Journalism Blog- Week 14

Chapter 14- Ethical Journalism

1. In this situation I would go out for the dinner and politely but firmly tell the source that I must pay for my own way in order to conduct my work ethically. There would no problem in this situation if the journalist paid their way and the source payed their, it is merely dinner. I would let the editor or my supervisors know where I am going, what I am going for and what I hope to achieve through the meeting, therefore they are aware of the situation.
2. I would write the story the way I feel the trip went. I wouldn't be concerned about losing future free trips from the same airline, especially if I had just experienced an awful trip (regardless of cost!). I would have to consult my editor regarding the consequences of a negative review in relations to losing the advertising contract. The power of advertising might just overcome my negative review. I would let the editor decide, but if it was up to me I would write a negative report!
3. I would admit the mistake and write an apology instead of taking a new angle. As a journalist, it is unacceptable to report inaccurately. I would tell the source of my concerns and if I lost the pay rise, it is my own fault in the first place!
4. Considering that your loyalties as a journalist lie with your employer, I would run the story. Though the girl’s situation is heartbreaking and will undoubtedly change her life forever, she committed the crime and should be responsible for her actions. This may sound cold hearted, but it must be considered if she would in fact feel the same desperation if she hadn’t have been court for her offences. This situation was only brought about by her misconduct and the journalist is not a councillor, all I could do is offer any assistance I can, but tell the girl I have to run the story because it’s my job to do so.

• FEATURE ARTICLE

When sorry seems to be the hardest word to print By Kendyl Salcito

http://www.journalismethics.ca/feature_articles/sorry_hard_to_print.htm

• What is global journalism ethics?Global journalism ethics aims at developing a comprehensive set of principles and standards for the practice of journalism in an age of global news media. New forms of communication are reshaping the practice of a once parochial craft serving a local, regional or national public. Today, news media use communication technology to gather text, video and images from around the world, with unprecedented speed and varying degrees of editorial control. The same technology allows news media to disseminate this information to audiences scattered around the globe. Despite these global trends, most codes of ethics contain standards for news organizations or associations in specific countries. International associations of journalists exist, and some have constructed declarations of principle. But no global code has been adopted by all major journalism associations and news organizations. In addition to statements of principle, more work needs to be done on the equally important area of specific, practice guidelines for covering international events.An adequate global journalism ethics has yet to be constructed.

A great website for all the questions/answers about journalism ethics is:

http://www.journalismethics.ca/index.htm

Journalism Blog- Week 13

Chapter 17- Perils of Defamation

1. Although legal fees would be a long and painful expenditure, I would stand by the decision to go to court. If she decided to sue then she sues. I think an apology is enough. If someone can't accept an apology then that is their own problem. I have never seen a full page apology and I can't imagine it would look very good in a credible newspaper. In fact, publishing the feature story would tarnish the newspapers reputation for accuracy.
2. No I wouldn't support it. Everyone, including public figures have and should have the right to defend themselves, and sue if need be, in the case of defamation. The media should not have the power to limit the rights of others.
3. I would say I would reveal her identity. At least in this way you have a defence on why you wrote the alleged 'defamed' part. The source should be accountable for giving false information to the media. If she has run away, then clearly she knows you would want to contact her. For legal purposes, I feel the identity must be revealed.

To limit exposure to defamation action and to provide protection if an action is initiated, the most common-sense approach is to work as though your articles will be published in the jurisdiction with the most stringent defamation laws. That approach will cover you if stories are run nationally or put on the web. Always ensure comment is fair and based on facts. Always strive for balance and accuracy.

Defamation Checklist- Journalists should:

• Never make assumptions and never guess anything.
• Take clear, accurate notes. Where possible, record interviews and note date and time.
• Never argue with someone being interviewed. Claims of malice might later be made. If someone attempts to engage in an arguement and it involves a sensitive story that might attract a writ, make notes of the conversation as quickly as possible, date them and have an idependent person sign them.
• Ensure every side of an issue is sought. Strive for balance from the top to the bottom of the story. Readers should not be able to work out what a reporter thinks from reading a story.
• Get primary documentary evidence wherever possible.
• Handle complaints with care. Do not make any confessions or admissions. Discuss the matter with the editor or chief-of-staff.
• If someone refused to return telephone calls, ensure careful records are kept to show these attempts were made. Make a note of the date and time each call was made and note the name and position of the person who took the call. In difficult cases also send emails seeking an interview, keep copies of them. This will provide a record to help protect a reporter accused of failing to seek balancing comment.
• Be mindful that a process of 'discovery' in a lawsuit means you may be asked to produce notebooks, tape recordings, letters and other documents. Ensure that not only are your records are in good order, but also that you have not recorded the names or other contact details of any confidential sources whose identities you have agreed to protect.
• Check and double-chech spelling of names, and that dates, times, numbers, ages and titles are correct.

Journalism Blog- Week 13

Chapter 13- Online news

1. Media companies need to ensure that the journalists working for them are properly prepared to be able to multi-skill and work across multiple mediums. What is the point of employing convergence if your journalists are merely producing average work across several mediums, when it may be more beneficial to the reputation of the company for the journalists to produce outstanding work in one medium? Indeed the quality of the work may be better if only one medium is utilised. The company must weigh up what is more important to them in terms of reputation, quality, efficiency and the type of journalist they want in their company before expecting their news room to become converged.
2. If the person concerned refused to work on both mediums, I would suggest that their chances of staying with the company would have taken a severe dive. Many journalists and indeed journalism students of the future are becoming more multi-skilled and efficient working across mediums. The basic news values and essence of journalism remain no matter what medium is being used to communicate the message; it is the delivery and type of language that must be flexible. Several courses may be offered in the TAFE system, specific colleges and universities that the journalist in question should be able to take in order to gain confidence across both mediums.
3. No, I don’t think convergence is just a fad, I think it is the way of the future for not only journalism but for many other careers as well. New ways of communication are continuously being established and news media must keep up to date with these in order to reach the maximum amount of people. In saying that, however, I do believe that traditional news mediums such as newspaper and radio still have significance and considerable worth in the modern media climate.
4. Australia's media is already dominated by three main owners : Fairfax, Packer’s Nine network and News Corp. They already have the power to inject their own agendas in media programs, and I think if the laws were relaxed, non commercialised media and alternative programs will be eliminated all together.
5. I think the future of radio, television and the web may be similar to the way it is now. The radio has the advantage of constant, portable news updates and headlines that may be consumed whilst completely another task. The internet similarly possesses the advantage of speed and constant updates, however is more restrictive in the manner in which it may be consumed. For example, I can listen to the radio all day whilst I am driving to different locations, but may only get on the internet a few times during the day via a computer or mobile phone. So whilst the radio maybe perceived as a more traditional method of communication, it continues to have a place in news media. The internet is obviously becoming more popular amongst media organisations but is limited in some respects in that there is so much information available, it can be difficult to find relevant and/or factual news. I believe television will always have a significant place in media as its methods of showing news through pictures combines the modern audiences need of visuals and explanations.
6. Yes, I think it should be. The media environment is becoming increasingly multi-dimensional and it would hold journalism is good stead to be able to show a potential employer that they are confident, skilled and efficient in a variety of tasks crossing numerous news mediums. Even if, as a journalist, students are only required to report in one area, it is no harm to possess the relevant skills to branch off into other areas. Being prepared for multiple mediums can only be a good thing for journalism students.
7. Yes I believe society is already at that point. There are so many things we couldn't do without it. Take applying and getting into university for example! And our reliance on the blackboard website. The internet provides an easy alternative for communication and we can communicate with people all over the world. We can access news from all over the world, watch video clips, share files. I think it is such an integral part of our lives these days. We are a society dependant on technology.

Things I found interesting this week-

http://www.journalismethics.ca/online_journalism_ethics/speed_and_accuracy.htm

An opinion on Online news -

One of the greatest benefits of online journalism is its ability to reach millions of people almost instantaneously. But the pressure to keep news current – online within minutes of an event’s occurrence – can jeopardize the accurate reportingof even the most ethically-conscious journalist. Furthermore, the proliferation of news outlets – bloggers by the millions, of course, but also cable television, satellite television, web sites, and web broadcasts – has resulted in a multi-media race to get “the” story 24 hours a day. As the pace intensifies, so does the pressure to cut corners.

Journalism Blog- Week 12

Chapter 12- Broadcast Journalism

1. No I don't think it should be privatised. The ABC is the only free to air non-commercialised channel and without it I think television coverage will become standardised and bland. If the ABC was privatised then whoever owned it could set their own agenda. The textbook says "a poll in 2004 revealed the ABC was the second most trusted organisation in Australia." If it was privatised the ABC would become just another channel.
2. You should really hire on skill and experience, but you should also look at the current staff and maybe an extra male is needed to balance out the gender difference. It sounds terrible, and I usually don’t agree with things like this, but, honestly, you really need decent looking television reporters because this is the ‘face’ of your station. Thus I would probably hire the male. It does say two ‘strong’ job applications. Age is also another factor here. Although 38 is not ‘old’, a 28 year old could possibly be better suited to the position, especially if it meant on camera work.
3. This is a tough question, as each medium has positive qualities different from one another. I think I would have to say web, due to its interactive nature, which could give it the ‘edge’ on being the best communicator. The web allows for audience feedback and efficient, up to date news with the click of a mouse. I would then say radio and television. Radio because of its efficiency and speed of getting news out there and television because of its visual advantages. Newspapers are still a strong communicator, but in today’s technologically advanced world, a newspaper has to wait until the next day to get news out there.
4. Looking at the current federal election campaign so far, I think the media are focusing on the political issues of each party, but they are also giving particular attention to polls which show the preferred PM. It is usually Kevin Rudd. Thus, it could be argued that the media are focusing heavily on personalities of John Howard and Kevin Rudd, as I believe many voters want a change from Howard and want to see him gone.

These are a few points I found interesting in this weeks reading-

• A television news story may have a 20-second minimum but a maximum of 2 mins. Broadcast journalists must be more disciplined writers.
  

The Free TV Australia code-

• News and current affairs programs should be presented accurately and fairly
• News and current affairs programs should be presented with care, having regard to the likely composition of the viewing audience and in particular, the presence of children
• News and current affairs should take account of personal privacy and of cultural differences in the community
• News is to be presented impartially

The ACMA and industry codes of practice have no policies releating to one of the media industry's most controversial, commercially driven practices: checkbook journalism. Reading this shocked me. I think it devalues good journalism as those who end up with the story are the ones who can outbid the rest.

Key broadcast definitions-

• Voicer- This is what reporters write and speak themselves (voice-over). Usually around 30sec and from either a news event or in the studio.
• Actuality-This represents the 'actual' voice of the interviewee and/or natural sounds from a news event. Can last from 10-30secs.
• Grab-This is a comment from an interviewee ('soundbite' or 'talking head').
• Lead-This is the first paragrapgh of a reporter-scripted statement that set up the actuality or grab. It may identify and establish a context for the ensuing comments.
• Reader copy- A script read by the presenter.
• Talent-those being interviewed.
• Throw-The newsreader briefly introducing the reporter to the listener, or the reporter introducing an interview. It is related to the lead.
• Sign-off- 'tag'- completes the package with reporters giving their name and location.
• Worder-3 paragraphs, read by the newsreader, with no accompanying story visuals.
• Wrap-two or more stories packaged together. It is a voicer that may include one or more actualities as well as a studio-based intro. Usually around 45secs.

Journalism Blog- Week 11

Chapter 11- Reporting for duty

1. This is yet another moral dilemma I would have trouble dealing with if I was placed in this situation. I believe this is a form of blackmail on the part of the policeman who said that no one would speak to me if our newspaper ran the story. However, I would have to listen to the advice (or orders) given by the chief-of-staff, as he is most senior and I would want to do what was correct by his standards. Although, in saying this, I would want to express my views and facts to the chief on the conversation had by myself and the policeman and inform him of this blackmail. But ultimately, I would respond in whatever way my boss wanted me to, even thought I know the events of the situation are wrong and unjust.
2. I would keep the story to myself. I couldn't handle having something like that on my conscience if she had committed suicide. It would be like risking her life for the sake of a story. Since the crime wasn't too severe I can't see how it would affect public interest if I didn't notify my newspaper. If possible, I would try and offer the lady help and point her towards a professional counsellor.
3. I would write the story. Celebrity cases such as these are very common these days! Just think of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Ritchie. Ofcourse people will make a big deal about the case for a couple of days but I can't see a story such as this destroying a career. As fabulous as money and a free holiday sound, I wouldn't give in to bribery.
4. I would report on the story mentioned in the question. If a juror feels comfortable to confide something like this in me, then he/she will probably be seeking justice. I would report on corrupt officers and the jurors as although the police in this case are corrupt, the media are not. It would be my responsibility to act as the fourth estate and it is definately in the publics interest to be informed about this case. As the textbook says, “a major omission is that we don’t report and analyse our justice system very well.” (pg. 251)

I found these points should be mentioned-

• If journalists accept the responsibility of informing the public they must first accept the importance of being well informed themselves. They should develop both general and specific knowledge from a wide variety of sources.
  The contact book, more than any other single object, represents everything and everyone a journalist knows on a professional basis. It is known as the ‘journalist’s bible’. It is extremely important to have in order to receive information about potential stories or even to investigate current stories further.
• Journalist’s other ‘assets’ should include-
  · Computer skills that include an ability to touch type
  · Shorthand to a minimum of 120 words per min
  · Knowledge of newspaper’s often complex telephone system
  · Access to a personal filing cabinet for ready access to reports and files containing articles you have clipped from newspapers and magazines relating to your particular round
  · A small radio with an earpiece or headphones to monitor news bulletins
  · A portable computer
  
• Good journalists learn to be flexible and manage their time and tempers throughout the news-gathering and writing process. Strategies are-
  Politely ending an interview that has outlived its usefulness
  Using the telephone as much as possible when pushed for time, as opposed to in-person interviews.
• Avoiding too much reliance on sound recorders, which can involve time consuming transcriptions and hunting backwards and forwards through an interview for direct quotes
• Asking each source, at some time during and interview, where he or she will be in the next few hours in case further contact needs to be made.
  
  It is important to know all Contempt of Court laws!!! A new court reporter will need to learn the rules of evidence, court etiquette, and the law and policy on the availability of court documents. A good relationship with police and prosecutors is necessary.

Journalism Blog- Week 10

Chapter 10- The story factory

1. Journalism is a hard industry in terms of ethical decisions. Should a journalist’s loyalty reside in the person that is providing them with the information, their employer or the public? Certainly it should always be in their reader’s best interest. If it is more relevant to publish the article a day later in terms of the newsworthy value of time than I publish it a day later. If it was a source that is constantly being used or is someone like the Police than I would also publish it a day later, if however, it is information that needs to be published straight away than I would disregard their request.
2. It is important that the public is made aware of the situation. I would run the story as it is in the publics interest, however I would do a follow up story on the workers who could lose their jobs. It is a difficult situation but you must remember that as a journalist you need to report the news and not let personal emotions get in the way. It is not the public relations practitioners role to dictate what a journalist includes in a story, so while they are a valid source, I would not listen to them about bad publicity.
3. This is difficult. As sub-editor it is your responsibility for any misrepresentations made by the paper. The excuse 'he sounded drunk' is not plausible if you make the wrong decision. I am honestly not sure what I would do. You could pull the story out all together... but then what makes front page? If you pull it out every other media outlet might cover it except you. If you leave it in and the 'so called' solicitor was telling the truth, the legal consequences of including the name could be huge.
4. I would write from the angle the editor suggests. They are senior in this argument and I wouldn't risk losing my job over something like this. I do understand that the police rounds officer is very experienced and would know the situation better than the editor might, but the editor chooses what gets published.

Here are a few things I thought were worth mentioning from the text-

• News organisation’s are assigning print, audio, web and video journalists to a story to provide output for radio, television, print and online. More journalists every year are realising the importance of multi-skilling and advanced computer training.

The Four-point Conley-Lamble Axiom of News-Gathering says:

1. The difficulty factor in news-gathering is proportional to its value.
2. The difficulty factor in news-gathering is proportional to a source’s determination to hide something.
3. The absence of difficulty in news-gathering is a hint that someone is selling something or wants something.
4. There really is no such thing as a free lunch. People who offer incentives or make threats in a bid to have a story published, or not, never have the public interest at heart.

• Australian journalists are facing major challenges to maintain quality against a backdrop of declining resources and an increasingly sophisticated public relations industry (Dickie 1999, p.21).
• 86% of journalists reported very frequent contact with PR practitioners and 31% of news stories were based ‘wholly or partly’ on media releases (p.214 textbook- survey).

The news hierarchy-

1. managing editor, or editor-in-chief
2. editor
3. deputy editor or associate editor
4. news editor
5. chief-of-staff, chief sub-editor, chief photographer/photo editor
6. journalists, sub-editors, photographers/artists

• The chief-of-staff is like a gatekeeper. They control the information received from the public and decide what stories should be followed/given to reporters or journalists.

Journalism Blog- Week 9

Chapter 15- Computer Assisted Reporting

1. As a journalist fresh out of university, it would be important to get a job that is going to last a while. I would take the weekly newspaper job as job opportunities are very competitive and if the other job falls through there is no guarantee that I would automatically get a job! I wouldn't worry too much about the pay because the value of the experience gained in an environment such as the newspaper is priceless!
2. I would conduct the interview regardless as although an email interview is not ideal, any information from the main source is helpful! As the journalist it seems your hands are tied in this situation!
3. This is unacceptable. I would raise my concerns with the editor or sub editor. Situations such as these must never happen. Plagiarism is such a huge ethical issue in journalism and shouldn't be ignored.
4. This situation has the potential to be extremely dangerous. I would not go and meet the mystery person. The fact they are on the run alone is enough to suggest illegitimacy with very little credibility! I would question informing the police about the meeting place and give them the email address.
5. I would do as much research as I could. Are these sites reliable? I would look into the six different publishers and the people who conducted the interview. Sometimes it is easy to recognise a source that is not reliable or academic, such as wikipedia.

A few things that I thought were interesting from this chapter were:

• CAR has revolutionalised news-gathering since mid 1990s. It offers journalists access to databases and other online information sources which were previously either unavailable, or whose release depends on the whim of public servants, media minders or politicians.
• Basic CAR includes email, discussion lists and using simple search tools. Intermediare CAR involves precision use of search tools, bookmarks, and assembling simple spreadsheets. Investigative CAR includes creating and analysing databases and spreadsheets, merging databases.
• The most important skills to acquire in relation to CAR are learning to know where to look.how to look and to develop an ability to assess the legitimacy or otherwise of what is found.
• Verifying online information is essential. The need to protect yourself is a big part of Journalism due to new defamation legislation.
• Government websites are great sources of valuable info. From them you may find dites within sites which is refered to as the 'hidden web'.

Journalism Blog- Week 9

Chapter 9 - Interviewing, A core skill

1. Ideally I would use both: direct and indirect. However if the choice had to be made I would use the clear but inexact one as it is easier for the journalist to reword and use indirectly to make the audience understand what they are saying. Using the unclear one would reflect poorly on both the writer and the interviewee and I'm sure they wouldn't like to be projected in an embarrassing way.
2. I don't think it is ever justified to threaten anyone. It is unethical and against the Australian Journalists Code of Ethics. If you threaten anyone you can say goodbye to any future interviews and it certainly is not a good way to strengthen your contacts. I believe a journalist may try persuasion to get information but under no circumstances should they intimidate a source!
3. To a certain extent, yes it is a reasonable strategy. People are more likely to open up to a friendly person and someone they get along with. A comfortable social environment for an interview is very important and so having 'personal chemistry' on a professional level is beneficial. It is important however that journalists should never get too personally involved with a source or abuse the relationship established with their source. Crossing these professional boundaries to gain information is unacceptable and unethical.
4. Contempt. In some cases identities that have been revealed by the journalist have been murdered while others have lost jobs, families and their health. As reported by the Police lecture, the information the police reveal to the journalist serves the individuals involved for these reasons and the journalists usually cooperate with the police if they wish to keep their contact with the police.
5. The most inarticulate, word-mangling public figure regularly in the news at present is the president of the United States of America, George Bush. Although he is regularly seen making a blunder, a recent example and a more relevant example to Australians is his infamous blunders made when he was Australia for the APEC summit. A few of his blunders include referring to the APEC as OPEC, calling John Howard, Ron Howard and the Australian troops as Austrian troops. With the Australian efforts to become an ally to America, for the President of the Country to first not know what country he is in, what event he is attending and to recognise our efforts the question of his why we are trying so hard to prove ourselves to such an irresponsible and arrogant man of charge is questionable. I would not ‘clean up’ his quotes.

• Journalists must be able to interact well with people to get the information needed. Good interviewers ask the right questions at the right time, win the confidence of – and refuse to be intimidated by interviewees.
• Interviewing is the most common news – gathering tool but not necessarily the most trustworthy.
• Often people will under no obligation to provide information to the media. People lie, withhold the truth, provide misleading information, tell one POV.
• During an interview, journalists must:
  1) Take legible notes.
  2) Interpret comments.
  3) Think of the next question / series of questions.
  4) Be alert for a comment or follow – up question that might form the basis for an intro.
  5) Maintain some eye contact while also taking notes.
  6) Listen carefully for hints that there might be something much more to an interviewees knowledge than they are letting on, and also for inconsistencies which could indicate they are lying.
  7) Trust their intuition in developing perceptions about what is being said and the person saying it.
• I found it interesting that Mencher advises that ‘some stories require pressing sources to the point of discomfort or implying a threat should they fail to respond. Journalism often becomes the business of making people say what they would prefer to keep to themselves’ ( 1994, p304).
• A journalist has four ‘last resorts’ to a failure to respond:
  1) Try to reach the prospective interviewee via other telephones or e-mail: at home, at another work number or on a mobile phone.
  2) Try a third party. Sometimes it is necessary to avoid or give up on support staff and approach others – friends, family members, colleagues – who might recognise an interview’s importance and convey that to the prospective interviewee.
  3) Send an e-mail or facsimile noting the attempts made to secure an interview and state that the e-mail \ facsimile, will serve as proof of this.
  4) ‘Door stop’ the interviewee. This can mean waiting for hours outside for them. It often works because it is more difficult to avoid people in person.
• Record interviews to encourage exact quotations and for defence against allegations of misquotation. Must ask permission first. Also take notes! It is important to be aware of non – verbal cues and what they mean. At the end of an interview always ask a ‘safety net’ question such as: Is there anything else you would like to discuss? A journalist must remain calm, friendly, respectful and professional.
• While it is important not to get personally involved, an understanding, non – judgemental, and emphatic approach is required when interviewing.
• On the record-everything said and every document supplied can be used and attributed to the source who provided it.
• Off the record-the person supplying the info does not want to be quoted under any circumstances. It may also mean the source does not want the info used in any form. This must be clarified. It may be better just to say ‘a reliable source,’ if they will allow you to use the information.
• On background- this means no named individual can be quoted. The information can be used but only generally sourced.
• On deep background- the reporter may use the material but without any kind of attribution.
• Direct quotes- gives stories pace, character and variety. They should show action, reveal personality and demonstrate emotion. They can be corrected to avoid errors in grammar and word usage but that is all.

Journalism Blog- Week 8

Chapter 8

1. I would prefer to do story (b). I seem to work better under pressure, so regardless of deadline pressures I feel I could produce a well written story. I can see how visiting offices and doing in-person interviews can have many benefits for this story and for the future. I found this statement in The Daily Miracle extremely important, "“there is no substitute for being there, to see how something looks or someone performs, and in some instances to be seen and known by the newsmakers, in order to widen your contacts”. Being out and about could provide me with inspiration and an interesting angle. With doing interviews in person, it would give me a chance to strengthen my relationship with sources as well as pick up on body language, posture, tone, and other inuendos that I wouldn't be able to see or hear on the phone or by email.
2. To a certain extent I would. If the scoop is important enough and the public need to know about the situation than I would be prepared to put in alot of work. Sometimes investigative journalism can put a journalist in dangerous situations and if this happened to me I would not put myself at risk for the sake of a story.
3. I would be willing to give up my question, especially if it would mean gaining maximum information which would be valuable to my story! Chances are someone else will have a question just as good as yours and an angle you may not have thought of before. Ultimately, everyones goal is the same as yours: inform and educate the public. Even though competition is fierce between media outlets, all will end up with similar stories anyway.
4. I think the public should be able to have access to all information, especially if it will affect them. However the Government has the power to withold any information they choose. The Daily Miracle outlines Freedom of Information laws, and shows the government have no obligation to give out information if they don't want to.
5. Depending on the angle I was taking, I would assess both sessions and their agandas. Which one is most relevant to my angle? I would have to evaluate their news worthiness!

Here are a few things I thought were intersesting from the text this week-

• Information about dilemmas involving elected representatives is very important information for media to impart to the public because it allows them to make a judgement about who they will vote for (eg. white collar crime).
• Good investigative journalists follow money trials, build chronologies of events, dig around under the surface of society, follow hunches, foster knowledgeable contacts and are trusted by their sources.

Tiffen (1989, 31) 4 main channels of news-

1. 'Tip offs' from social agencies and the public about 'spot news' (eg. fires, accidents).
2. The promotional activities of sources.
3. Pre-scheduled public events (court, parliament etc).
4. Following up stories that have already appeared in other media, especially by gathering reactions through interviews.

Mencher- 3 layers of news stories-

1. Top layer- media releases, press conferences, speeches.
2. Middle layer- reportorial enterprise, verification of material.
3. Bottom layer- significance, impact, causes, consequences, analysis, interpretation.

• Good contacts are the best source of news. They are vital to securing exclusive stories. It is important to know how and where to find them. Know how to use libraries, gain access to databases, court records, company documents, rates records, electoral rolls, archival material and registrations. Understand Freedom of Information legislation, balance sheet, statistics and surveys.
• Public records can be the most useful. These include state and federal parliamentary handbooks, local councils (property searches, development proposals), annual local goverment directories, Bureau of Statistics reports, annual reports from government departments, registers of births/deaths/marriages, state archives (court records, immigration, companies, mining, hotel etc), Australian Securities and Investments Commission, state art galleries, publications, newspapers, telephone directories, public notices (classifieds), computer assisted reporting is also useful (www).

Journalism Blog- Week 7

Chapter 7

1. I think they should aim at a high school education level. The majority of people is society have gone to year 10. The the language of newspaper's shouldn't get more difficult then the language and skills leaned up to this level. News story language should be easy to read, save the big words for the business papers. Pages 142-143 of the text book suggest that simplicity is a good thing for news articles. I believe the Newcastle Herald hits this mark. I am familiar with the language used and what is meant as is other friends the same age who left school in year 10.
   
2. I don't think they should at all really. It is obvious they need to interpret which events are most important however it shouldn't be one persons decision. It should be based on what they see is the most important to cover for the public interest, not on what is going to make the best story. They should not be able to inject their thoughts, this is the readers job, to make assumptions based on the facts that journalists provide. (Accuracy Pg. 156).
3. It does matter because this will effect what people see as 'correct', right/wrong. This may ultimately effect credibility. The idea of a global language would be useful however. If everyone was to use the same way of writing (spelling, punctuation etc.), it would make a journalist/editors job much easier and the audience could read stories easier across the world. (refer to pg 147).
4. I believe the majority do. There is always 'direct quotes' used, attribution, statistics etc to back up a story. It is however, hard for readers to prove how true these are. This is because we simply accept that what is published in a newspaper must be true.
5. I would publish a notice correcting the mistake anyway. Just because no-one has contacted the paper doesn't mean people are unaware of the mistake. You must keep credibility and also serve the public interests. (pg 156- Accuracy).

• 'Journalism could be said to be non-fiction writing (news) which relies on identifiable sources'. (Knight 2000, 48)
• Use short sentences, use short paragraphs. Use vigorous English, not forgetting to strive for smoothness. Be positive, simple and orderly.
  
• Things that must be dismissed from a news-story: Long explanations, unnecessary adjectives, cliches, elaborate phraseology, 'police speak', confusing statistics/technical info, anything not vital to the story, jargon, complex phrases. Know your audience.
  
• Instead of cutting out paragraphs from the end of the story, space can be saved by eliminating words that are not needed (that, big, small) and by shortening phrases. The key to communication is condensing a message to its simplest form.
  
• Good reporting takes the reader beyond the words used and to the actual event described.
• 'Word choice is central to all discussions surrounding the basics of journalism' (Brennen 2000, 107). For newspapers, the determining factor is whether a word has achieved community understanding and acceptance. Language of news must be learned!
• Writing Style- selection of words to convey mood or feeling. Need style and substance.
• House style- rules of punctuation, capitalisation and spelling. Gives clarity and uniformity to newspaper articles. Can change between publications.
• In Australia there is an industry standard for news writing style. (eg. numbers up to nine are spelt out, numerals for everything else. Proper titles of organisations, contractions are avoided, active voice is favored.)
• Intos are usually written in present tense which the body drops back to past tense. Indirect quote- past tense. Convey matters of substance clearly.
  
• Each sentence should stick to one key idea and the story should answer readers basic questions. A well balanced story might have 6 paragraphs (one sentence in length): Intro- 22 words, Two- 16 words, Three- 34 words, Four- 10 words, Five- 21 words, Six- 29 words. The standard/ideal word average for a sentence is 17 words. The most compelling information should be conveyed in the first few words, put attributes at the end of a sentence.
  
• A story needs to be fair, in the public interest and true. Accuracy is important (factual), needs to be credible to sources and readers. Check dates name spellings, titles. Don't make assumptions, use a sound recorder, as questions in an interview to clarify points, cross-check info with other sources.
  
• A journalist will act as the primary filter between a news event and the story, gaining info through direct observation. A reporter must assess the authenticity of info and discard subjective sources. Reporters should recognise the motives, challenge the source where appropriate, and realise the stronger the motive, the more likely the facts and opinions will be slanted.
• Rumour and unconfirmed reports, if published at all, should be identified as such (alleged).
  

Journalism Blog- Week 6

Chapter 6

1. Yes, I think I would because it is important to include the ‘other side’ due to ethical reasons. I guess it is sonly fair to include a balancing comment. You are simply reporting it for public interests, it isn’t your job to prove a persons comments are completely untrue.
2. I would publish it but acknowledge that an opposing side was unavailable and make an effort to publish a balancing comment as soon as possible. This could be unethical however. It depends how serious the issue in the story was. If it wasn’t very important I would withhold the story maybe for a later date to try and get a balancing comment. I would try to do what is best for public interests.
3. I would look out for falling objects and injured people. I would make sure I wasn’t in the way of any rescue attempts either. I would interview witnesses and professionals such as fire brigades, as soon as it was safe to do so. Probably not friends and relatives straight away as they would be in a distraught state. I would just try to find the facts first, such as how it started.
4. Yes, I think that the inverted pyramid is still used the most. I tend to read The Newcastle Herald most of the time and I find that the most important details are first and the endings seem to be on the boring side. I also think it is the most effective method of structuring material. This is because it is quicker and easier to find out the story and it’s most important facts first. For a majority of people today, time is an issue and this style is more efficient for those busy people.

• Upside-down pyramids are known as one of the ‘seven wonders of the news room’. It is a basic news story structure- the inverted pyramid. It means that a story’s most important elements should appear at the top and then descend in order of importance. Readers what the most important info first.
• This type of structure tends to include Kipling’s Six Strong Serving Men (the 5 Ws and the H).
• The inverted pyramid is sub-editor-friendly. They simply cut from the bottom up of a story to make it fit.
• There is rarely a conclusion in a news story, only the least important paragraph.
• Issue-based stories structure for article- 1) intro (mentions A, B, C), 2) summary paragraph (further develops A), 3) supporting paragraph (elaborates on B and C), 4) quotation, 5) other issues (D, E, F), 6) A (full details), 7) B (full details), 8) C (full details), 9) D (full details), 10) E (full details), 11) F (full details).
• Event-based news story (reactive)- May involve a chronology. May include: 1) injuries, 2) physical damage, 3) chronology/summary, 4) suspects/ explanation of cause, 5) quotations, 6) update (aftermath/investigation).
• Guiding Principle- People are more interested in people than things. Therefore, death, injury and human tragedy are high on the public interest list.
• Rather than getting details by phone, it is better to go to the scene of a major incident. When arriving at the scene, a good journalist will not rush in and try get close to the heart of the action. They will approach slowly, taking time to survey the incident- looking for potential dangers and threats to their own safety while getting a clear overview of the situation, something which will help them greatly when they write their article.
• Witnesses can assist the reporter in cross-checking info provided by other sources.
• Building blocks- 1) narrative 2) description 3) quotations 4) paraphrasing 5) exposition.
• Transitional devices- ‘word bridges’, that glue stories together. Lead readers through an article. Tie paragraphs together, such as ‘furthermore’, ‘the previous paragraph.’
• Block writing- involves putting facts and opinions on a related subject in adjoining series of paragraphs.
• Fairness and balance are essential to content. Opposing viewpoints should be displayed high in the story. This is an ethical issue.
• Establishing chronologies, accurately recording a sequence of events and the development of timelines can be critical in piecing together what has occurred.
• Types of reporting- 1) straight traditional (inverted pyramid), 2) narrative (real characters act), 3) point of view (visible point) and 4) radical clarity (no assumptions).
• Editors suggest- accept and use new forms and techniques, serve readers’ needs, encourage story-telling in news stories, think of the inverted pyramid as a form not the form for writing, insist on a separation of ‘news telling’ from opinion.

I personally think that the inverted pyramid should be followed by journalists who write news stories. In this era, it is a much more practical way of approaching a story and will achieve more followers to the newspaper that uses this type of structure.

Journalism Blog-Week 5

Chapter 5

1) I read the news on the front page and the other stories on the first few pages. This is where I learn the most about what is happening in the world at present. The next place I usually flip to is the classifieds. This is because I am seeking a new job and this section provides 'positions vacant'. I also like to have a look at my star sign, usually on the last page. Sport would be then next thing I would look at as I am interested to find out the footy scores and ladder but thats all I look at in the sports section.

2) I spend a lot more time watching television. I think that this is because you can watch tv and do something else at the same time. If I had the newspaper delivered to my house of a morning I would spend more tine reading the local paper because it is there and I have easy access to it.

3) I would definitely write the trick intro as long as it met the interests of the readers. The aim of your intro is to attract the reader and make them want to read on. Your trying to gain public attention. The central news value can then be added later.

4) Begin summarising the information and decide what angle to take. I would then begin writing the body of the story. This should allow you to create an intro in your mind which best summarises what has already been written and that will make a reader want to know more.

5) Have a word to the sub-editor, then write to your sources apologising ang explain what has happened. It wouold also be a good idea to try and publish the story again but re-written with a new angle that may shed light on how the last article should have been written and understood.

Some things that I learnt and found intersesting:

• The lead (intro) is a reporters first, best and possibly only chance to impress the reader. It is the reporters journalistic signature. (pg 104)
• The intro is the reporter's version of a headline.
• Intro's are examined and are the major factor that determines whether a story will be run and where it will be placed. The intro is considered the most important part of a story and the most difficult to write.
• An into's goal is to signal that what lies ahead will be informative, pleasurable, interesting, enlightening, compelling and educational. 'Spill the beans quickly.'
• Leiter et al. (2000, p.93)- 'Good leads look deceptively simple because they flow effortlessly; they don't strain. Good leads have a strong sense of rhythm, unity and pace. They don't overwhelm the reader. They reach out and touch the reader with excitement or drama or humour and make her/him face a critical decision: should I go on?'
• Newspapers present more facts, interpretation, and commentary to more people, in greater detail than any other news medium.
• Research shows that people are first attracted to a photograph, then its caption, then the biggest headline, then its intro.
• As a general rule news story intros should consist of a single sentence in a stand alone paragraph ranging from 20-25 words or less. Avoid 'run-on' sentences. Avoid generalisation and repetition, the vague, the obvious, the sensational, the misleading, the essay, the confusing, the meaningless.
• Types of news intros- Direct (flat statement), attribution (offical figures), summary (all-in-one), decision (includes attribution), delayed (buried lead), question (avoid), quotation(only if it sums up the situation) and direct address ('you', 'I', 'we').
• Keep intro's short and simple. Use the active voice (subject-verb-object), strongest part of message first, summarise, only use essentail detail, use present tense, stick to 'said', tell a story, avoid beat-ups (be fair,objective and accurate).
• Plan your story- research subject first, make a list of people to interview, make a list of questions, use newsroom networking (finding sources) and organise your material.

Journalism Blog-Week 4

Chapter 4

1) The story dominated the front pages of the nation's newspapers as well as broadcast news bulletins and online news. News broadcasts devoted major segments of their bulletins to the tragedy and its aftermath. The impact news value was used by journalists. Proximity was also used as Australia's population is clustered around low-lying coastline and a nation neighboring the worst hit nation, Indonesia. Some of the devastated areas such as Thailand, were a favorite holiday destination for Australians. The media played tthe devastation in tourist areas up.

2) Conflict, Proximity and Human Interest. Conflict attracts reader interest and the readers become spectators. Here there has been a conflict between the woman and Qld police. This story has proximity in Australia as well. This can be a worry for many as Australia is a multicultural nation and its residents speak many different languages. Human interest is also found within this story. It provides an insight into the immigration policies and how police work.

3) b. Prince Charles is a highly recognisable character on an international scale. As chapter 4 (pg 93) says, 'names make news.'

4) A contemporary event or issue that is new and different from the normal flow of events.

5) Yes definitely. It covers all the focus points that a news story should contain. It would provide enough detail to satisfy human interest/expectations. Stories have always included the five Ws and the H and should continue to!

Things that I thought were interesting-

• 'News, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.' (Pg 78)
• Benjamin Bradlee- defines news as 'the first rough draft of history.' (pg 79)
• 'Readers don't want the predictable.' (pg 79)
• just as the readings this week say, distinctions should be made between 'truth', 'news' and 'versions of reality,' that are based on self-interested 'sources.' (Epstein 1975, 3)
• 'News' signalise a new event. 'Truth' bring to light hidden facts to set them in relation with each other.'
• 2001 ABA study (chapter 1) found that 90% of those surveyed believe media owners influenced the news and current affairs. They were concerned with sensationalised, intrusive, biased and inaccurate reporting.
• News can be defined as any information of interest to the target audience. (pg 81)
• News values that make a story newsworthy are: impact, conflict, timeliness, proximity, prominence, currency, human interest and the unusual.
  
• Who, What, When, Where, Why and How- Kipling 1986. Always needs to be answered in some form, as close to the beginning of the story as possible and link in with the news values. (pg 83-84)
• The greater the impact, the bigger the story. (pg 85)
• Repetition erodes currency and will diminish impact unless a fresh angle is found.
  
• It is a journalists job to define news values.
  

Journalism Blog-Week 3

Chapter 2

1) I believe the media function 'inform' is the most important. As pages 31-32 in the text book suggest, the public relies on journalists and media to provide information about many things. This includes government policies, news and commerce. The informative function is linked to the idea of a 'watchdog role' and this is important as it aims to protect the public from those with political, legal and financial power who try to control the media. Few citizens can or want to attend parliament, public meetings or a criminal trial but many will want to know what happened. The informative role then comes into play in order to meet public interests.

2)To a large degree. The results of readership and profits show how the journalists and editors perform their key functions. A journalist should be using the figures as a form of feedback to their work. It should be important to journalists how many read their pieces. Profitability can also demonstrate the achievements of the media outlet.

3) No, I don't believe so. I think they should have a say in it but not have control and be able to decide on what does or doesn't get put into the media. It should be a group decision that has only the public interests in mind. It is important that newspapers/media fulfill their roles to inform and educate. The owner may only make choices based on their own gains which is a huge problem.

4) Yes, I believe it does. I was very disappointed to read (pg 36-37) about how little there is of it now. I do agree that it is very time consuming and costly, however I believe it is the best function that acts as a 'watchdog' (Fourth Estate). For the readers who have more time, it would sell papers and increase ratings as this type of journalism can provide new information and in depth coverage. The problem is though, as it stands, it doesn't ultimately sell papers or increase ratings. it would be better to put this type of reporting in the weekend paper or left to current affairs.

5) This is a very difficult proposition. On one side you need to perform the policy of recording the conviction. The medias function is to inform/educate the public on such matters however it is also important to have advertisers/income to keep the paper running, in order to do the functions they should do (pages 42-45). I personally would be loyal to the readers and act in the best interests of the public. I would publish the report as it is part of the policy. If anything, I might downplay the story and only make it brief. The reality is that you can find a new advertiser but it is difficult to find a new audience. If it wasn't in my paper then it would be in another. People who have more money should never be treated differently. it is about respect, policy and the forth estate.

Points I was interested in:

• News power=personal power.
  
• Media sets the agenda for public debate.
• Freedom of the press 'for those who own it.'(JJ Liebing)
• 1975 Deputy PM, Jim Cairns said 'the media is the most powerful force in Australia today.'
• I find it interesting that a 2004 survey found that 66% of Australians relied on tv as their main source of news as apposed to newspapers.
  
• This chapter talks a lot about government influence over the media and shows how the 'fourth estate' is not working. Altschull (Agents of Power 1984)- 'An independent press is impossible because the press is no more than a tool for political and economic interests.'
  
• Media functions AJA Code (pg 30-31)- Seek truth and pass onto communities in ways which inform, educate and entertain. The media represent the publics right to hear, speak and be heard. Journalists and media can be followers or forerunners of public opinion- reactive or proactive. They can ignore corruption or expose it.
• Today little investigative journalism occurs due to lack of funding and time. Defamation laws means the possibility that the information gathered cannot be published. This was quite dissapointing as I would be interested in pursuing detailed investigations in the future. they are the most visible 'watchdog'.
  

Journalism Blog- Week 2

Chapter 1- Answers

1) I don't believe journalists should risk going to jail or should accept dangerous assignments however I do think it is important that journalists take difficult stories. Journalists act as messengers but unfortunately are seen as the bad guys and face new defamation laws. Journalists actually keep the public safe in a way. They inform us, educate and entertain us. Society needs journalism to keep us out of the dark especially on topics that may attract negative attention for being published.

2) It is very hard for them to improve it. I can only suggest, completely avoid bias, provide a broad range of coverage on all topics and include interviews from both parties when it comes to publishing conflicts.

3) It can teach you about the way the media world works. You can be better educated in the way the industry runs. You gain many skills such as better communication, creative thinking, problem solving and time management. You also gain confidence in yourself to ask difficult questions and seek answers.

4) Yes, I believe so. Newspapers were the first form of media. They cover many functions- to inform, educate and entertain. Newspapers provide you with written evidence. The text in front of you is left for you to interpret in your own way. Newspapers can be kept and referred back to where as media on radio and television is often quick, less detailed and not as likely to be remembered. Newspapers can also fill in time and expand your vocabulary. They provide many different sections such as real estate, profiles and international news. They cater for a variety of different people and cheaply too. It is easier to provide feedback and have it shown to the public as well (opinion section). I do think they will become more entertainment focused however. New generations tend to lack interest in the news/facts/figures and I believe they will want more entertainment, more crosswords etc.

5) Yes they do. As it says on page 20 of this weeks reading, a journalists job is about 'seeking the truth in the public interest and about telling those truths in a way the public can understand. Journalists provide a lot of information on politics. They help run the system by informing the public on such things as where their tax is being spent, issues raised in parliament, new laws and campaigns for politicians.

6) I think newspapers newspapers, even if a 3rd party (journalists) have written it. It is meant to be objective and provide detailed information including quotes from interviews. Research goes into writing these stories. Newspapers focus more on the news thus would be more credible then television or radio who focus mainly on entertainment.

7) No, we need journalists to do our research and provide information to the public. The media inform us, educate us and entertain us. The news media is a main source of knowledge about what is happening in the world. This communication is needed to avoid a breakdown in society.

* I don't really like the idea of how journalists are perceived as talked about in the beginning of this weeks reading. Journalists are simply messengers and performing their duty to the public and their bosses gets them in trouble.