up in five-star lodges and given costly meals all paid for by the automobile corporations in order that they will assessment a brand new automobile.”
Once I went to the 2 Tesla occasions (Plaid and AI Day), I needed to borrow cash from buddies to pay for the flights. I used to be additionally fortunate to have buddies from the Tesla neighborhood within the space to assist me with locations to remain and attending to and from the occasions. It was the Tesla neighborhood who helped me from the kindness of their hearts. I must also say that the Tesla neighborhood additionally helped my space throughout Hurricane Ida. I carry this up as a result of transparency is vital. Nonetheless, to repeat: Tesla hasn’t lined my flights, lodge stays, or anything.
Elon Musk has been form to me up to now. He donated to charities in my state throughout Hurricane Laura. He’s additionally donated to different causes which are close to and expensive to him as properly. However I don’t suppose this counts towards paying me to write down good issues.
I feel Sam’s video could be very informative and it’s a must-watch for everybody — particularly these of us writing about automobiles. Personally, I’ll take it as constructive suggestions with the purpose of enhancing my very own writing and striving for equity. I admit I generally is a little brutal in my honesty (particularly after I’m both enthusiastic about one thing or actually indignant). Nonetheless, I’m human, too.