For as long as there has been a field of journalism, there has been struggle with the degree to which journalists must work to assure the facts they report are truths. There are two keys to ethical reporting, both of which journalists must work diligently toward so that their articles reach the greatest level of clarity; truth in fact and lack of bias.
Tools developed in the Information Age have enabled journalists to go to lengths previously unfathomable to assure that the words reported are accurate. Services, such as those provided by Politifact, are being used by politically geared shows that feature politicians. This shows that a new era of accountability and transparency for civil servants is coming. This greatly augments journalists’ efforts to present information that the public is able to consume and understand, pointing to what could be seen as a greater picture of any given subject's public comments. Painting this bigger picture for the audience is required of journalists, as the information presented through media outlets is a prominent source of information on current events for a significant portion of Americans.
David Gregory’s refusal to feature such a tool on his program is a sad example of the denial of such duties. It is a shining example of how journalists are required to adapt to the emergence of new technologies.
Although the present situation requires adaptation from journalists to the economic downturn of the newspaper industry, there are traditions of clarity and lack of bias that must be met, not only so that the information presented in articles is the most accurate, but also so that the reputation of the outlet can be maintained. In short, not all adaptation is beneficial.
The New Jersey Devils' employment of Eric Marin to write sports pieces about the team in Gannett's New Jersey newspapers is an example of adaptation that threatens to damage the reputation of Gannett newspapers. Though it may prove to be cost-effective for the paper, there is a solid line beyond which journalism must not tread. Receiving a pay check from the subjects one is required to write accurate, unbiased stories about is a cut and dry case of conflict of interest.
An adaptation that may prove to either benefit or derail the pursuit of accurate and unbiased coverage is the movement of independent journalists that are backed by private interests in a non-profit company. While this advancement may loosen the grasp of the oligarchic power of the media, it may also drive entrepreneurial interests to attempt to create a story that those same powers are willing to run.
No matter what the innovation, the time-tested traditions that ensure the accurate and unbiased reporting of news outlets must be honored and held in the highest esteem. New technologies and economical structures in the face of adversity must be thoroughly inspected and their effect on those traditions appraised fully, so that journalists may adhere to these two greatest tenets of the industry to the best of their abilities.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Multimedia Assignment
I chose this article, this article, which had a separate link to a video next to the story headline and this article.
The first article, found on the USA Today website really uses multimedia ideas to the advantage of the consumer. There is a detailed article written beneath a collection of pictures that a reader can click through, which are presented as a time line of the financial meltdown and captioned with blurbs plotting the biggest pieces of the puzzle in the years the pictures represent.
Essentially, this approach to the use of pictures allows a reader to browse through the pictures to get a sense of the background information on which the article is based. The slide show is looking to the past, while the article discusses the present and looks ahead. This article really uses multimedia ideas to their fullest potential and I would use this method when discussing complex subjects that have unfolded over years.
The article on Fox News has a really inefficient approach to the implementation of multimedia techniques. Just the fact that the video and the article are two different links on the home page, and the video is not even linked in the full article really discourage readers to attempt to use both facets of the news coverage.
They do use the video to get a more emotional aspect of the story, since the interview is from a person on the board who obviously feels strongly about the article, but that makes the article redundant and unnecessary if a reader has already seen the video. Aside from the inherent benefits of using video (faster consumption of news, etc.) this multimedia presentation is ineffective and lazy.
The article on The Washington Post makes good use of a slide show as it discusses violent tension in Jamaica. The written article does well discussing the who, what, when, where, why and how of the situation and the slide show, which is posted right next to the text, shows clear pictures of the trauma which can be difficult to communicate through words.
Overall, this is a pretty generic use of multimedia. While the slide show adds to the reality of the events described, it does little to convey quick and important information to the reader.
The first article, found on the USA Today website really uses multimedia ideas to the advantage of the consumer. There is a detailed article written beneath a collection of pictures that a reader can click through, which are presented as a time line of the financial meltdown and captioned with blurbs plotting the biggest pieces of the puzzle in the years the pictures represent.
Essentially, this approach to the use of pictures allows a reader to browse through the pictures to get a sense of the background information on which the article is based. The slide show is looking to the past, while the article discusses the present and looks ahead. This article really uses multimedia ideas to their fullest potential and I would use this method when discussing complex subjects that have unfolded over years.
The article on Fox News has a really inefficient approach to the implementation of multimedia techniques. Just the fact that the video and the article are two different links on the home page, and the video is not even linked in the full article really discourage readers to attempt to use both facets of the news coverage.
They do use the video to get a more emotional aspect of the story, since the interview is from a person on the board who obviously feels strongly about the article, but that makes the article redundant and unnecessary if a reader has already seen the video. Aside from the inherent benefits of using video (faster consumption of news, etc.) this multimedia presentation is ineffective and lazy.
The article on The Washington Post makes good use of a slide show as it discusses violent tension in Jamaica. The written article does well discussing the who, what, when, where, why and how of the situation and the slide show, which is posted right next to the text, shows clear pictures of the trauma which can be difficult to communicate through words.
Overall, this is a pretty generic use of multimedia. While the slide show adds to the reality of the events described, it does little to convey quick and important information to the reader.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Final Project Outline
I am profiling drag entertainer Steven Dunn, who performs under the stage name Alexis Stevens.
Thus far, I scheduled my first interview with Steven for May 15, but it had to be rescheduled for May 17 at 4pm due to work issues.
Other sources that Steven has indicated I should interview would be his brother Dennis and a couple of her friends in the drag world. I'm going to get contact information and orient questions based on my first interview with Steven.
Questions I plan to ask Steven:
1. Name
2. Age
3. What do you do for a living?
4. What drew you to that line of work?
5. Where did you grow up?
6. Why did you decide to become a drag queen?
7. When did you realize that drag was something you were interested in?
8. Was drag something that had to hide from your family?
9. What was it like, starting out in the drag world?
10. How have you attained the level of success that you have in the drag world?
11. What are your plans/dreams with Alexis? What does it mean to be successful as a drag star?
12. How is Alexis Stevens part of your personality?
13. How is Alexis completely different than you?
14. What can you do/be as Alexis that you cannot reach as Steven?
15. When you perform, do you become Alexis Stevens, or are you just Steven at work?
16. How long does it take to get into full drag?
17. What does it mean to you, seeing yourself transform slowly into someone completely different?
*Multimedia*
Alexis maintains a very active Facebook page, which includes over 1,000 pictures of her in drag, and a couple out of drag. Facebook's tag feature has allowed me to see the profile of Stevens' fellow drag performers, and a lot of fans write on her profile, etc. Her status updates on Facebook and Twitter also have given me information for my interview with Alexis today. She participated in a charity event to raise money for breast cancer, which is an excellent segue into what she hopes to accomplish through her drag career.
Thus far, I scheduled my first interview with Steven for May 15, but it had to be rescheduled for May 17 at 4pm due to work issues.
Other sources that Steven has indicated I should interview would be his brother Dennis and a couple of her friends in the drag world. I'm going to get contact information and orient questions based on my first interview with Steven.
Questions I plan to ask Steven:
1. Name
2. Age
3. What do you do for a living?
4. What drew you to that line of work?
5. Where did you grow up?
6. Why did you decide to become a drag queen?
7. When did you realize that drag was something you were interested in?
8. Was drag something that had to hide from your family?
9. What was it like, starting out in the drag world?
10. How have you attained the level of success that you have in the drag world?
11. What are your plans/dreams with Alexis? What does it mean to be successful as a drag star?
12. How is Alexis Stevens part of your personality?
13. How is Alexis completely different than you?
14. What can you do/be as Alexis that you cannot reach as Steven?
15. When you perform, do you become Alexis Stevens, or are you just Steven at work?
16. How long does it take to get into full drag?
17. What does it mean to you, seeing yourself transform slowly into someone completely different?
*Multimedia*
Alexis maintains a very active Facebook page, which includes over 1,000 pictures of her in drag, and a couple out of drag. Facebook's tag feature has allowed me to see the profile of Stevens' fellow drag performers, and a lot of fans write on her profile, etc. Her status updates on Facebook and Twitter also have given me information for my interview with Alexis today. She participated in a charity event to raise money for breast cancer, which is an excellent segue into what she hopes to accomplish through her drag career.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Obama on Oil Spill, NYC incident assignment
Slug: Obama- Gulf, Times Square
Short Headline: Obama speaks about Gulf disaster, failed car bombing
Long Headline: President Obama discusses 'potentially unprecedented environmental disaster' and Times Square incident
President Barack Obama spoke to a crowd of reporters Wednesday, addressing the disastrous oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and the failed car bombing in Times Square.
Obama called the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico a "massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster" and assured that local, state and federal governments have launched an "all-hands-on-deck, relentless response" to the crisis.
Obama also stated British Petroleum, the company that owned the damaged oil rig, was to blame for the enormous disaster in the gulf.
"Let me be clear: BP is responsible for the leak; BP will be paying the bill," he said.
In the case of the failed car bombing in Times Square which was reported Saturday, it is still unclear who is to blame.
Obama commended the response of the New York City fire and police departments, as well as the FBI and involved citizens for their collective response to the situation and assured an effective response from the government.
"We're going to do what's necessary to protect the American people, to determine who is behind this potentially deadly act, and to see that justice is done," he said.
There has been no arrest made, but police discovered a potential suspect when surveillance videos showing a middle-aged white male changing acting suspiciously in the area were reviewed.
Short Headline: Obama speaks about Gulf disaster, failed car bombing
Long Headline: President Obama discusses 'potentially unprecedented environmental disaster' and Times Square incident
President Barack Obama spoke to a crowd of reporters Wednesday, addressing the disastrous oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and the failed car bombing in Times Square.
Obama called the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico a "massive and potentially unprecedented environmental disaster" and assured that local, state and federal governments have launched an "all-hands-on-deck, relentless response" to the crisis.
Obama also stated British Petroleum, the company that owned the damaged oil rig, was to blame for the enormous disaster in the gulf.
"Let me be clear: BP is responsible for the leak; BP will be paying the bill," he said.
In the case of the failed car bombing in Times Square which was reported Saturday, it is still unclear who is to blame.
Obama commended the response of the New York City fire and police departments, as well as the FBI and involved citizens for their collective response to the situation and assured an effective response from the government.
"We're going to do what's necessary to protect the American people, to determine who is behind this potentially deadly act, and to see that justice is done," he said.
There has been no arrest made, but police discovered a potential suspect when surveillance videos showing a middle-aged white male changing acting suspiciously in the area were reviewed.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Broadcast Assignment
Federal officials have joined the investigation of a potential car bombing in Times Square in New York City, which was reported to police Saturday evening. A T-shirt vendor reported the vehicle, a dark [NEE-sawn] Path-finder, at about 6:30 in the evening when it started to smoke. According to Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, investigators found three propane tanks, consumer-grade fireworks and two full 5-gallon gasoline containers, among other components.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg called the set-up "amateur-ish" but also noted how easily the situation might have turned deadly. No one was hurt in the incident and police have not yet made arrests.
In sports news, Super Saver raced to victory through the muck and mud of the 136th annual Kentucky Derby on Saturday, marking the third Derby win in four years for jockey Calvin [BORE-el].
Super Saver's trainer, Todd Pletcher, may have more reason to celebrate, as this marks his firts Kentucky Derby win in a long time despite running 24 horses through the Derby in the last decade.
Comic book fans also have something to celebrate, as today is Free Comic Book Day. The event began in 2002 when comic book retailer Joe Field was inspired by "Free Scoop" night at Baskin Robbins, a national ice cream chain. Customers may go to any participating comic book store and select five free comics from the thousands of titles available.
Today may prove an excellent day for comic books and ice cream. People in Columbus can expect a high of 78 degrees, mostly sunny with only a 20 percent chance of precipitation.
Things are warming up on television as well. Matt Stone and [TRAY] Parker, the duo that created the controversial animated show South Park, have gotten heat for their facetious depiction of the prophet Mohammed on the show's 200th episode. Have they gone too far? It is reminiscent of the controversy in 2006 when a Danish cartoonist released a depiction of the Islamic prophet which resulted in riots and several deaths. Though free speech is an important right, there is a line to draw between what is constructive and what is antagonistic. In a world where such devilish rhetoric may cause riots and death, people should not shy from saying what they feel they must say, but Parker and Stone, among others, must choose their words and actions more responsibly.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
NewsNow Deadline Assignment
Washingtonians Fear Job Loss
Survey shows almost one-third of Washingtonians fear job loss
Job security a big concern for Washington residents
Almost one-third of Washington state residents are afraid of losing their job, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Everest College.
The Second Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey reported fears of job loss, which plagued 29 percent of workers, and also reported that 63 percent of those that have jobs suffer from some sort of workplace anxiety.
Anxiety over job loss ran higher among those in lower income brackets, with 37 percent of those who make household incomes of less than $40,000 reporting a lack of job security while only 18 percent of those who make household incomes of more than $80,000 reported anxiety.
Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development at Everest College says such a high anxiety over job loss is "understandable" in light of the embattled state economy.
Survey shows almost one-third of Washingtonians fear job loss
Job security a big concern for Washington residents
Almost one-third of Washington state residents are afraid of losing their job, according to a survey conducted on behalf of Everest College.
The Second Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey reported fears of job loss, which plagued 29 percent of workers, and also reported that 63 percent of those that have jobs suffer from some sort of workplace anxiety.
Anxiety over job loss ran higher among those in lower income brackets, with 37 percent of those who make household incomes of less than $40,000 reporting a lack of job security while only 18 percent of those who make household incomes of more than $80,000 reported anxiety.
Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development at Everest College says such a high anxiety over job loss is "understandable" in light of the embattled state economy.
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