How Automobile Corporations Bribe Journalists (Video) −

Do automotive corporations bribe journalists, and in that case, how precisely do they do that? In a video by Sam Alexander shared on YouTube titled “How Automobile Corporations Bribe Journalists,” Sam addressed the authorized ways in which automotive corporations corresponding to Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Volkswagen, and others are capable of bribe journalists for optimistic protection. Sam famous that the one automaker that doesn’t play this recreation is Tesla and he shared how this impacts the reporting on Tesla basically.

Sam opened his video about Tesla’s high quality management and requested if this was a professional drawback or one which automotive journalists are simply amplifying, because it’s not a good, apples-to-apples comparability.

“It really could be 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 terms of politics, numerous individuals appear to consider it doesn’t stray out of the political world.”

Sam defined that he usually 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 explicit video ought to assist reply that query.

A lot 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 infrequently 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 earnings in its article about Elon Musk’s response to one of my CleanTechnica articles.

“’Whereas that’s not, in my view, against the law, it must be famous that VW is a competitor to Tesla and Germany is VW’s territory. That apart, the larger subject is coal,’ Johnna Crider, who has private investments in Tesla, wrote for CleanTechnica.”

I believe it’s unfair what number of within the media have handled Tesla supporters, prospects, and even different writers like myself who cowl Tesla pretty. And a number 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’ll suppose I used to be supporting an unpopular political candidate or one thing as a substitute of advocating for electrical autos and sustainability.

Nonetheless trivial it might appear, Sam identified that the automotive business offers the clearest view that he’s discovered in regards to the energy dynamic between huge companies, authorities, lobbying, the media, and in the end the way to manipulate the patron.

“You may consider it as a case examine of types. A case examine of how energy corrupts, and the pursuit of revenue maximization in any respect prices can’t be an organization’s finish aim. Identical to in life, there have to be one thing extra vital than simply cash on the coronary heart of the enterprise or they’ll ultimately get misplaced in that pursuit.”

Tesla’s finish recreation, 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 mentioned,

“Do you wish to get up each morning all the things is only a drawback? However what conjures up you? What makes you excited in regards to the future? There’s received 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 with a purpose to write a extra optimistic evaluation of the automobiles. They’re repeatedly flown to fancy locations and put up in five-star motels and given costly meals all paid for by the automotive corporations in order that they’ll evaluation a brand new automotive.”

Once I went to the 2 Tesla occasions (Plaid and AI Day), I needed to borrow cash from pals to pay for the flights. I used to be additionally fortunate to have pals from the Tesla group within the space to assist me with locations to remain and attending to and from the occasions. It was the Tesla group who helped me from the kindness of their hearts. I must also say that the Tesla group 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, resort stays, or the rest.

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 effectively. However I don’t suppose this counts towards paying me to write down good issues.

I believe Sam’s video may 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 intention of bettering my very own writing and striving for equity. I admit I is usually a little brutal in my honesty (particularly once I’m both captivated with one thing or actually indignant). Nonetheless, I’m human, too.