The National Press Club has decided to go forward with plans to feature controversial former “correspondent/escort” Jeff Gannon at a panel discussion on the topic of journalism and blogging, called “Who is a Journalist?”

Many bloggers, many journalists, and many blogger-journalists would rather not be represented by Gannon at this point. But, as Gannon might say, these whiners have “lost touch with reality.” The truth is, we’re moving into a new era where individuals, not organizations, will decide who is a journalist and who’s not. The days of Walter Cronkite telling us “the way it is” are long gone. For good or ill, there are people who would still read Gannon’s Talon News as the gospel truth each day if he were to resurrect it. So I respect the Press Club for not backing down on this one.

I do agree with those who say that Gannon should not have received White House press credentials. However, I say that based on the relatively small size of his Web audience, rather than his political views or sexual proclivities. Pick the journalists who reach the largest audiences — whether on air, in print or online.