How Automobile Firms Bribe Journalists (Video) −

Do automobile 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 Firms Bribe Journalists,” Sam addressed the authorized ways in which automobile corporations reminiscent of Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Volkswagen, and others are capable of 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 typically.

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

“It truly is perhaps that these journalists aren’t truly evaluating apples to apples. Bribery and corruption within the media appear to be simply information of life at this level in historical past. And whereas many acknowledge that truth relating to politics, a number of 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 in opposition to Tesla in addition to EVs. He defined that the aim of this explicit 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 reminiscent of 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 income in its article about Elon Musk’s response to one of my CleanTechnica articles.

“’Whereas that’s not, for my part, against the law, it needs to 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 feel 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 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 an alternative of advocating for electrical automobiles and sustainability.

Nevertheless trivial it could appear, Sam identified that the automotive business offers the clearest view that he’s discovered in regards to the energy dynamic between large companies, authorities, lobbying, the media, and finally 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 aim. Identical to in life, there have to be one thing extra necessary than simply cash on the coronary heart of the enterprise or they’ll finally get misplaced in that pursuit.”

Tesla’s finish sport, not like 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 need to get up each morning all the things is only a downside? However what evokes you? What makes you excited in regards to the future? There’s acquired 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 so as to write a extra constructive evaluation of the vehicles. They’re frequently flown to fancy locations and put up in five-star accommodations and given costly meals all paid for by the automobile corporations in order that they’ll evaluation a brand new automobile.”

After I went to the 2 Tesla occasions (Plaid and AI Day), I needed to borrow cash from associates to pay for the flights. I used to be additionally fortunate to have associates 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 also needs to say that the Tesla neighborhood additionally helped my space throughout Hurricane Ida. I deliver this up as a result of transparency is necessary. Nevertheless, to repeat: Tesla hasn’t coated my flights, lodge stays, or the rest.

Elon Musk has been sort 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 pricey to him as effectively. However I don’t suppose this counts towards paying me to put in writing good issues.

I feel Sam’s video may be very informative and it’s a must-watch for everybody — particularly these of us writing about vehicles. Personally, I’ll take it as constructive suggestions with the intention of enhancing my very own writing and striving for equity. I admit I could be a little brutal in my honesty (particularly once I’m both captivated with one thing or actually indignant). Nevertheless, I’m human, too.