[rubicon]

Originally Posted by DruannB

I'm probably going to regret it, but I'm going to weigh in here. I have been a journalist for 39 years, either as a reporter, editor, and now as a journalism professor. I've worked for both small and large newspapers, magazines, and lobbyists. What we are taught in school is not what we experience when we start working in the field. Many of you are correct. The bottom line is all that matters. I've been told to exclude information, deny coverage, or pump up more advertisers than I care to count. I lost a job once for offending an advertiser. I went into journalism education because I saw our profession descend into the muckraking that was going on in the early 20th century. I hoped I could influence a few to report objectively. I teach ethical reporting and hope that some will land in a job where they won't have to lie. The current trend in reporting is also opinion reporting--no more being objective. At national conferences we're told that the general public is too stupid to interpret the news for themselves. So, as a result of this training, you have a 21-year-old telling you how you should think and act. And they grow up in the business being applauded for doing so. This is my last year as a journalism professor. I am switching over to English full time. I've had enough and I just can't defend my profession any longer.

Druann B Bravo! I suspect like journalist politicians, doctors lawyers, etc go into their respective profession with the intent to do well by those they serve. Unfortunately lack of ethical dealing is becoming endemic in our society. This is especially notice within those professions that are suppose to sere their communities/constitutents

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

I don't get it. How does this relate to this thread? How does it relate to the profitability of a newspaper? It would help if you would state what the connection is.

It relates because Wesh2 news didn't put any racial "spin" on it. And neither did Chi when he responded.

The title of this thread is "Fairness in Journalism: Should we expect it".

It is MY opinion that our local stations are much better at reporting what is happening, without interpretation, than the National News.

I sense that you wanted it connected to health in some way, BUT that is how I read it and that is how I responded to it. And so did Druanne. A great and honest post.

[Tennisnut]

Originally Posted by DruannB

I'm probably going to regret it, but I'm going to weigh in here. I have been a journalist for 39 years, either as a reporter, editor, and now as a journalism professor. I've worked for both small and large newspapers, magazines, and lobbyists. What we are taught in school is not what we experience when we start working in the field. Many of you are correct. The bottom line is all that matters. I've been told to exclude information, deny coverage, or pump up more advertisers than I care to count. I lost a job once for offending an advertiser. I went into journalism education because I saw our profession descend into the muckraking that was going on in the early 20th century. I hoped I could influence a few to report objectively. I teach ethical reporting and hope that some will land in a job where they won't have to lie. The current trend in reporting is also opinion reporting--no more being objective. At national conferences we're told that the general public is too stupid to interpret the news for themselves. So, as a result of this training, you have a 21-year-old telling you how you should think and act. And they grow up in the business being applauded for doing so. This is my last year as a journalism professor. I am switching over to English full time. I've had enough and I just can't defend my profession any longer.

I would be curious as to your opinion of the Daily Sun. Is better or worse at providing ethical and balanced reporting or is it as biased as some purport the the national media to be?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

It's not even that, in many cases, journalists are intentionally trying to mislead anyone, although there are certainly cases where they are.

But many of them are of a certain political bent. Many have very strong leanings to the point where it effects everything they write. They come at every story from a specific prospective. Often they simply assume that their particular beliefs are a given and all discussion beings with those givens.

There's an often told story about a long time White House correspondent. I'll say here that this story has been disputed and some say that it never happened, but whether or not it did, it is illustrative of the way many reporters approach their job.

The story takes place shortly after Richard Nixon won re-election in a landslide. This particular White House correspondent was talking a a party and said, "I can't understand how Nixon possibly could have won. I don't know a single person that voted for him."

When everyone that this reporter knows is of the same political bent, it is difficult for her to be objective about any subject. When there are 50 reporters all in a room together and every one of them has the same political philosophy, how can they possibly be objective? Again, they simple assume that their position is a given and that every one int he world agrees with them.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by Tennisnut

I would be curious as to your opinion of the Daily Sun. Is better or worse at providing ethical and balanced reporting or is it as biased as some purport the the national media to be?

In al fairness, the Daily Sun is not really a newspaper. It is an information sheet for what's going on in The Villages. I don't know of very many people that think of it as a serious newspaper.

[Tennisnut]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

In al fairness, the Daily Sun is not really a newspaper. It is an information sheet for what's going on in The Villages. I don't know of very many people that think of it as a serious newspaper.

That's unfortunate, because they do address national and international news. Do you think they should drop this information and just be "What's Happening in The Villages"

[bkcunningham1]

There should always be a wall between news and advertising. The wall is porous of late, but that doesn't excuse poor journalism nor does it excuse apathy on the part of the public. I was a journalist for some 25 odd years and only once did I ever have an executive editor bow down to the cries and whims of advertisers. He and I didn't see eye-to-eye on a few things and I wasn't afraid to make it known what I thought about him wanting me to put my integrity and reputation on the line in order to keep in the good graces of an advertiser. He was an exception to the rule in my experience. Thank God.

It doesn't matter what your political beliefs, a good journalist should and can keep opinion out of news. Period. I was very proud of my profession and I was proud of most of the other reporters I knew. The times they are a changing though. Sad but true.

[DruannB]

Journalists are liberal by nature. We enter the profession in the hopes of making a difference, bringing about social change, saving the little guy. That often involves taking on the establishment/far right. We do think alike, and we're a close knit group in our communities because we spend much of our day together. That all breeds monovision. But that doesn't negate the fact that we are often "told" how to think by our publishers/editors. Either get in step or find a place where you are a better fit. Or as my boss used to lovingly say, "don't let the door hit you in the behind."

Oh, and TV Sun is a nice little "rag," but it's not a real newspaper, just a public relations arm for the owners. It is better edited than some I've read, however, and if you're looking for nice feature stories, it does a pretty good job.

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

It's not even that, in many cases, journalists are intentionally trying to mislead anyone, although there are certainly cases where they are.

But many of them are of a certain political bent. Many have very strong leanings to the point where it effects everything they write. They come at every story from a specific prospective. Often they simply assume that their particular beliefs are a given and all discussion beings with those givens.

There's an often told story about a long time White House correspondent. I'll say here that this story has been disputed and some say that it never happened, but whether or not it did, it is illustrative of the way many reporters approach their job.

The story takes place shortly after Richard Nixon won re-election in a landslide. This particular White House correspondent was talking a a party and said, "I can't understand how Nixon possibly could have won. I don't know a single person that voted for him."

When everyone that this reporter knows is of the same political bent, it is difficult for her to be objective about any subject. When there are 50 reporters all in a room together and every one of them has the same political philosophy, how can they possibly be objective? Again, they simple assume that their position is a given and that every one int he world agrees with them.

[DruannB]

You're very lucky to have that experience, particularly if you were able to stay for 25 years in one spot. I've worked at six different newspapers, in three states, from very small circulations to over 300,000, and every last one of those papers or TV stations gave some level of control to the advertisers. A few made it obvious the advertisers were in charge by yelling at me--ARE YOU CRAZY!!! (both large and small papers). I sometimes won the argument, but I've also had some bosses you wouldn't dare confront.

Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

There should always be a wall between news and advertising. The wall is porous of late, but that doesn't excuse poor journalism nor does it excuse apathy on the part of the public. I was a journalist for some 25 odd years and only once did I ever have an executive editor bow down to the cries and whims of advertisers. He and I didn't see eye-to-eye on a few things and I wasn't afraid to make it known what I thought about him wanting me to put my integrity and reputation on the line in order to keep in the good graces of an advertiser. He was an exception to the rule in my experience. Thank God.

It doesn't matter what your political beliefs, a good journalist should and can keep opinion out of news. Period. I was very proud of my profession and I was proud of most of the other reporters I knew. The times they are a changing though. Sad but true.

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by DruannB

You're very lucky to have that experience, particularly if you were able to stay for 25 years in one spot. I've worked at six different newspapers, in three states, from very small circulations to over 300,000, and every last one of those papers or TV stations gave some level of control to the advertisers. A few made it obvious the advertisers were in charge by yelling at me--ARE YOU CRAZY!!! (both large and small papers). I sometimes won the argument, but I've also had some bosses you wouldn't dare confront.

I worked in three different states for a variety of newspapers; big and small. I have been and continue to be blessed. Not many of the reporters/editors I knew-and still know-are liberal or Progressive by any stretch of your imagination.

The majority of people I worked with lived and breathed this creed.

"The Journalist’s Creed

"The Journalist’s Creed was written by the first dean of the Missouri School of Journalism, Walter Williams. One century later, his declaration remains one of the clearest statements of the principles, values and standards of journalists throughout the world. The plaque bearing the creed is located on the main stairway to the second floor of Neff Hall.

"I believe in the profession of journalism.

"I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

"I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

"I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

"I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

"I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one’s own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another’s instructions or another’s dividends.

"I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

"I believe that the journalism which succeeds best — and best deserves success — fears God and honors Man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today’s world."

Source: J-School Legacy - Missouri School of Journalism

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

I worked in three different states for a variety of newspapers; big and small. I have been and continue to be blessed. Not many of the reporters/editors I knew-and still know-are liberal or Progressive by any stretch of your imagination.

The majority of people I worked with lived and breathed this creed.

"The Journalist’s Creed

"The Journalist’s Creed was written by the first dean of the Missouri School of Journalism, Walter Williams. One century later, his declaration remains one of the clearest statements of the principles, values and standards of journalists throughout the world. The plaque bearing the creed is located on the main stairway to the second floor of Neff Hall.

"I believe in the profession of journalism.

"I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

"I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

"I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

"I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

"I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one’s own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another’s instructions or another’s dividends.

"I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

"I believe that the journalism which succeeds best — and best deserves success — fears God and honors Man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today’s world."

Source: J-School Legacy - Missouri School of Journalism

BKCunningham is a nationally recognized journalist.

[kittygilchrist]

BK rocks.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

I worked in three different states for a variety of newspapers; big and small. I have been and continue to be blessed. Not many of the reporters/editors I knew-and still know-are liberal or Progressive by any stretch of your imagination.

The majority of people I worked with lived and breathed this creed.

"The Journalist’s Creed

"The Journalist’s Creed was written by the first dean of the Missouri School of Journalism, Walter Williams. One century later, his declaration remains one of the clearest statements of the principles, values and standards of journalists throughout the world. The plaque bearing the creed is located on the main stairway to the second floor of Neff Hall.

"I believe in the profession of journalism.

"I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

"I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

"I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

"I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible.

"I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one’s own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another’s instructions or another’s dividends.

"I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

"I believe that the journalism which succeeds best — and best deserves success — fears God and honors Man; is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance and, as far as law and honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today’s world."

Source: J-School Legacy - Missouri School of Journalism

Bravo. Great post!

I must say that sometimes the human element that some journalists exhibit, in trying to beat the competition to a story, gets in the way, and leads to irresponsible reporting.

"Dewey beats Truman!"

The ESPN reporter who insinuated that Michael Sam, (openly gay), was showering, with no regard to his team-mates.

Reporter who outed Arthur Ashe that he had AIDS and was going to publish, unless he made a formal statement. Very painful to a private man who led a life with dignity. I thought this story was distasteful.

BTW - Arthur Ashe got his AIDS from a blood transfusion, during an operation he needed.

This is irresponsible reporting. Advertisers who insist stories should be told to their liking, are selfish individuals. Give me a balanced news service any day.

BTW - I really get annoyed when any President makes a speech, and reporters comment on what he meant. Was he speaking English?

Is there fairness in journalism? I say NO!!!!! As Sgt. Friday used to say, "Just give me the facts" and not the biased twist, on the story.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

It relates because Wesh2 news didn't put any racial "spin" on it. And neither did Chi when he responded.

The title of this thread is "Fairness in Journalism: Should we expect it".

It is MY opinion that our local stations are much better at reporting what is happening, without interpretation, than the National News.

I sense that you wanted it connected to health in some way, BUT that is how I read it and that is how I responded to it. And so did Druanne. A great and honest post.

It might have helped if I was familiar with "Wesh2". Is that the name of an internet news site? I don't think it's fair to assume that everyone will know.

Thanks, now I understand that you were asking a trick question.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

In al fairness, the Daily Sun is not really a newspaper. It is an information sheet for what's going on in The Villages. I don't know of very many people that think of it as a serious newspaper.

Maybe they should rename it the "Daily Information Sheet". LOL