I think he is dead wrong. The news industry has no right to regulate us. And how many of todays big newspapers does he thing started out with teams of lawyers, editorial review boards, and a stable of reporters? He even goes out to layout the standards of news media today such as multiple sources on controversial stories and balanced reporting that takes in both sides. What a laugh. I say that the new media IS the balance to the old media. They just had their toys in their toy box for so long that they can't stand the competition.

Advocates argue that the acts of collecting and distributing makes
these people "journalists." This is like saying someone who carries a
scalpel is a "citizen surgeon" or someone who can read a law book is a
"citizen lawyer."

That is sickeningly arrogant and self serving. Most journalists seem to have the IQ of a goldfish.

Education, skill and standards are really what make people into trusted professionals.

The focus of this criticism would be more appropriate if directed toward the "legitimate" journalists. I'd guess the public's trust of these professionals has never been lower.

It all sucks.