How Automotive Firms Bribe Journalists (Video) −

Do automotive firms 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 automotive firms comparable to Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Volkswagen, and others are in a position to bribe journalists for optimistic 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 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 is perhaps that these journalists aren’t really evaluating apples to apples. Bribery and corruption within the media appear to be simply info of life at this level in historical past. And whereas many acknowledge that reality on the subject of politics, a lot of folks appear to imagine 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 retailers 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.

A lot of Tesla’s critics discover me on Twitter, by means of my private jewellery web site, or on different social websites comparable 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 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 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 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’ll assume I used to be supporting an unpopular political candidate or one thing as a substitute of advocating for electrical automobiles and sustainability.

Nevertheless trivial it could appear, Sam identified that the automotive trade 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 buyer.

“You’ll be able to 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 objective. Identical to in life, there should be one thing extra essential 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 stated,

“Do you wish to get up each morning all the things is only a drawback? However what evokes 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 retailers, 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 view to write a extra optimistic evaluate of the vehicles. They’re recurrently flown to fancy locations and put up in five-star motels and given costly meals all paid for by the automotive firms in order that they’ll evaluate a brand new automotive.”

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 deliver this up as a result of transparency is essential. Nevertheless, to repeat: Tesla hasn’t lined my flights, lodge stays, or anything.

Elon Musk has been sort to me prior to now. He donated to charities in my state throughout Hurricane Laura. He’s additionally donated to different causes which might be close to and pricey to him as effectively. However I don’t assume this counts towards paying me to jot 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 vehicles. 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 captivated with one thing or actually offended). Nevertheless, I’m human, too.