EJ Chapter Seven
The anecdote about Cody Shearer being named on cable television as the man who confronted and threatened Kathleen Willey turned my stomach. It appeared that “Hardball” host Chris Matthews coaxed Willey into saying Shearer’s name. When it comes to making an assertion, a journalist must always verify the information before reporting it as fact.
The unverified assertion in this case led to Hank Buchanan, the brother of Patrick Buchanan, going to Shearer’s residence with a gun. In addition, Matthews made an apology only after being contacted by Shearer’s attorney. While words can go flying during these talk shows, Matthews knew where the discussion was headed that night. An open discourse is an essential part of journalism, but the process of vetting is also integral.
Kovach and Rosenstiel’s sixth principle is “journalism must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.” I found it interesting how the Hutchins Commission thought this principle was only second to telling the truth. While the Matthews incident allowed for public discourse, it largely ignored the part about telling the truth.
Technology is revolutionizing journalism as a forum. It is easy for readers and viewers to comment on a particular story. In addition, journalists can be easily reached through Twitter and email. This dialogue is a fundamental part of journalism. It was entertaining to read the comments on a CNN article about the latest General Motors recall. People aired their thoughts about outsourcing and particular car brands. Sometimes, the comments section is more entertaining than the actual article.
I found it interesting how Kovach and Rosenstiel asserted that it would be possible to make a democracy even in a large and diverse country by encouraging compromise. Merriam Webster defines compromise as “a way of reaching agreement in which each person or group gives up something that was wanted in order to end an argument or dispute.”
The concept of the press creating democracy through its forum function is difficult for me to understand. As a cynic, I do not believe it is that easy. Many wars have been fought over democracy, including our own nation’s revolution, so we must not exaggerate the power of the forum function.
I like the analogy of a journalist as the “honest broker and referee.” There is a substantial amount of spin circulating on a daily basis, and journalists must be the ones to provide the facts and not the fluff. By focusing on truthfulness and verification, journalists can provide audiences with a forum to share criticisms and an opportunity to foster collaboration for change.
I also found it interesting how the media should not only focus on the extremes of an argument because a majority of people lie somewhere in between. Abortion is an example of an issue where the media only seems to emphasize the extremes. Someone is either “pro life” or “pro choice,” and that is the end of the discussion.
However, empirical data does not demonstrate this tendency of people being drawn toward the extremes. Twenty percent of people said abortion should be illegal in all circumstances, while 26 percent of people said it should be legal in all circumstances, according to a 2013 Gallup poll. Where was everyone else? About 52 percent of people said abortion should only be legal in certain circumstances. However, you would not be able to tell how people have varying opinions based on coverage by the media.
While I think new technology allows for people to discuss and post without the interference of a journalist, I also think the journalist plays a fundamental role in asking poignant questions and getting to the heart of an issue. It is easy for people to create websites saying President Obama is not a United States citizen, but who do we trust to verify these assertions? The blogosphere and citizen journalism complicates this issue because who can serve as an overseer of what is published in these forums?
I must acknowledge the danger of live interviews, which are characteristic of radio shows, morning news and cable news. This forum can allow for the interviewee to take control of the situation, while making it difficult for the journalist to fact check the information as the source speaks. However, an interviewee might hurt himself or herself by trying to promote a particular message. Recently Kate Gosselin and her twin daughters were interviewed on the “Today” show. Instead of coming across as the matriarch of a happy family, Gosselin came off as callous. Journalists cannot be undervalued in these situations.
Wikipedia is an important part of the conversation about journalism providing a forum for citizens to utilize. Users have the ability to create and edit posts. However, verification is an issue once again. While the goal of Wikipedia is for others to make changes and to correct errors, this does not always occur. Just ask various celebrities who have faced death hoaxes because of posts on Wikipedia and other social media platforms.
I was shocked to find out how Encyclopedia Britannica had almost as many errors as Wikipedia, according to a study published by Nature. While the 42 entries may have been chosen for a particular reason, I do not think we can write off Wikipedia quite yet.
Noah Webster once said, “Newspapers are not only the vehicles of what is called news; they are the common instruments of social intercourse, by which the Citizens of this vast Republic constantly discourse and debate with each other on subjects of public concern.” I had never heard this quote until reading this chapter, but it perfectly encapsulates the role of newspapers and other mediums.
In today’s world, it is hard for me to comprehend a newspaper lobby serving as an open salon for the public. While it may no longer be appropriate to venture to the Gainesville Sun for a discussion with fellow citizens, the principle should remain the same. These publications must provide an avenue where people can discuss the issues of the day. Whether this is in a physical space or online, this duty is integral for journalism’s future.
It seems like this forum is especially necessary today because of the “Argument Culture” that has pervaded the media. While the 1990s were a time of bitter partisan politics, it does not appear that much has changed. Frances Lee, a politics professor at the University of Maryland, recently wrote an article for the Washington Post about why this partisanship continues. The omnipresent campaign and continued focus on the next election leads to politicians not reaching across the aisle for compromise.
The media is not helping this issue in any way. With ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” NBC’s “Meet the Press with David Gregory” and CNN’s “State of the Union with Candy Crowley,” it is easy to see how talk shows dominate. Plus, this list, which is not exhaustive, only includes Sunday morning shows.
It interested me how younger pseudo-experts are being chosen to host these shows. These pundits are apparently being hired to attract younger audiences. Why then are the guests featured usually older white, conservative men? A Media Matters report from January of 2014 revealed the discrepancies in the number of appearances of these white men. While white males only make up 30 percent of the population, they accounted for 67 percent of all guests on “Face the Nation” and “Fox News Sunday,” as well as counting for 62 percent of guests on “Meet the Press.” Many of these pseudo-experts interview these actual experts for a short period before sitting back to bicker while pretending as though they are qualified to perform various analyses.
Another issue with the current media forum is the lack of coverage devoted to substantive issues. Instead of discussing childhood obesity and the shrinking middle class, it is now much easier for journalists to write simple stories that have little impact. Instead of reading about these important topics, we are stuck reading about a young girl who allows a squirrel to reside in her ponytail. What type of meaningful conversation can be had about this story?
I believe the “Crossfire Syndrome” with its focus on polarization is definitely a real phenomenon. Argument is prized over compromise, and questions are phrased in a manner to elicit conflict. What if I asked you, why do you feel women should have the right to abort a fetus in all situations? This is extremely different from asking someone why they are a baby killer?
By focusing on the extremes of pro-abortion versus anti-abortion or feminism versus chauvinism, we are leaving many people out of the conversation. People do not want to listen to “experts” arguing about an issue, and they do not want to only hear from those on the far left or the far right. At the start of 2014, Americans said the government, with its poor leadership, corruption and abuse of power, is the most important problem, according to a Gallup poll. If the media was doing its job of actively serving as a watchdog, a productive dialogue could ensue about the government’s behavior.
I agree with Robert Berdahl, who served as the chancellor for the University of California at Berkeley, when he said journalists are not “observers with no stake in the issue at hand.” The journalist has a role in transforming this Argument Culture into a meaningful conversation that will attempt to find solutions to problems, including unemployment and the federal budget.
After reading the exchange between Paul Begala, Tucker Carlson, and Jon Stewart, I wanted to watch the “Crossfire” video. While I am still not sure how to classify Jon Stewart, he did something that journalists often fail to do, which is to hold politicians and pundits accountable for what they say and do.
While “Crossfire” ended soon after this incident, Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh and Keith Olbermann engage in this type of behavior where they promise answers as they argue from a particular side. If audience members want to witness an argument, they can look around themselves to their family and friends. However, to escape an argument on the television, a person simply has to switch the channel and never look back.
The Jim Brady situation demonstrates the power of journalism as an engaging forum because people responded and debated about a situation. Journalists must focus more on this type of citizen involvement if they hope to maintain their roles with the advent of digital media and other technologies.
As Winston Churchill once said, “It is always wise to look ahead, but difficult to look further than you can see.” Technology continues to open new forums, but we must not lose sight of the role of journalists, particularly in preserving the truth and in verification.
ME Chapter Eight
Compared to words, photos have had a much shorter history. A critical juncture for photography occurred during the Civil War, largely a result of Matthew Brady’s photography.
Today, images continue to have a powerful role. When Gary Green spoke to our class, it was interesting to hear him discuss the role of images in both the Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman trials.
We have briefly discussed the role of citizens as reporters with various projects, including Chicago Now. However, what about citizens submitting photos to publications and television stations? Everyone with a cell phone can serve as a photojournalist at any given time.
During my sports media and society course, Professor Spiker discussed a photo he posted to Twitter that was picked up by various media outlets, including ESPN. The photo showed Aaron Hernandez’s brick being removed from outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. While Spiker is also a journalist, he posted this photo to his personal account. It amazes me how technology allows people to connect and share content in a seamless fashion.
I agree with Arthur Berger who says that a picture is an interpretation of reality, not reality itself. As the Pulitzer Prize winning photo by Nat Fein demonstrates, a particular angle and focus can make all the difference. Those nearby photographers all captured photographs on the day Babe Ruth’s number was retired, but their particular interpretation was not compelling enough to be awarded a prestigious honor.
Journalists are often quick to post stories and images because they want to be first. However, context is key. People are aware of various manipulation techniques, so they expect to be told the situation surrounding a particular photograph. Journalists should use the powers of technology to share information and link to other resources that can provide additional analysis. The photos from Hurricane Katrina were extremely powerful, but they also needed the written word to inform people about what was happening as the chaos ensued.
Photojournalists have a difficult job because they must determine whether it is appropriate to shoot a particular photo. With a phone or camera in hand and the intent to shoot pictures, it is hard to feel like you are not intruding on someone during a potentially vulnerable moment. When I was covering the Gainesville City Commission election last week, I felt somewhat uneasy as I snapped certain photos, including one of Susan Bottcher looking at the video screen as her loss to Craig Carter was revealed. While I was standing a good distance away, I thought about what I was doing.
I like the checklist Garry Bryant uses when he arrives at a tragedy, including taking into consideration whether the moment should be made public, as well as whether the photo could send subjects into further trauma. While the loss of a commission seat is not a serious tragedy, I think we all must aim to act with compassion and sensitivity in all that we do.
Patterson and Wilkins seem to suggest that it is better to take the photo and make the editorial judgments later. Like bringing a slicker on a rainy day, it is better for the photojournalist to be prepared.
Deciding whether to publish a photo can be a double-edged sword because it can spread awareness about a particular problem, but it can also invade the privacy of a victim and his or her family. While this image of law enforcement officers helping a wounded man following the Virginia Tech Massacre is powerful, is the photo subject being treated as an ends or merely a means of getting a point across? This is a dilemma photojournalists and photo editors face on a regular basis.
I have previously discussed the power citizen journalists have in submitting both written content and photos. However, I am still concerned whether they value the same principles as professional journalists, such as accuracy, fairness and originality. Journalists have editors to hold them accountable, but who do citizen journalists have to keep them in check?
As this NBC episode of “Dateline” shows, news photos and videos should never be staged. Staging alters the way something is naturally occurring. This type of behavior is a fabrication of what actually happened. Over time, photos have been staged or altered by various photographers and editors, including a Reuters image of Georgians encountering the dead body of their “son.” Even with various reasons, can lying to audiences ever be justified?
When it comes to electronic manipulation, I think people are accepting of slight touchups, including minor cropping or lighting changes. People attempt to make themselves look better by using Instagram and other applications that provide various filters. Why should journalistic entities be any different?
The problem is journalists often take the manipulation to a whole other level. Photoshopping has become a somewhat dirty word, according to a recent Mashable article. Whole websites are even devoted to Photoshop disasters. The uproar is appropriate because as Martin said, “while art may be manipulated, information may not.” Just like you would not alter a quote to make someone sound smarter, you should not alter an image to make someone look thinner, more tan, etc.
The issue of eyewash arose in my law of mass communication class when we discussed the station whose broadcast made it look as though a particular pedestrian was one of 20 million Americans suffering from herpes. I think these types of photos or videos are dangerous because they are casting false light on someone. I think it is analogous to publishing the information of the wrong John Smith in connection to a crime. It is better to find someone who is actually an example of what you are discussing, just as it is integral to make sure you have named the right suspect. While it may be hard to find someone who is willing to come forward as a victim of herpes, another image or graphic could be used.
The “Post Toasties Test” does not have one hard and fast rule to utilize in all situations. Ultimately, I think newspaper editors and morning news show producers must be cognizant of the audiences they tend to have in the early morning. This is typically a time when parents are getting their children off to school, so a gory image may not be appropriate. While something that may be offensive to one person may not be so to another, editors and producers should be cautious about what is featured during the early morning hours.
I must agree with musician Lauryn Hill when she said, “Reality is easy. It’s deception that’s the hard work.” Journalists must be honest with their audience, and this applies to both the written word and images.
Case Study 8-A The Case of the Well-Documented Suicide
IWC Systematic Process
1.) Identify the Dilemma
Filmmaker Tony Scott, the director of “Top Gun,” “Pelham 123” and others, committed suicide by jumping off the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, Calif. in August of 2012. Various people saw Scott leap to his death from both the bridge and the water below. Some of these witnesses captured photos and videos of what occurred. As a news organization, how do you report on the suicide? Do you include photos submitted by citizens? Also, is it ethical to pay for the video showing the whole jump in order to post it to your website?
2.) Weigh alternatives
Suicides occur every day, and they are tragic for the family and friends of each victim. These types of deaths tend to be underreported. However, that is not usually the case when someone famous commits suicide. A publication would have several options about how to report on Scott’s death. One option would be to run a short blurb about the director’s suicide without any photos. This would provide the news to the public without any concern for causing queasiness at the breakfast table. A second option would be to run an article about the suicide, accompanied with a photo submitted by one of the witnesses. Open source journalism has revolutionized the news. By providing video of Rodney King being beaten up by a Caucasian police officer in Los Angeles and Sen. George Allen of Virginia saying something racist, Patterson and Wilkins acknowledge the role of citizens in the journalistic process. However, the next issues arise when deciding on a particular photo. Should the publication include a photo from the perspective of the bridge or water? Is it appropriate to include the photo showing Scott crouching right before jumping, considering many people will be reading this at the breakfast table? A third option would pertain to a publication’s online presence. The publication could pay for the tape showing the full jump or work out some sort of deal with the business who caught the jump on its surveillance camera. Is this ethical? Would this be considered checkbook journalism?
3.) Cite a persuasive rationale
A publication should acknowledge the suicide because of his work on popular films. However, I do not think any photos should be included with the story. One reason is there is the potential for copycat suicides. In addition, Scott left behind a family that included a wife and two young sons. How would they feel opening up the newspaper or watching news coverage and seeing play-by-play action of their loved one’s suicide? When it comes to the video, it is unethical for a publication to pay anyone for material to be used in a story. If a news entity exhibits this type of behavior, readers and viewers may wonder about other types of coverage that resulted from these types of deals. Credibility could be called into question. It would also be a matter of taste to not include the final moments of someone’s life to attract hits.
Case Study 8-B What Do I Do First?
IWC Systematic Process
1.) Identify the Dilemma
Associated Press photographer Gerald Herbert was headed to Biloxi, Miss., when he came across a sport utility vehicle that had slammed into some trees in August 2012. Two women were trapped inside as the fire began to engulf the vehicle. Should reporters or photographers consider their role as people or journalists first in these types of situations? Should a publication include these photos and a short story if the situation occurred outsider their coverage zone?
2.) Weigh alternatives
Herbert was a hero that day when he ran for almost a mile to find 18-wheelers because they have fire extinguishers. He said, “It never occurred to me to go into journalistic mode until the fire was knocked down.” In these types of situations, journalists have the opportunity to focus on humanity. The journalist or photographer may miss out on a story or blockbuster photo, but does that matter in a life or death situation? If a reporter or photojournalist is able to capture this course of events, should a publication include it even if it is way outside the coverage area? Do audiences want to hear about people collaborating to save a life or would they rather read about something that occurred in their backyard?
3.) Cite a persuasive rationale
Herbert’s actions serve as an example for other journalists to emulate. Research from Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project revealed only 28 percent of survey respondents think journalists contribute a lot to society. This is a 10-percentage point drop from 2009. If journalists were seen as helping members of society, in addition to continuing to serve as watchdogs, this number could rise again. People’s interest in stories with happy endings is widely underrated. A woman recently performed CPR on her young nephew. What was particularly noteworthy is the various people on the Dolphin Expressway who assister her. As we discuss the power of photos, this Miami story was accompanied by many powerful images. It was also featured in publications and newscasts across the nation.
Case Study 8-C Problem Photos and Public Outcry
IWC Systematic Process
1.) Identify the Dilemma
University of Florida campus police were called after a substantial amount of blood was discovered in the women’s bathroom of one of the dorms. When looking through the trash bin, investigators found a 6- to 7-pound female infant in a bag with bloody towels and plastic gloves. Once they took the body out of the bag, they placed it on a towel next to the Dumpster. While the body was placed here only briefly, the photographer for the Independent Florida Alligator captured the shot. The editorial staff for the Alligator debated how to include the photo and whether it was appropriate for publication. Ultimately, this newspaper published the story on the bottom of the front page, which then jumped to page three. The photo was placed on the third page. Was it appropriate for the photographer to take this photo? Was it ethical for the newspaper to include the photo?
2.) Weigh alternatives
The newspaper had a variety of options to consider in this dilemma. Ultimately, the story needed to be covered because it took place on the UF campus. In addition, this is not the sort of thing that occurs on a regular basis, so it is out of the ordinary. One option would have been to write the story without any additional media. The title of the story, “UF police investigate baby’s death at dorm,” gets straight to the point without relying on sensationalistic word usage. A second option would have been to include the article with the image. When it comes to a photographer deciding whether to shoot something, decisions must be made quickly. A photojournalist must ask themselves if this should be made public and whether he or she is acting with compassion and sensitivity. Garry Bryant, a staff photographer with the Deseret News in Salt Lake City said, “A general rule for most photographers is ‘Shoot. You can always edit later.’” The photojournalist did his job by capturing the moment because leaving this part out could result in readers missing some of the truth. While this situation occurred many years ago, the Internet provides a third alternative. The print publication could have included a smaller version of the photo or no image at all in the print publication, while directing people to its website. With this alternative, people could seek out the image only if they wanted to. No one is being forced to view an image that may cause discomfort.
3.) Cite a persuasive rationale
If we were in the present, I think the best scenario would include placing the article on page one, while directing people to the Alligator website for the image. The Alligator engaged in similar behavior when it posted an edited version of a photo on the front page, while leaving the unedited version on their website. The photo pertained to a wall of stereotypes and phrases as part of People Awareness Week. If a publication makes something available without forcing people to view it, I think this lessens criticism of poor taste because it is giving audiences an option instead of making the decision for them.
Case Study 8-E “Above the Fold:” Balancing Newsworthy Photos with Community Standards
IWC Systematic Process
1.) Identify the Dilemma
The Oregon town of Springfield was struck by a series of tragedies in the early 1990s. Over a period of 20 months, eight children died following experiences of child abuse. The eighth incident occurred on Nov. 10, 1993, when Alan McGuire held his 2-year-old daughter, Shelby, hostage in their home. While Alan’s wife was able to escape, Shelby remained inside. When police were finally able to go inside after Alan jumped through the front window, police found Shelby with a plastic bag over her head. Photographer Andy Nelson and police reporter Janelle Hartman from the Eugene Register-Guard were at the scene. Nelson captured a detective sprinting out of the house with Shelby in his arms, as well as a photo of the officer giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Alan and Shelby were rushed to the hospital, and the police did not tell members of the press whether she was able to be resuscitated. The standing policy at this particular publication was to not publish photographs of children’s dead bodies. However, the editors believed this situation was an exception because of the compelling situation, as well as wanting to show the situations police officers face on a daily basis. Do you think the publication should have ran both photos? Would people have been less critical if the photos were placed on later pages instead of page one? Whose feelings should editors take into account when publishing photos of this nature?
2.) Weigh alternatives
The newspaper could have run Hartman’s article without any accompanying photos. This option would have likely curtailed the several hundred phone calls the paper received. What if Nelson had chosen to not shoot these photos? As Patterson and Wilkins discussed, photographers might be placing their jobs in jeopardy if they decide to not shoot an emotional moment other photographers capture. Nelson was only doing his job when he took these photos. However, the publication had options in terms of color, size and placement. Our book showcases these photos in black and white, which can lessen the overall impact. The publication could have chosen to include black and white versions of the photos. In addition, the newspaper could have placed the photos below the fold or in later pages. This decision would likely have lessened the criticism levied against the publication. It is interesting how the biweekly Springfield News included a front-page photo of Alan McGuire falling out of the window under a wrapper that read “Caution to Readers.” This is another approach the Register-Guard could have considered.
3.) Cite a persuasive rationale
I had difficulty making a decision in this case because I can make rational arguments from both sides about whether to include the photo. However, I reflected on the statement that most photographers and photo editors make their decisions for the “Post Toasties Test” based on bloody pictures. These photos show the efforts of law enforcement to save a young girl’s life. While this story ended in tragedy, people need to be made aware of what occurred. I recently saw the power of images showing attempts to save a life with the woman in Miami giving CPR to her nephew. I think the use of a 6-inch front page color photo is slightly sensationalistic, so I think the paper should have included smaller black and white photos on an inside page. The story could have started on the front page with a jump to a later page. The newspaper has a loyalty to citizens, including the surviving mother and brother of Shelby. A publication must take into consideration how the community will feel because these people can choose to get their news elsewhere if a publication continues to offend them.
Case Study 8-G Death in Print: Publication of Hurricane Katrina Photographs
IWC Systematic Process
1.) Identify the Dilemma
Hurricane Katrina wreaked a lot of havoc in August of 2005. Many photos were taken in attempts to capture the significance of the tragedy. Photographer James Nielsen was one photographer who shot a powerful image. The image shows a woman standing on a bridge with her dog as a body floats below. Various newspapers employ a similar process when choosing wire photographs. This process includes reviewing and narrowing down the options from the entire collection sent by the various wire services followed by a morning or afternoon review of the initial edit. It is interesting to see how three different publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and St. Louis Post-Dispatch made decisions regarding what Hurricane Katrina photos to publish.
2.) Weigh alternatives
One option would have been to publish the Nielsen photo in color on the front page of the newspaper. However, this decision would have likely resulted in criticisms of sensationalism. Another option would be to include this photo in a later page, which is what the St. Louis Post-Dispatch did by placing the photo on A10. This allows a publication to include the compelling photo without plastering it across the front page. Another option would be to not include the photo at all. Rob Kozloff, the metro picture editor for the Chicago Tribune, said many photos captured what was happening. An image from another wire service may fit more with articles that would be featured in the publication. A fourth option would be to publish this photo on the publication’s website either on its own or as part of a gallery. This would allow people to seek out more images if they would like without being accosted by the tragedy and death during their breakfast time.
3.) Cite a persuasive rationale
I think the fourth option provides a virtue between extremes, something Aristotle’s golden mean suggests we pursue. Placing the image online allows the publication to feature this photo without facing criticism for including the photo on page one. It also allows for another compelling photo to be placed in the print version. After hearing Danny Green discuss the various decisions that go into what photos to include, I do not envy those who are placed in this difficult position on a daily basis.
NewsWhip Analysis – Wall Street Journal
Whenever I am on a particular website, I always check to see if they have a category, such as “Most Emailed” or “Most Popular.” I often look to this section for articles I might be interested in. I have noticed that the most popular stories are often completely different from the story featured as the primary focus on the homepage. When I looked at Fox News tonight, the central story on the website’s front page was about the electric car company Tesla. However, the most popular story was about Kevin Trudeau, a best-selling author, being sentenced to 10 years of prison for fraudulent behavior.
After seeing these types of trends, it was not surprising to me that the people-powered page was different from the actual front page for various newspapers. My group looked at the Wall Street Journal. Ukraine is a topic the media has focused on for the last several weeks. However, it seems like people do not want to focus on this particular subject. It may be because the nation is more than halfway across the world or it could be that people are sick of hearing about it, especially when little progress is being made. Putin and Obama are talking, but readers may question how this influences them in any way. Unfortunately, people will likely only pay attention once a tragedy or something extraordinary occurs in the region.
Above the fold on the people-powered version was dominated by a story about Obama seeking more money for veterans as part of the 2015 budget. This story likely registered with readers because many people have some sort of connection to our nation’s servicemen and women. This particular story applies to members of the audience or people they may know. This is in sharp contrast to Ukraine, which many people have no connection to.
The story about Beijing brings up a similar point. If a story is outside of someone’s expertise or interest, he or she is likely to pass it over. However, a story about plane seats would pique many people’s interest, including my own. With millions of passengers and thousands of flights each year, it is no wonder people would be interested in discovering ways they may be getting gouged. Whole websites are devoted to cheap airline tickets, so there is a definite interest in this subject matter.
When it comes to a story titled “Unlikely Mix: Rappers, Dragons & Fantasy,” it is not shocking that people were curious about what the article contained. While we are taught to write clear headlines and ledes, is it so wrong to craft interesting headers to draw people into a story? While we can be critical of the new emphasis on hits and views, journalists need to adapt if this is the way of the future.
Upon looking at the comments, I agree with braddillman who posted, “At a casual glance, people seem more interested in domestic and personally relevant items than international affairs.” Do journalists have a duty to provide people with what they want or do journalists have a responsibility to report on what members of the public should be aware of? Ultimately, I think it is a balancing act. People need to be informed about world events, but occasional stories about airline seats are also okay.
Bryan, another commenter, said “The ones on the right are totally better…the ones on the left mostly talk about things that you don’t want to know or is about other countries problem.” While many people largely care about what is occurring in their local area and in their nation, do journalists have a role to provide a global outlook of events? If journalists do not provide information about the rest of the world, I am afraid people will no longer receive this information.
Journalists must adapt by considering stories that may interest their readers, as well as featuring articles that will educate people. By opening the lines of communication with audiences, journalists can better learn about what people want to see in their daily news. Switching from a gatekeeper to a participant in the process will also help open the dialogue.
Discussion Question
Do you think the Argument Culture has driven political polarization or the other way around?
Author and linguist Deborah Tannen said the media helped cultivate the argument culture in the 1990s through various programming, including CNN’s “Crossfire” and commercial television’s “The McLaughlin Group.” This change was also accompanied by an increase in the amount of talk shows. These talk shows are cheap to produce, but they are lacking in the verification that traditional news products have. Guests are able to come on these types of programs and largely say whatever they want. Also, the argument culture emphasizes extremes. People can be classified as either pro-private sector or pro-big government, etc. Where is the compromise that the foundation of our democracy was built on? Is the type of argument-based discussion leading to government gridlock or are bureaucratic differences leading to this media culture?
Link to Ethical Issue of the Week
As we have frequently discussed in this course, technology is changing the way we do journalism. In many ways, it is making our lives as journalists easier. However, it also opens up the possibility for even more gray areas. No journalist likes to make factual or grammatical mistakes. Corrections lead to embarrassment and may cause others to question future work. However, these corrections are necessary. A journalist’s first loyalty is to citizens, and he or she must be honest with the audience. In the past, newspapers issued corrections and retractions on the printed page. Today, the Internet allows journalists and publications to make changes with the simple click of a button. However, this also allows for corrections to be made without any announcement or notification. That is the issue with a recent Guardian article about journalism startups by Emily Bell. Is it ethical for a publication to make a change to a story once it is published without calling attention to the change? While I do not think it is necessary for a publication to acknowledge a grammatical or word usage change, I think it is integral for journalists to be transparent with their audience about matters of fact. If I reported a man stole $500,000 from the bank when he really stole $500, this is an egregious error that audiences should be made aware of. Even if a reader never returns to a particular story, it should be a matter of principle for an organization to admit its mistakes. Resources like NewsDiffs now track story changes, which will help audiences hold the media more accountable. While constant mistakes would raise a red flag, audiences are much more likely to continue trusting a source that is honest and forthcoming when a mistake is made than one that uses deceptive practices.
Link to Ethical Issue with a Video or Visual Image
Photos have undergone manipulation since the days of darkroom “burning” and “dodging,” according to Patterson and Wilkins. However, digital technology, such as Photoshop, takes this manipulation to the next level.
IWC Systematic Process
1.) Identify the Dilemma
Target, who has faced a lot of criticism for a recent credit card hacking, is dealing with another crisis. Two junior swimsuit images show models with part of their bodies missing. This Photoshop fail includes part of their shoulder blades missing, as well as a manipulated thigh gap, a new trend that is leading to additional body issues for women. Target has apologized for the error, but the company has not answered consumer questions about why this type of photo manipulation on a young girl was done in the first place.
2.) Weigh alternatives
Patterson and Wilkins cite research that says “while art may be manipulated, information may not.” When a young girl shops online for a bathing suit, she is assuming the photo she is looking at is of a real girl. However, as more manipulation occurs, people are becoming more and more skeptical of what they are seeing. While Target cannot take back what they did, they have at least two options. The company can remain silent and wait for the next big scandal. I would not be surprised if Lululemon’s founder was placed in the spotlight again for voicing his opinions about women’s bodies. Also, the article mentions how Target has nothing to gain by admitting how they make young models even skinnier. However, an alternative would be for Target to be honest about their electronic manipulation techniques. Target could say this is the industry standard they have followed to remain competitive with other brands. A third option would be for the company to say they have engaged in this behavior, but they will stop performing these body manipulation techniques on models featured on their website. Apart from lighting and background changes, the photos would remain untouched.
3.) Cite a persuasive rationale
While I acknowledge how it makes sense to remain silent, I think Target has an obligation to its consumers. The company has already seen a drop in its number of customers following the data breach. In order to save face, the best option would be to admit the mistake and to create a new policy going forward. It may take time for people to trust its advertisements again, but consumers will take notice of the company’s honesty.
Questions from Dr. Rodgers – Vocabulary Terms
- Post Toasties or Wheaties test: A sensitivity test for media that may be consumed at the breakfast table, such as the newspaper or morning news. This test is used to determine whether a photo or video should accompany early morning news stories. The question posed by this test is, “Does this need to be shown at breakfast?” It earned its name from the popular breakfast cereal.
- Public sphere: Marketplace where people can share attitudes, ideas, information and opinions. Journalism has been a forum for public discourse from the time of the Greek marketplace to the colonial American taverns and beyond, according to Kovach and Rosenstiel.
- Argument culture: Media helped develop in the 1990s, according to linguist and author Deborah Tannen. Various programs, including “Crossfire” on CNN and talk radio, led this movement. This culture assumes that each person resides at one extreme or another in regards to a particular topic. For example, someone is either pro-abortion or anti-abortion, with no variation in between.
Cassie Vangellow, cvangellow@ufl.edu
Vangellow, Cassie 