Avoiding News Bias

            One of the main concerns is the relationship with Riley Frederickson, who advises the Auto Club.  As a journalist, trying to avoid this story would look unprofessional; however the challenge would be to present a line of questions and an article that would not appear to be bias.  “Journalists should avoid conflict of interest, remain free of associations and activities that may compromise their integrity or damage their credibility.”  (Jacquette, 2007, p. 283).  The public has the right to know where the funds are actually going, if the school is not using the funds in accordance with the terms then it should be reported on.  “The public’s right to know about matters of importance is paramount. (Jacquette, 2007, p. 287).  By providing the truth may cause an issue on a personal matter, so long as I request an interview with Riley on a professional level, there would be no need to avoid him. 

            As a journalist we should be aware of the ways in which critical distance and objectivity in reporting the news can be jeopardized, if we inform the editor of a possible issue.  They would be able to review the article for any bias before publishing.  For myself, if I approach the story from a neutral position on where the funds are actually being spent, and why the school would not adopt an auto repair course if there is an interest.  According to Jacquette (2007), “if I cannot be expected to report objectively, then my truth telling capabilities in the matter unavoidably come into question.”  (p. 212).  Overall, I would proceed in a professional manner and provide the truth to the public. 

Reference

Jacquette, D. (2007). Journalistic ethics: Moral responsibility in the media. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.

News Story Observations

CNN reporter, Randi Kaye, reported two new accounts regarding the Michael Brown shooting.  Two contractors who were working in Ferguson on the day Brown was killed recalled Brown putting his hands up, while the Officer continued to shoot.  The two male contractors asked not be identified described an unarmed teenager with his hands up in the air as he’s gunned down by a police office.  (Kaye, 2014).  With all the news coverage regarding the Brown case seems to be reported differently with each witness providing different details of the event.  The coverage provided by CNN appears to be informative for the public regarding this event.  The story continues to draw national attention since the facts regarding the shooting vary on each account, which leans towards the public becoming aware of the actions in the city of Ferguson.  The story seems to be reported properly by reminding the views and readers regarding the facts on the case.  The reason for this opinion is there does not appear to be any bias towards who is actually at fault or if the reporter of this story is providing false information to the public, just the witnesses’ accounts. 

            The public does have the right know this information since public opinion is torn over the actions and events surrounding Micheal Brown.  There may be citizens outside of Ferguson who have family members impacted by the events.  For example, cousins involved in the protest or locating witness of the event who visited the city at the time.  It also provides citizens with information on any updates in the investigation of the shooting.  From my understanding, there were a few ethical considerations in the story.  The first is the accuracy of the information provided by the two new witnesses.  They are not from Ferguson and have no connection to the Brown family.  This information was released in the newscast and once again in the article.  The second ethical consideration is how the information could impact the public opinion of the events.  Even though, Kaye provides an unbiased report of the accounts given by the witnesses, there was video evidence that backs up their account of the situation and provides a voice to the account as well. 

References

Kaye, R., Clifford. (2014, September 11). New Michael Brown shooting witnesses describe scene. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/10/us/ferguson-michael-brown-shooting-witnesses/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Writing Challenges

In all honesty, there are several areas I see as the biggest challenges with writing as a journalist.  One challenge will be correcting my grammar and overall structure with sentences, something I have struggled with throughout my entire time at Ashford.  “Journalists must be experts in the correct use of language.  Just as a mistake in accuracy will undermine the credibility of a story, a mistake in grammar, diction, or usage can make a reader suspect everything else in the article” (Kershner, 2012, p. 37).  One of the ways I plan on improving my grammar is by continuing to educate and remind myself to read each piece out loud.  Often we are able to correct simple grammar mistakes by hearing the natural pauses in our speech.  Plus, I also complete activities regarding grammar and voice structures that I discovered online to help me with simple to often misused words.

Word count would be another challenge for me, often I have a lot to say on a subject and find it difficult to limit the number of words to express my ideas. “Any writing that draws attention to itself, and thus draws attention away from the content, is ineffective. Writing should be as simple and straightforward as possible.” (Stovall, 2012, p. 36).  Lately, I have been going over my discussions and papers and thinking of ways to simplify it where anyone who reads the material will be able to understand the meaning without having further explanation.  I have become comfortable with detailing each point of an assignment, but I will lose focus on the point I was trying to make.

When it comes to people reading my work, I have always been nervous about their judgment on it.  I will go over my discussions several times before publishing into the class board.  I tend be harsh on myself, but feel others will be see more mistakes and voice their opinions in a harsher manner.  Since attending Ashford I am slowly overcoming this fear and worry.  Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has the same fear, so dealing with criticism has become a little easier to handle.  Another thought when it comes to people reading my work is will they read it and be able to understand why I wrote the piece.  Everyone has a different style of writing and they have a different taste when comes to reading.  In order to overcome this worry, I have to realize not everyone will read my work if the article or piece  does not relate to them in some manner.

Reference

Kershner, J. (2012). The elements of news writing (3rd Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Stovall, J. G. (2012). Writing for the mass media (8th Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Good Journalism Principles

The good journalism principles are important core standard for journalists to ensure they are providing readers with credible and informative articles readers would want to know.  The article I chosen is about two Austin police officers who were caught on video making inappropriate remarks regarding sexually assaulted victims and what actions were taken to correct their behavior. 

After reviewing the article and comparing it to the 10 core principles of good journalism.  The article contains several different principles and some in which they could improve upon.  The first principle noticed is “what’s the story? What’s the point?”  According to Kershner (2012), “a reporter must be able to state the main point of the story in a simple declarative sentence. In most cases, this also will be the lead of the story.”  Joshua Fechter is able to provide readers with an easy introduction to the article.  Even the headline allowed readers to know what the article would be about.  Fechter allowed readers to discover the point of the story is the inappropriate behavior and how it was handled.  This also connects the obligation the reader, since it is important to know how authorizes will handle this situation.  The third principle, keeping on task is also seen.  Fechter remains on focus of his topic and only presents a few backstories of the two police officers.  According to Kershner (2012), “a good news story will include all the information the reader is likely to want to know.”  Fechter provided enough information to readers who would have concerns about the police officer behaviors and what actions were taken. 

Some areas of improvement are principle 7 in regards to never assume anything and principle 8: plan what you can and be prepared for change, and principle 5: how it will affect the readers.  The reason I believe these areas could use some improvement because there is no absolutes.  Even though the police were given what would be considered appropriate action, there appears to lack of how it will affect the readers.  If we are aware of the behavior does this impact how readers and others who would come to the officers for aid?  The video is a major source discovered on YouTube and presented as a case against the policers involved, yet is this the first time or has this been an ongoing behavioral issue?  There are still remaining questions surrounding the story, but Fechter did present has much information related to the story as possible.

References

Fechter, J. (2014, November 20). Austin cops suspended less than a week after joking about rape on dashcam video. Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.chron.com/news/local/article/Texas-police-suspended-after-being-caught-on-5906766.php

Kershner, J. (2012). The elements of news writing (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Roles of the News Media

Over the past 20 years the delivery of news to the general public has gone from local and national to the global scale at the tips of our fingers.  From traditional mediums, such as print and broadcast news, to new mediums, such as websites, smart phones or social media.  The news has evolved to a medium that embraced interactive, easily accessible outlet reaching and welcoming readers across the globe. Yet with all the innovations seen through technological advancements there are still disadvantages and advantages compared to traditional methods. 

            With the new forms of media, such as websites, blogs, social media and smart phones, readers are able to access more information that is updated quickly to their sites and smart phones.  Readers are able to experience interactive and diverse blogs from journalists across the world.  “People with access to the Internet could gain instant access to virtually unlimited information” at the click of a button (Kershner, 2012, p. 12).  Another advantage is the cost of the receiving the information.  While some major print news organizations may request a subscription, readers are still able to locate inexpensive or free news sites.  With all the advantages at the click of a button, there are still some disadvantages compared to their counterparts.  Anyone is able to recreate a blog or site and post information they deem suitable as news worthy.  If sites are not credible, they can be prone to inaccuracies, bias and opinionated information rather than providing properly investigated sources and information.

            While technology is a continued force to providing news outlets with new readers and keeping them connected with their hometowns, traditional news still remains in this technological world.  Traditional news continues to offers readers with accurate and comprehensive information through properly researched materials that appeals to the general public.  Even broadcast news outlets can provide viewers with strong audio and visual appeals with current, national and local newscast that is understandable to their viewers.  According to Kershner (2012), “ no change in technology has replaced the need for an intelligent, sensitive, knowledgeable person to ask questions; to gather information; to synthesize, analyze, and organize it, and then to present the news in a clear way” (p. 12).  Even with traditional news there are some drawbacks.  Print news is limited to text and pictures and delivery information is limited to their schedules and space.  Breaking news may not appear until the following day depending on when the information was received.  Broadcast news can appear to be bias filled with commercials and can be highly persuasive depending on the information provided by the broadcast system, advertisements and sponsors. 

            From print to online, I gather my news through all mediums available, since each one will provide a different perception on the same story.  The ability to enjoy the vast information provided to the public and how it appeals to them is another reason why I gather my news through different outlets.  Lately, I have been getting a lot of news information through my smartphone and purchasing the local paper.

Reference

Kershner, J. (2012). The elements of news writing (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Lessons from Abroad

“We wholeheartedly believe in intercultural, interreligious, and interracial dialogue for better understanding our common humanity.”-Mohammed El-Nawawy

            Even before its first broadcast, Al Jazeera set itself apart compared to other global news organizations.  Al Jazeera would promise to offer stories, correspondents and speakers from their countries of origin from both sides of the fences. The difference that Al Jazeera has made in changing the international news agenda has been in creating a new platform for presenting the full picture of situations.  “It was meant to cater to an international audience by giving the news a “pan-Arab” perspective.”  (Arner, 2006).  Al Jazeera offered to give unheard news and viewpoints from the southern globe to Mideast equal time and equal weight on air.  Not only world Al Jazeera broadcast more news about the disenfranchised, it reported from their perspective, acting as an ambassador for the entire global south.   According to Tony Burman, “Al Jazeera networks are notable for their extensive coverage of developing countries, including parts of South America, Africa and Asia that are rarely seen on British and American news channels.”  (Owen & Purdey, 2009, p. 131). 

One area Al Jazeera established itself is the ability to bring a connection to new audience members by drawing upon the individualized cultures and contexts out of which they originate.  “They clearly portray themselves as serving the interests of their viewers, not advertiser or politicians.  Not only do they promise authentic regional coverage that is actually rooted in the location, they overtly identify with popular interest without any self-consciousness.”  Al Jazeera presented themselves with the ability to provide free speech without censorship.  Providing the globe with a better understanding on the events from both sides of the fences, unconcerned with how the government will take their viewpoints.  Al Jazeera provides the government with the ability to address those issues as well, equal time and equal weight.  Overall, it was able to provide information for the people by what the people wanted to know and promoted their own voice on the changes they wanted to see.

Not only has the international news organizations began to take notice of their version of free speech, but many nations believe there are some benefits in providing and equal time and equal weight viewpoint.  According to Owen & Purdey (2009), Philip Fiske de Gouveia has urged the British government as well as African and European Union members to explore ways to create an independent, pan-African broadcaster.  (p. 132)  To establish A24 would create a better representation of Africa not only to itself, but will provide details of ongoing events.  “By presenting the Africa as a place of good and bad, honesty and corruption, economic vibrancy and poverty, eager entrepreneurs as well as those who still rely on foreign aid.”  (Owen & Purdey, 2009, p. 133).  The benefits of have a system similar to Al Jazeera would encourage more global interaction, but provide a voice to the voiceless.

After reading a bit of research material regarding the broadcast network that Al Jazeera has created there are some who believe the system is flawed and too controversial for all locations.  Yet, to be able to establish a network that provides both sides of arguments from different cultures and beliefs is a lesson something American correspondents should consider.  There are always two sides of a story and people are opinionated on their own moral beliefs and standards.  Al Jazeera is a perfect example of providing free speech and providing that voice to those who need it.  They are able to present the public with the full picture of the topic versus having only one side the story given.

Reference

Arner, P. (2006, November 18). Al-Jazeera International aims to change news agenda. Retrieved January 28, 2015, from http://www.neurope.eu/article/al-jazeera-international-aims-change-news-agenda

Nawawy, M., & Iskander, A. (2002). Al-Jazeera: How the free Arab news network scooped the world and changed the Middle East. Cambridge, MA: Westview.

Owen, J. & Purdey, H. (Eds.). (2009). International news reporting: Frontlines and deadlines. Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Dangers and Benefits of 24/7 TV News Coverage

/7 news coverage is often applauded for the nonstop reporting of ongoing events across the globe.  According to Nick Pollard, “continuous rolling news is not only here to stay but would play a major part in the future of broadcast journalism.” (Owen & Purdey, 2009, p. 119)  24/7 is able to provide real time information keeping the public informed on situations across the globe.  Since the creation of the first 24/7 news channel, viewers have enjoyed the benefits of receiving the uninterrupted coverage, but with every benefit there are bound to be numerous flaws with this type of coverage. 

            The biggest disadvantage to having continuous reporting is the constant recycled material with only minor additions or subtractions.  This could cause viewers to become dependent on the information and addicted to knowing any all changes no matter if there is truth behind the update.  Another disadvantage is the screen clutter rumoring across the screen.  This is able to keep viewers interested there can also be screen clutter rolling across the bottom of a newscast.  According to Howard Rosenberg and Charles Feldman (2008), “24-hour news channels continue to impose multitasking on their viewers in the form of screen clutter” (p. 20).  This comes after research has suggested that the human brain cannot do two things at once.  News anchors also suffer from the screen clutter seen on some 24 hours channels reduced to the upper portion of the screen.  For example, a third of the screen can be seen sometimes on the CNN channel. “News anchors will have to compete for viewer’s attention with layers of computer graphics and superficial, tabloid, factoid headlines (not the tip of the iceberg but the tip of the tip) that run continuously near the bottom of the screen.”  (Rosenberg & Feldman, 2008, p. 21) 

In truth, this can kind of 24/7 would be a disadvantage since the delivery of information may not be fast enough for the rushed viewers.  The list of disadvantages can appear endless depending on the depth of research performed.  One the most repeated disadvantage is not having enough news to cover on any given day, aside from catastrophic events, to fill 24 hours in order to correct this issue news stations promoted drama influenced news.  According to Rosenberg and Feldman (2008), “the nasty little truth about 24-hour news-whether cable TV or the Internet-is that most of it is not news.  Looks like news.  Sounds like news.  Smells like news.  But nope, it isn’t news.” (p. 52).  The push to get stories on the air as fast as they were unfolding also increased the likelihood that reporters would introduce more errors.

The main advantage for continuous coverage allows the viewers to receive information on stories any given time, but also allows the viewers to the opportunity to catch up on stories they are interested in..  David Sarno wrote, “Stories have never arrived to the world fully formed or vetted.  Journalists have generally had hours-not minutes or seconds-to craft a story from the blast wave of facts and factoids that come in the wake of a bombshell.  What people are seeing now is an old-fashioned process-reporting-as it unfolds in real time.”  (Rosenberg & Feldman, 2008, p. 5) .  The public wants information and explanations from guests who appear on the news stations, along with well-informed opinions. This can appeal to viewers who are informed of this type of promotion to keep them on the channel as they wait for new updates.  This also can be an advantage to reporters who rush to gather new information on current events.  Another advantage in having 24/7 news is it allows the public to voice their opinions on going news coverage.  Often the seen as screen clutter, viewer’s questions and opinion can appear and provide their views of ongoing events.  Another advantage is the technology to keep up with ongoing events.  “24/7 channels are fueled by advances in recording technologies and satellite communications was powerful in its ability to deliver news in real time, as human dramas unfolded any place in the world.”  (Colless, n.d)

In truth, unless there are concerns of high risk or natural disasters, 24 hour news stations will often repeat the same story every hour or 15 minutes depending on the medium.  This does not also give journalists enough time to double check their facts and can result in corrections later down the road.  For a journalist, haste can make waste and truth can be lost without ensuring the full story is given.

Reference

Colless, M. (n.d.). ABC'S 24-hour news channel too much of a stretch. Retrieved January 27, 2015, from http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/abcs-24-hour-news-channel-too-much-of-a-stretch/story-e6frg6zo-1225820145075?nk=b982208109267b166380b8548cb62a55

Owen, J. & Purdey, H. (Eds.). (2009). International news reporting: Frontlines and deadlines. Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rosenberg, H., & Feldman, C. (2008). No time to think: The menace of media speed and the 24-hour news cycle (pp. 4-5,12-13,20-23,52-53,118). New York: Continuum.