I agree that journalism is defined by its purpose and not by the sum of its elements of craft. But it is also defined by its primary loyalties. Probably yes, but only if a loyalty oath is taken. As a former newspaper reporter and editor and a pilot, I find it disgusting to see the way so-called mainstream journalists cover aviation. They fail to see general aviation as a distinct community.
Families build businesses at small airports and send their children off to aviation colleges.
Aviation corporations buy each other out or go under. I've heard that the best thing a newspaper can do is act as an old friend to the community, meaning it isn't afraid to speak up when the community is on the wrong path. It's also there for the successes and the strange turns that life takes. As the publications arm of AOPA, we cover everything that affects our community. And as a nonprofit association, we do it freely, without worrying about pennies being squeezed by a multibillion-dollar corporation or being pressured to follow the latest sensational drama.