On a Different Note

Final Exam: Objectivity, Excellence, Truth, and Code of Conduct

2008-12-15T15:54:00.002-07:00

Question #1

The definition of objectivity differs from source to source, whether it is the dictionary, Bill Kovach, journalists, or the people. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines objectivity as expressing facts without the distortion of personal feelings or prejudice. The discussion of objectivity in Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel’s “Elements of Journalism” delves deeper into the issue. I find their statement beginning statement of element four to ring true. “Being impartial or neutral is not a core principal of journalism….impartiality was never what was meant by objectivity…the critical step in pursuing truthfulness and informing citizens is not neutrality but independence…” Americans expect journalism to be 100 percent objective. The question of objectivity arises when the definition of objectivity between citizens and journalists clashes. Everyone is influenced by their personal experiences, including journalists, but they should and can be independent from their work. Independence and honesty establish trust and credibility with readers, rather than complete neutrality. Kovach and Rosenstiel also said, “the question is not neutrality, but purpose.”

In the United States, opinions are upheld by the 1^st amendment, but that does not mean the people want it in their journalism and news. It seems though, that opinion and partisanship have seeped into news and broadcast networks. The place for opinion therefore belongs in the opinion and editorial sections of papers and designated programs on networks. In order for the people to trust the press once again, we must be honest with them instead of pretending we are independent. I think it is important that every person develop their own opinions on the issues of the time. A person without opinion brings nothing to the community. Journalists can be independent and still hold opinions on the issues they are writing. I believe part of being a journalist is learning and mastering the ability to separate yourself from those opinions when it is necessary. As a journalist, I will be independent in my writing. If I find that my opinions compromise an article or piece, then I would be obligated to inform my editor and write on something else. I feel it is important for me to be as honest and truthful with the public as possible. I want to increase the credibility of current journalists and those in the future.

Question #2

I think it is simple to identify excellent journalism when one reads or views it. Defining excellent journalism on paper is much more difficult. Some ways we have currently been able to identify extraordinary journalism is through Pulitzer prizes, Hearst awards, and other such recognitions. To me, excellent journalism expresses complete honesty and truth in a way that is able to deeply impact readers or viewers. Aspects such as independence and public vigilance push journalists to do better. The people are never quiet in their criticisms of journalism, which is very beneficial. While we, as journalists, have the role of watchdog; it is logical that the public watches us and points out faults. Prior to this semester of studying journalism, I had already concluded there was a lack of excellence in my television/newspaper website. Each time I visited the Omaha World Herald’s website, www.omaha.com, I cringed. As the largest and main newspaper of the state, it rarely addressed important issues. The majority of the paper was comprised of articles taken from the AP. While our population in Nebraska is below one million people, there must be more important content to cover than solely the University of Nebraska athletics. When journalism lacks excellence, it is obvious.

Question #3

Truth is journalism’s most important feature according to Jeffrey Scheuer in “The Big Picture”. I believe it is the most important feature of journalism as well. An obligation to truth separates journalism from public relations, advertising, gossip, and fiction. Journalistic truth is unique. While not only being honest, journalism must answer all questions (who, what, where, when, and why). Journalistic truth entails all details. While an article could only present some of the facts it would be, in the journalistic sense, dishonest even though the information presented was correct. We are the sources that inform the public. Journalism is the main source of civic knowledge, therefore it is important that the news is reported and relayed truthfully, the first time. Reporting truthfully means reporting the most accurate perceptions with all the facts.

Question #4

Putting aside the recent economic troubles in the United States, one of the main reasons newspapers and television news operations are in trouble comes from the internet. The World Wide Web has been able to connect people across the earth that was not previously feasible several decades ago. With the exploding development of technology, the news business could not go unaffected. People are now looking to the internet in order to keep them informed and updated with news and world issues. The public no longer sits down to their televisions at certain times at night to catch the news. They read news that is updated instantly on the internet, stream newscasts and shows, and have important updates sent to hand held devices and cell phones. Instead of paying $1.50 on a newspaper each day, Americans are reading hundreds of news websites, usually without charge. This results in the downsizing the news industry has seen the past several years. More journalists are writing online and blogging. Along with the increase of news online, advertisers are also switching to the internet. With the loss of advertisers and revenue, the industry has appropriately downsized, though attempting to meet the same work load.

Companies are now hiring journalists that can perform and accomplish several of the different aspects in the news business: photography, writing, editing, and other multimedia projects. The reduction of journalists and cuts made by businesses may hurt the quality of news in certain areas. Recently the Tribune Company filed for bankruptcy. If our nation’s news organizations fall apart, we will be in great trouble. Corruption will go rampant, without it being reported. The American people will go uninformed in many areas where businesses are making cuts, such as in science and environment departments. If journalists are reduced to few numbers, who will inform the people? These developments of course will affect my future career. I will not earn an obscene or even decent amount of money, but this does not lessen the importance of my career. The U.S. will always need journalists in order to be a democracy. In five to ten years, it is possible I could work at a print newspaper or magazine. The reality is that many future jobs in journalism will be tied to the internet. This does not have to be a negative thing though. Because so much of journalism and the news is done through the internet now, it can expand the number of journalists and voices heard. Issues can be explored in greater depth.

Question #5

I think it is easy to say what one’s personal code of conduct will be, but it is much more difficult to live in reality. In several discussions, class members said they would quit their jobs before writing on a story they disliked, opposed, or felt was wrong. Realistically, if you quit your job every time you did not agree with a boss, you would be unemployed for life. I realize that I will not always agree with my editors and bosses on what I am to write, and I will occasionally have to cover angles or issues I disagree with. What I can do as a journalist and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is live and write as truthfully and honestly as possible, even when assigned disagreeable stories. I can strive to inform the public to the best of my ability, verify my facts and sources, be original, take criticism and apply it, and most importantly give a voice to the voiceless. As a journalist I want to inform and impact people that otherwise would have remained ignorant. I want the code of conduct I live by to change people’s lives and improve the democracy we live in.

Planet in Peril

2008-12-15T14:56:00.004-07:00

So often we critique journalism or report on how the business is failing. A little over a week ago, I found a program on CNN which I thought was a good example of journalism, of informing the people, especially in an area that seems to be downsized in many news organizations.

CNN has a program called "Planet in Peril" which runs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. est. According to their website, www.cnn.com/planetinperil, the show "examines the environmental conflicts between growing populations and natural resources." The hosts Lisa Ling, Anderson Cooper, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta travel across the world investigating conflicts and issues such as shark hunting, disease, or the extinction of the Silverback gorilla in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the past two weeks the program has covered issues in the Amazon rain forest regarding deforestation and the effects on the ecosystem there, diseases picked up from forest animals in Cameroon such as HIV, shark fin soup and its harvesting for soup in places such as Taiwan.

This program covers many important issues happening across the world, and even in the United States. It educates people so they can make a difference. So much of cable news is filled with redundant headlines or political commentary. It is refreshing to learn something new, something out of the ordinary scandal and corruption stories.

The program's website, while very simple, provides print stories, video podcasts, notes from the field, blogs from the hosts, and links to other sites where you can become an active participant in aiding the issues the show has discussed. Below is a podcast provided by the program's website. One of the hosts, Lisa Ling, is in Africa investigating the problem of poaching elephants.

The website even has an interactive map of the places "Planet in Peril: Battle Lines" has traveled documenting threats to the environment. There is a section dedicated to parents and educators providing activities, questions, and video as well.

I believe CNN has done a wonderful job with this program, providing an excellent example of journalism.

What do you think? Is it an example of journalism in its best form?

Sini-Tuulia Sohkanen

2008-12-11T23:57:00.003-07:00

In Comms 211 we were required to write a final article for class, so I have decided to post mine seeing as this is a journalism blog. This is my first semester writing newspaper articles (or features), and I know there is room for much improvement.

Sini-Tuulia is a poetic term for the color blue and wind, in Finnish. Though Sini-Tuulia Sohkanen is not blue, the music from her $20,000 Eero Haati violin floats through the air like wind. She came to the United States in August to study violin performance at the BYU School of Music.

Sini-Tuulia Sohkanen was born on Aug. 19, 1989 in eastern Finland to Kari and Jaana Sohkanen. The oldest of five children, her siblings are Joakin, Enni-riia, Joonatan, and Jethro. Her hilly, hometown of Mikkeli is blanketed by nearly 700 lakes, each lined with pine, fir, and birch trees, according to Mikkeli City’s website. Mikkeli’s rural landscape provided many outdoor activities for young Sini-Tuulia and her family.

Growing up, the Sohkanen family frequently visited beaches on the numerous lakes in Finland, playing in the water and camping. The hills also provided resorts full of snowy slopes in the winter. Sini-Tuulia performed with her brother and sister, Joakin and Enni-Riia, at funerals, weddings, and other events as a teenager. Each child in her family grew up playing a musical instrument, including Sini-Tuulia.

“I remember the summer days in our childhood when we went to the marketplace in our town and played our violins together,” said Enni-Riia Sohkanen, Sini-Tuulia’s younger sister. “We got so much money that our whole family could travel abroad.”

At an early age of five, Sini-Tuulia became interested in playing the violin after watching a cousin practice. She applied to a music school, because public schools in Finland do not provide athletic or music programs. Her mother doubted whether she would be accepted, but it was Sini-Tuulia’s greatest desire, and soon after she was admitted.

As Sini-Tuulia progressed in her music, she outgrew the instructors and expertise in her hometown. When her 15^th birthday approached, she made preparations to move three hours southeast of where her family lived to, Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Sini-Tuulia moved to Helsinki so she could attend Sibelius Academy, a better music-centered school, and be taught by learned professionals. She moved into an apartment with women in their twenties. At 15 years old, Sini-Tuulia began to do her own grocery shopping, cleaning, and laundry.

“Now that I think about it, I probably would not do it again. I might have grown up a little too fast,” Sini-Tuulia said.

Practicing her violin for six hours a day in high school was normal, she said. As she went to the vocational high school in Helsinki, Sini-Tuulia also attended public schooling, earning a double high school degree. Though she led a busy life, Sini-Tuulia found time to return home once or twice a month, or her family traveled to Helsinki.

“There are many good memories of the days when we went to her tiny apartment. The first time she came home, it took time to get used to, but those were the special days. Then, everybody wanted to be at home,” Enni-Riia Sohkanen said.

Nearly every teenager’s dream world lacks the authority of parents. Sini-Tuulia however, maintained the values established by her family and faith while living on her own as a teenager.

“Being close to her, you can see she has a strong testimony and how hard it was to grow up in the situation she did,” said Chery Quist, Sini-Tuulia’s roommate. “She is the strongest person I know, not giving into any peer pressure. Even when all of her friends went to bars, she never drank.”

In 2007, Sini-Tuulia reached a turning point. After spending time with experienced musicians during the summer which lacked her values, she decided to audition at BYU. While she expressed BYU’s school of music was a step down from the academy she could have attended in Finland, Sini-Tuulia felt the environment here was unbeatable.

“The spirit was amazing. I felt so good being here. I wanted to come to a school where you combine church and normal life,” she said.

“I remember Sini telling me in one of her first e-mails how hard she was working so she could come to BYU. She mentioned how she had been here and felt the spirit so strongly and was excited to be with so many other members of the Church,” said Annie Elmer, the peer mentor for Sini-Tuulia’s Freshman Academy group.

“Her desire to be here really impressed me from the get-go, as I have seen other students come here feeling like they have a right to be here, or because their parents made them. Sini just seems to see it as a huge blessing.”

Raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proved a difficult thing for Sini-Tuulia and her family in Finland. Though they were resented by extended family, the Sohkanens remained strong in their faith. Sini-Tuulia looked forward to fitting in and being surrounded by so many church members.

On part scholarship, she flew 5,000 miles to the United States, to BYU, for fall semester and moved into her cinderblock room, otherwise known as on-campus housing. Being one of four Fins at BYU, Sini-Tuulia’s nationality has come to define her among the students.

“I was surprised at how much she knew about our culture and how much she was like me” Sini-Tuulia’s friend and BYU student, Arielle Driggs said. “She is just Sini. She is really not that different. She has different strengths and weaknesses, like the rest of us.”

Sini-Tuulia learned English during her schooling as a child in Finland, and while she has found schoolwork to be demanding and difficult at BYU, being a foreign student has not impeded her progress and success.

“My experience with Sini is nothing but positive. She is motivated and very likable,” associate professor of ancient scripture, David Whitchurch said.

“I am constantly impressed by her ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment, especially in a foreign language,” said Sherilyn Farnes, Sini-Tuulia’s English professor. “I usually forget English is not her native language, since she is able to converse fluently and express herself very well in English.”

Sini-Tuulia Sohkanen never seems to haven fallen short of ways to express herself, whether it is through a language, talking, or performing music. She has played in over 300 concerts and events during her musical career thus far. At least 10 different times, Sohkanen has had the opportunity to play with many orchestras and perform solos.

“I like performing. That is my favorite thing. In general, I like beautiful things in life, and I think music is beautiful, especially when you are able to create something beautiful. It is a way for me to express myself,” Sohkanen said.

Sini-Tuulia’s dream to be a world-famous violinist has changed. After graduating and receiving a master’s degree, Sohkanen’s dream is to be like her previous violin teacher, Janne Malmivaara. They both share a passion for music and teaching.

“I have learned if you want to be very good, you have to sacrifice everything else,” she said.

Sini-Tuulia plans on continuing her education in the United States, after which she must return to Finland unless she marries an American.

Mikkeli City Website

Pulitzer Prizes for Online Publications

2008-12-11T09:42:00.003-07:00

Beginning now, in Dec. 2008, regular online publications will be considered for all 14 Pulitzer prize categories. This new expansion allows many more journalists to be recognized for their excellent work, online.

With more of the news industry finding success on the web, many publications have begun to publish solely online.

“This is an important step forward, reflecting our continued commitment to American newspapers as well as our willingness to adapt to the remarkable growth of online journalism,” Sig Gissler, the administrator of the prizes, said in a New York Times article.

This change came about in a board meeting in Nov. after reviewing results of an in-depth study.
It will open many doors for journalists all over the U.S. and proves the news industry's ability to adapt to whatever changes come about in the future.

With the recent reductions and cut backs in print newspapers across the country, and the file of bankruptcy by the Tribune Company, this report has been the only source of hope and good news for journalists.

Times article
Pulitzer Press Release
Pulitzer winners of 2008

Watchdog: the Chicago Tribune & Ill. governor

2008-12-09T18:34:00.005-07:00

To say that Ill. governor, Rod Blagojevich, has gotten himself into some trouble lately is an understatement. Not only has he been involved in a corruption scandal, attempting to sell President-elect Obama's senate seat, but it seems he has also been threatening the Tribune.

With The Tribune filing bankruptcy Monday, the company is already in financial trouble, without the efforts of Blagojevich. The Times reported tonight that Blagojevich had been threatening the Chicago Tribune because of negative comments printed in the editorial section of the paper. He planned to disrupt The Tribune's efforts to sell the Cubs & Wrigley stadium, which would provide the Tribune with much need money during this economic crisis.

First of all, as a representative of the government, shouldn't Blagojevich know the Constitution? Press is protected by the 1st amendment, even children in jr. high could tell him that. And since when does the press listen to government officials on who to keep on staff?

America would not be a democracy without the freedom of the press, even the freedom to call for Blagojevich's impeachment. In The Times' article it said, "The writers were not fired, the editorial page continued to take on the governor, Tribune editors said Tuesday that they were not aware of any pressure from the governor’s office, and the company said it did not do the governor’s bidding."

One of the purposes of journalism is to be a watchdog, and that is what the Tribune has done. Even if Sam Zell did run The Tribune into the ground, at least he did not monitor the editorial section. In Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel's Elements of Journalism said,"As history showed us, it more properly means watching over the powerful few in society on behalf of the many to guard against tyranny."

"This logically implies that the press should recognize where powerful institutions are working effectively, as well as where they are not. How can the press purport to monitor the powerful if it does not illustrate the successes as well as the failures?"

Kovach and Rosenstiel go on to say later, "It is the implied covenant with the public...The notion that those who report the news are not obstructed from digging up and telling the truth- even at the expense of the owner's other financial interests-it is a prerequisite of telling the news not only accurately but persuasively."

Though it might be a financial cost for journalists and the press to speak against government officials and report on the failures of those officials, it is our job and duty to the public. How else can we prove as an honest and credible source?

Link to article
Picture

Joe the Plumber: Anyone's a writer?

2008-12-08T21:50:00.003-07:00

I stumbled across a piece in the opinion section of The Times which I found reasonable and amusing. The columnist, Timothy Egan, wrote on how ridiculous it is that "Joe the Plumber" will release a book this month, on December 1oth, called "Joe the Plumber: Fighting for the American Dream".

Since I have been thinking frequently over the course of the semester about the definition of good journalism, or writing, I found Egan's thoughts interesting.

Egan said, "Publishers: with all the grim news of layoffs and staff cuts at the venerable houses of American letters, can we set some ground rules for these hard times? Anyone who abuses the English language on such a regular basis should not be paid to put words in print."

I think that as we've discussed what good journalism is, that all kinds of writing should be included. No matter what kind of writing one does (persuasive, investigative, narratives, novels, journalism, poetry, etc) only the good should be printed.

On a different note, I feel like the media is partly to blame for the new found fame of "Joe the Plumber". The media gorged themselves on his poorly-weaved story. They allowed politicians to make him close to an American icon. Samuel J. Wurzelbacher (Joe), has failed to pay his taxes and does not hold the adequate credentials to even be a plumber.

The press should have acted appropriately in the beginning, by doing a little investigative journalism. Once they uncovered this information on Wurzelbacher, they could have ended the charade. While this is America and everyone has the freedom and opportunities to do whatever they want, that does not mean they should, especially when it comes to writing.

Source: Typing Without a Clue

Grim outlook returns as Viacom/NBC cuts 1300 jobs

2008-12-04T21:58:00.006-07:00

My positive perspective on the media business was not allowed to last longer than a day. The Times reported that 1,300 people lost their jobs today at Viacom and NBC Universal.

Viacom announced their "cost saving initiatives" or cuts could save up to $700 million dollars for both companies in 2009. It is no surprise that the media would not go untouched with the economic problems straining the American people. Other news corporations are considering cost savings as well.

With the industry already struggling to keep up advertising sales and profits when people are looking to the Internet for their main news source, an economic blow seems to be deepening the wound.

I cannot say that I am surprised, but as I am currently applying for the print program, the loss of even more jobs does not allow for hope.

What infuriates me in this frugal time is when executives continue to receive bonuses and salary raises. The chief executive of Viacom, Philppe Dauman, received a raise this year, earning $2.5 million compared to last year's $2 million. Guess his bonus. It was nothing short of $7 million last year and is expected to be around $9 million this year.

If the media industry is hurting so much that it is necessary to fire over 1,000 people, why on earth are the executives earning more? Their business are not doing better. The economy is worse. Why are they not feeling the effects of a recession as well?

It seems to me they are willing to let the news industry fail before they take a salary cut...or even maintain the same salary. My question is why is no one holding them accountable when our future is on the line?

Source
Viacom's press release

So a journalism degree is valuable afterall

2008-12-03T16:13:00.003-07:00

It never occurred to me prior to today that I would be a part of the next generation of journalists. Eventually the people covering the news and events in the world right now will retire, die (or get fired...) and the job of maintaining democracy will fall upon the students studying journalism right now, which includes me.

This semester I have really pondered a lot on my future career, what journalism is, what my personal ethics are. Sometimes I often wonder why on earth I am going into a field where jobs seem to be shrinking (at least in traditional form). Another question I've asked myself several times is why I am majoring in print journalism when the profession does not even require a degree?

Poynter had an article by Chris Lavin with an interview of the Dean of Penn State, Doug Anderson. It discussed how a journalism degree is more valuable than ever before. The change from a negative perspective was refreshing.

Lavin said, "One sign of hope is the annual Hearst Collegiate Journalism Competition -- often called the Pulitzers of college journalism -- which included a multimedia category for the first time this year."

While so much is changing within the field of journalism, the advances in technology and alterations in curriculum allows and prepares for current students of journalism to branch out more creatively than before. This generation of news calls for higher quality stories and immediate distribution. We can cater to these new developments and demands.

As the future's journalists we must be knowledgeable of everything. Not just writing, but photography, design, and editing. This provides us the opportunity to become well-rounded, efficient journalists, as well as increase credentials for employment. Obtaining a degree in journalism is more valuable than ever before. Walking into a news room and asking for a job will no longer cut it. In order for the public to receive good journalism, news organizations must hire a better breed of journalists, ones that are aware of the changes and able to meet the demands of society.

To read the rest of Doug Anderson's interview: http://tinyurl.com/6hq3mt

Salvation Army Tweeting

2008-12-01T18:32:00.003-07:00

With much of the recent discussion of Twitter,social sites and microblogs with Mumbai, it is no surprise that organizations, such as the Salvation Army, have begun to use it in their advertising campaigns. With the economy's current position, the Salvation Army is in more need than ever. The Salvation Army hopes that by targeting users of Twitter and Facebook, they can recruit a younger generation to help.

On Twitter, individual ''kettles" have been established so people can donate under certain organizations, such as the National Hockey League's Online Red Kettle.
Twitter / TSARedKettle

The Salvation Army has a Red Kettle application on Facebook that users can easily add and recruit friends.

While these sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc) have not only been available to provide news and social networking, organizations are now utilizing them in order to reach larger audiences. I think this is a great idea, especially for non-profit organizations that help and build communities. News is not the only thing traveling faster because of the web and microbloggers.

Article provided by cnn.com

Bloggers and Microbloggers

2008-12-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

To be honest, I've had a difficult time adjusting to Twitter. Until recently, I've not been able to see the benefits and purpose of the site. While I'm still attempting to sort through it all, the terror attack in Mumbai last week has definitely provided me some insight into the effectiveness and influence sites such as Twitter have on world events. Especially when getting the news out.

After scrolling through many of the tweets last week focused on Mumbai, I saw how people were reporting what was going on faster than news networks around the world. Some people were complaining about cable broadcasting stations, one tweet, by Barbara Legge said "why is CNN the only cable news channel in the US broadcasting the Mumbai story; MSNBC is showing "Lock-up" & Fox has an O'Reilly re-run?" It was easy to see after scrolling through a page or two though, that some tweets were not factual or were reporting things that had happened much earlier and had already changed.

As soon as President-elect Obama had a statement about the attacks, the link was posted on Twitter. There were certain tweets providing phone numbers for relatives with family in Mumbai to call to report. The liscense plate number of the stolen jeep was was posted all over Twitter with the number to call police if someone saw it. This is such an advancement! Even reporters were tweeting, asking for people in Mumbai to contact them so that they could communicate with them using Skype. I think overall, the coverage by microbloggers and bloggers alike helped the situation.

There were a couple drawbacks, mostly sifting through the many condolances that did not provide any news. I found the condolances the most irritating on Twitter. I know people felt remorse for what was occurring, but I felt like it simply cluttered the real news and links that were tweeted, especially when it was only mentioned in passing after rambling on about their looking forward to turkey or Thanksgiving. I could see how the terrorists could use this information to their advantage, but would they have time to monitor the site while their plan is en route?
There has to be a better way to organize the influx of information that comes in when such an event happens.

I think this development of breaking news through blogs and microblogs will greatly affect journalism now and in the future. People no longer have to wait for the radio, scheduled news times on local stations, or for cable news to pick up breaking news. They can get it instantly on the web, provided by other people on the web. It provides the opportunity for so much more to be shared, instead of limiting the coverage to redundant cable news reporters.

Web a-twitter with terror attacks
Link discussing microblogger effects

Yahoo for Yahoo! News and other media on election day

2008-11-03T17:13:00.001-07:00

The New York Times article "Yahoo News Is Bracing for a Day of Heavy Traffic" in today's paper discussed the booming of Yahoo! News and how many media outlets have been and will benefit tomorrow from the presidential election.

At the eve of 2008's Presidential Election, there is uncertainty. Polls change every minute. The location of the candidates changes from day to day. And what better does the press and media cover than change?

In the article, it reported that Yahoo News had 38 million visitors in September, according to Nielsen Online. Yahoo! was second to MSNBC news online with 42 million visitors.

Yahoo!'s site had 80 million page views on election day in 2004 and 142 million the day after, when John Kerry conceded to George W. Bush. The vice president of Yahoo's programming and development predicts that tomorrow their website will have two to three times more traffic as it did in 2004. Why?

It is the same reason why some journalists fear newspapers will become extinct. People rely on the internet more and more for their news and entertainment. Advertisers now rely more on the internet. News can be announced instantly on a news website, even while it is occurring. These are things the press and even cable news cannot compete with.

Yahoo!'s Political Dashboard contains graphics such as an interactive map of the United States, which pops up with the RCP Poll averages for both candidates in that state. Top stories are also displayed, along with most blogged stories, and the feature "Create Your Own Scenario" which allows users to project what they feel will be the election results. Yahoo! has taken tools cable news uses for interaction and has given it to the public to use freely.

In our class, we use Twitter. It has become a source for instant information and news happening all over the country given by all sorts of people.

And while people have become to rely more on the internet for news, the election tomorrow will bring in viewers, site visitors, etc to all media outlets. It will be a busy and prosperous day for all media. And that is one good thing that has come out of the "debates", nasty campaign commercials, and relentless coverage of the candidates over the past two years. It is a time for the press to shine. And do what it does best (or for the biased and slandering news outlets, what they do worst).

Kitty Litter Liners of the World

2008-10-22T12:13:00.000-06:00

I hate a lot of things. Green beans. Tests. Long work meetings. Anything inefficient without purpose. I also hate tabloids. They are the worst type of journalism, though I do not even consider them journalism. They are everything a true journalist would go against. They are lies, rumors, and fabrications. There is no verification. No truth.

So how in the world do they stay afloat in the already suffering business of journalism? Who buys these rags?

Obviously Neil McGinness, new owner of Weekly World News feels it is a worthy investment. His company is revamping the website, www.weeklyworldnews.com, for people who (actually) believe it and those who read it simply for humor, as reported by New York Times.

They have taken tools and programs, such as Photoshop, and utterly abused them. It is not hard to look at the graphics and pictures on their website and tell that Barak Obama is not really holding hands with "Bat Boy" or being supported by earth-visiting aliens. After looking through their website, I became infuriated to see that ABC had advertisements placed in between the garbage of "PALIN POSED WITH ALIEN BEER" and "TINA FEY SHOOTS A BIGFOOT". Seriously?

I think the quote by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel that was passed out by Group 4 in class sums this up completely.

"...Communication and journalism are not interchangeable terms. Anyone can be a journalist. Not everyone is. The decisive factor is not whether they have a press pass; rather, it lies in the nature of the work...'

Where Your Loyalty Lies

2008-10-15T12:39:00.000-06:00

In our previous class there was a lot of discussion on the two elements presented. Truth and loyalty to citizens. We tried to define what is truth. It was said that by being objective we can miss some versions of the truth.

My thoughts were focused mainly on loyalty to the citizens. The triangle drawn on the board in class showed relationships between employers and journalists, journalists and citizens, and the citizens with employers.

A large majority of students believe in the idealistic way of journalism. Journalists need to be loyal to citizens first, and employers later. And while this is my hope, that I can serve the citizens first, I do not think it is entirely realistic.

Journalism is now a business. Stockholders want profit and prosperity. Our field is changing. Newspapers are said to become extinct in the future. People are relying more on the web and blogs. Newspapers and broadcasting crews are laying off employees.

So, if it comes down to put the citizen first or employer's wants first on occasion, if you want to feed your family and keep your job, is there really a choice? There are only so many times you can quit and get another job somewhere else. As a journalist, if your lucky, maybe you'll stumble upon an employer who is willing to give you free reign.

My point is I expect eventually in my career, I am going to face a situation where I will have to lay my loyalties with my employer instead of consumers. Will I quit if it happens occasionally? Probably not. If it is a consistent problem, then I would strongly consider quitting.

Can you afford to quit every time? Will employers see your past actions as unreliable and not hire you?

Journalism is a business, and we can do the best of our abilities to bring the people of America honest, reliable journalism.

2008-10-08T19:38:00.001-06:00

I interviewed John Oakey, a news anchor in the morning at the KETV news station in Omaha, Nebraska.

He became interested in journalism at a fairly young age of 12. He was always curious and aware of the things going around him locally, nationally, and worldwide. Oakey broke into the field during college at a PBS station on the campus of Texas A&M. He interned at CNN in Atlanta with Sports his junior year of college and returned to Texas his senior year to work behind the scenes at the local CBS affiliate.

Oakey defines good journalism as " telling the story right and telling both sides". He feels his news organization practices "good" journalism most of the time, owned by Hearst. He feels they are great at live coverage. Oakey has a sufficient amount of freedom to do the types of stories he thinks are profitable for the community, educational and life-style issues as well as human interest stories.

According to Oakey, his station, KETV, is very invovled in the community. They support countless non-profit groups. There is a line for community members called "7 Can Help" which provides as an outlet for their story ideas and problems the public is facing.

He feels if he is able to tell others' stories and get people to connect, then he has done his job well. "It could as simple as telling about a little boy struggling through health issues and the community answers by donating to help pay bills."

Oakey believes journalism has changed a lot over the past 20 years. Technology has changed the way he's done things, but also been a tremendous help. When asked about dropping ciruclations, ratings, and layoffs because of growing citizen journalism Oakey felt newspapers were feeling the pangs of it more so than broadcasting, as well as smaller tv groups.

"We are actually growing and hiring. Hearst has been a great owner and our ratings continue to be strong. There are challenges, but we have done a great job of adapting and put a lot of emphasis on the web as well.

When providing advice to students wanting to go into journalism Oakey jokingly advised not to. On a more serious note, he said that broadcasting is a tough business. There are few jobs and many people seeking to "get on TV". His advice was to diversify and learn about as many aspects of broadcast/print as possible. Know how to write for print, TV, the web. How to shoot video and edit it.

I found John Oakey's comments very informative. I was actually surprised when he advised not to go into broadcasting and/or journalism. It seems as if everyone I talk to and in each of my journalism classes that they are advising against going into the profession they are in/or teaching. Often I leave classes feeling as if my future career is doomed for poor pay and listed as an "endangered species". I have a feeling that this outlook will not change, and it will probably be reinforced more so as I get further into the program.

2008-09-29T12:16:00.000-06:00

I watched Goodnight and Good Luck last week for the first time. I have always wanted to watch it, and my Comms 239 class finally gave me the motivation to go and rent it. I find that period in time very interesting. Communism. The Red Scare. Senator McCarthy. It makes me proud to want to be a journalist. Edward Murrow is inspiring and courageous.

This movie and class discussions have stirred my thoughts on objectivity. I am not sure if it is possible to completely separate one's views, opinions, and beliefs. These things have been ingrained in one's person for years. How can you pretend or ignore things you believe to be wrong in the name of objectivity? I suppose the key is being open minded?

The news in Omaha surrounds the defeat of the bailout as well as increased frequency of crime in the area. Omaha is a segregated city with African Americans living in the north part of the city, Hispanics in the south, and middle-class Caucasians in the west. Crime is constantly occurring in north Omaha, occupying the police. If you went to West Omaha, you would rarely find a police car, if ever. On a journalistic note, I've noticed that the www.Omaha.com website is fairly organized compared to other Omaha news outlet websites, such as www.ketv.com.

omaha world herald

2008-09-17T13:05:00.000-06:00

For my 239 class I have chosen to follow the Omaha World Herald newspaper's website. My thought on my hometown newspaper firstly is that it is a poor example of journalism. I can recall numerous times looking and criticizing the Omaha World Herald while in journalism classes in high school. The countless spelling and grammar errors. Sad attempts to make the most boring of topics into stories. The random and bizarre photos matched with front page headlines. While I doubt that this assignment of monitoring this newspaper will better my opinion, I am sure it will teach me what not to do.

What is journalism? And who is a journalist?

2008-09-07T21:15:00.000-06:00

I will be writing this blog for my principles of journalism 239 class. I'm mainly supposed to discuss current issues and developments in the media, along with analyzing a hometown newspaper.

So what is journalism? I believe people tend to put journalists and journalism into a small category or a box. Limited to that box is newspapers, writing, and current events. In reality, there are many more aspects to journalism.

Journalism can simply be recording the events of one's day in a diary. It can be reporting, editing, gathering, interviewing. And while there is a sufficient amount of writing, journalism has creative parts. Photography. Layout design. One can participate in journalism in high school, collegiate, and the professional levels. Mediums vary from the typical newspaper or radio station to which journalism was once confined to. Technology is changing the face of journalism. While there is broadcast, there are newsletters, blogs, and countless web pages. Journalism is becoming personal on a new level.

Because journalism is becoming more individualized and open to everyone, it is possible for anyone to be a journalist. The Internet makes this possible. One can publish and post their own thoughts on any subject. News websites now make it possible for users to submit feedback to online articles instantly. I think there is danger though, in making journalism open for anyone and everyone. Facts and opinions become interchangeable. The truth is more difficult to find among the loads of garbage.