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High-End Media Strikes Back at 'Luxury Bashing'

High-end media strikes back at mass-market press

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 13, 2009 7:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Tired of watching its affluent readership attacked, upscale media outfits are striking back at their mainstream press brethren, Johnnie Roberts writes in Newsweek. Brett Andersen, editor of the high-end monthly Robb Report, had led the charge by blasting the “demonization of the wealthy and the industries that cater to them,” citing their economic, cultural, and intellectual contributions to society.

Among cash-strapped victims of the recession, “luxury bashing” has prevailed across the media landscape, Andersen charges: “All of the wealthy get lumped in with Madoff." One magazine expert praises Robb Report for defending the well-healed 3%, saying, "It takes guts in this day and age. But that's their bread and butter." Adds Roberts: "So you really can’t excuse the magazine for spreading it on thick.”

The current economic distress is exposing class tensions.
The current economic distress is exposing class tensions.   (Shutter Stock)
The current economic distress is exposing class tensions.
The current economic distress is exposing class tensions.   (Shutter Stock)
A Wall Street banker pauses for a chat on his cell phone.
A Wall Street banker pauses for a chat on his cell phone.   (Shutterstock)
Wealthy women schmooze with a few drinks.
Wealthy women schmooze with a few drinks.   (Shutterstock)
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There's a sense that coverage in many of the mainstream news outlets wasn't quite balanced. All of the wealthy get lumped in with Madoff. Anyone getting a bonus on Wall Street is regarded as dishonest. - Brett Andersen, the Robb Report

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
gilgordan
Jun 15, 2009 1:16 AM CDT
So if I understand the article, the differential between "Haves" and " Have Nots" is ok at $750 to $1 for amount of work produced for the Haves. And this is justified because..........................? Or is the answer "Greed", "Manipulation", Corruption of political system" or all of the above and more. This parrots more like Kings and Serfs!!!
JonmarkP
Jun 14, 2009 12:51 PM CDT
Surely you don't believe hard work and effort are the sources of today's wealth? That's so sweetly naive of you. Now take your pills, it's almost time for Rush.
JonmarkP
Jun 14, 2009 12:46 PM CDT
"Poverty is an anomaly to rich people; it is very difficult to make out why people who want dinner do not ring the bell" -- Walter Bagehot

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