But first, more of the antics from The Daily Bugle boss!
J. JONAH JAMESON QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Tell you what Addicus, you take the pictures, I'll make up the headlines! Ok? Is that ok with you?"
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THIS EDITION OF ZEEJAY'S JOURNALISM JUNK! (The Daily Miracle, pp. 259-260).
1. I'd listen to the chief-of-staff, no question. If a policeman told me that nobody at the police station would speak to me again if the newspaper runs anything, regardless who writes it, suggests to me that they are blackmailing me and trying to cover something up. I'd go ahead and report that fact, as exposing the police corruption is of high public interest. Also, the fact that the young man who has been bashed has witnesses and a medical report is too hard to disregard for a quality news story! Bring down law abuse and corruption...it's what journalists do! Always have integrity in mind!
2. Would any readers of the newspaper really be interested in one woman stealing a pair of stockings? It's hardly newsworthy, and if she is so distraught that she is on the verge of suicide if the paper publishes anything, it's hardly worth the risk of someone losing their life for a bit of media coverage, regardless of the newspaper's policy of publishing such cases. Bottom line, I wouldn't bother revealing it! Keep in court.
3. Celebrities get themselves into trouble, they deal with it. They are in the public spotlight, and they are often role models to many who look up to them. They must learn to take responsibility for their own actions, just like the rest of us common folk. Too often they get off criminal charges too easily...just think of Paris Hilton! Like the old mantra goes, "If you can't do the time, don't commit the crime" (or something along those lines!). As tempting as it is, you should not take bribes from affluent, influential people, mainly because it may (more likely than not), come back to haunt you, your career and relationships. Journalistic integrity is HIGHLY important in the industry, and everyone entering the profession should have to swear an oath or pledge of allegiance to the media organisation. After all, there is always the MEAA Code of Ethics that all journalists must adhere to. They knew they were putting their career on the line when they indulged in the irresponsible behaviour, so it isn’t my problem. I'm just the middle media man that happened to be at the right place at the right time! But, this famous personality is VERY attractive you say...?
4. In this case, three words: Spill the beans! What do I have to lose if I expose these corrupt cops and jury members? It is in the public interest to know that these people are crooked and accept large bribes. Of course there is the matter of protecting my juror source in the high-profile murder trial who told me in the first place that there would be a hung jury and the bribery situation. Of course there would be more research to be done to confirm the source's claim is valid, but that goes without saying. If there is some sort of possibility, a journalist must always try and pursue it! Most of the time, what do they have to lose? These discussion questions make me wonder if they have been written based on situations that have occurred in a city rife with corruption and greed such as Gotham City.
And we all know what happens when people indulge in such activities there...this super detective finds them out:
If only he really existed and could sort out some people in need of the Bat treatment!
JOURNALISM ISSUE DISCUSSION:
The main message which seemed to illuminate from that chapter was journalists being informed about news and current affairs, as well as accumulating notes and ideas in what was dubbed an 'idea file' for possible future stories.
"A comprehensive contact book is frequently the difference between getting and missing the news" (The Daily Miracle, p. 235).
It is also strongly advisable for journalists to continually scan other news sources from other news organisations to be as informed as possible for the upcoming days events.
If journalists tend to not do this, a busy news day could turn out to be disastrous if they know very little of what's going on in the world! I found that to be an important point rose in this week's chapter.
Stress is also no stranger to journalists, and many cope differently with deadline pressures, which are constantly faced on a daily basis.
According to The Daily Miracle, "A journalist's honest mistake can be interpreted as an attempt to undermine someone's understanding. Some people cannot comprehend balanced reporting" (p. 237).
I had information on time management and the rounds system, but thanks to the wonderful internet and it's reliability, it crashed out on me, so all my thoughts which I had had on them are now gone and I will have to re-do them to the best of my ability...apologies folks!
Anyway, time management is a key strategy for any journalist daily. Some survival strategies may include ending an interview ahead of time, relying on the telephone much more for interviews, and relying much less on the sound recorder when taping other people as it is time-consuming to go back and forth searching for direct quotes! (p. 238).
Now, the rounds system just briefly. Many newspapers have rounds reporters, mainly covered by more experienced journalists in a specific 'area of expertise'. They can include:
-police
-courts
-education
-computer
-business
-social justice
-religion
-media
-arts & entertainment ... the list goes on!
As well as specialist reporters, most newspapers need general assignment journalists for daily events that do not fall into a specific rounds category (p. 240).
As for the trainee/junior journalists? These less experienced reporters do not usually get their own rounds unless they work at smaller newspapers. More often they do their first serious reporting as general-assignment reporters! (p. 240).
That'll do for this week's blogging!
This is Z.J Pink, signing off once again for Zeejay's Journalism Junk!!
!!! ~ HAVE A GREAT BREAK ~ !!!
No comments:
Post a Comment