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Waypoint Writers Resign After Article Removals
Valens and colleagues leave after Savage Ventures orders deletion of articles on Steam's new policy.
The removal of key articles by Waypoint writers highlights tensions in gaming journalism.
Waypoint Writers Resign After Articles Taken Down Over Steam Policy
Following Steam's announcement of a new policy restricting adult content, two articles by reporter Ana Valens were removed from Waypoint at the request of Vice owner Savage Ventures. Valens documented the connection between the changes and the organization Collective Shout, which has campaigned against adult content in gaming. Upset by the decision, Valens and several Waypoint colleagues resigned. Valens stated that the articles had been approved for publication but were pulled without legal justification. The removals have raised concerns about editorial independence and the influence of corporate interests on journalism.
Key Takeaways
"Taking down articles is considered one of the cardinal sins of journalism at many outlets."
This underscores the gravity of the situation with the removals at Waypoint.
"I cannot stand by and watch [Valens] be censored for doing her job and doing it properly."
This reflects the frustration of colleagues reacting to the article removals.
"Savage Ventures had previously worried about how Waypoint articles covering sexual or political topics might affect the site’s performance on Google."
Valens' comment emphasizes corporate apprehensions impacting content.
"Underpaid writers, understaffed sites, and ownership that feels no allegiance to the work their sites produce is pretty much par for the course."
This critiques the current state of the media landscape where profit trumps quality journalism.
The recent resignations at Waypoint reveal deep-seated issues within the realms of gaming journalism, especially as links between ownership and threats to editorial integrity become more apparent. With new corporate structures emerging, writers often find themselves navigating a precarious landscape where commercial interests overshadow journalistic values. The loss of articles deemed too controversial speaks to a broader trend of self-censorship driven by fears of financial repercussions. This situation highlights the pressing need for stronger editorial support and clear boundaries between content and commerce in a changing media environment.
Highlights
- Censorship in gaming journalism endangers truthful reporting.
- Valens resigns, highlighting corporate control over editorial decisions.
- Editorial independence is a serious concern when profits dictate content.
- Amidst pressures, writers face tough choices in the media landscape.
Concerns Over Censorship and Editorial Integrity
The situation raises alarms about the influence of corporate interests on journalistic content, potentially stifling critical discussions.
The future of gaming journalism may hinge on how outlets support their writers amid increasing corporate oversight.
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