1. While shooting these two documentaries, both filmmakers faced ethical dilemmas. One that stood out to me the most was the matter of privacy and exploitation. One could argue that, due to the mental state of the people being documented, it is hard to argue that they are in the right mind to consent. This is probably the biggest issue that I noticed that could cause ethical problems. These documentaries both, in a way, invade the lives of these "sick" people, and it is hard to know for sure that it is willingly; how can you know that the people know exactly what is being made out of their life?
2. I believe that all of the footage faces the same issues, so if they are going to use any of it, they have already exploited these people, and they might as well use all of the footage. Although, I do feel that they, for the well being of the people who were documented, should notice if there are any parts in particular that could cause harm to the reputation of the people being documented, and should try not to use those clips. (For example, personal information such as the subject's sexual activities in the Titicut Follies".)
3. In this situation, as a journalist or a documentary storyteller, I would try my best not to exploit the people who agreed to be a part of my project. It is a touchy subject, and everybody has their own opinions on whether the topic is alright to shoot, but with consent, it is technically allowed. I would try not to portray the people negatively, while still getting my point across. I would document the lives of these people, but avoid focusing on things that people in society can easily scrutinize. I believe the "Grey Gardens" film did the best job of this.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Second Life Paper
Brett Atwood, a professor at Washington State University, held a press conference Monday June 8 to discuss the launch of a new 3-dimensional WSU campus in the virtual world, Second Life.
The virtual campus was designed by staff and students who work for The Center for Distance and Professional Education, also known as CDPE. The complete 3D replica of the Pullman campus will be WSU’s first entry into the virtual world and will be accessible to a global audience.
“We are dipping our toe into Second Life to see where it is appropriate or may benefit WSU staff and students,” said Atwood.
WSU is encouraging professors to learn and get comfortable with Second Life, and from there, integrate it where it may be suitable in a school setting.
“People can log in from around the world and can attend a lecture,” said Atwood. “It is essentially a 3D space, just like a class room, and allows for a 3D simulated lecture environment.”
Second Life offers a replica of a class room setting and gives students across geographic areas a sense of community, explained Atwood. It opens access to WSU and allows for creativity and collaboration. Because of this, the future for Second Life at WSU, especially for programs such as the distance learning program, sounds promising.
The introduction of this program at WSU differs from current programs used at the university, such as eLearning, because it adds a collaborative, simulative and community building component, explained Atwood. It allows students to have a shared environment with their peers, even though they may be across the world.
There are two common criticisms when the public looks at Second Life in an education context. The first issue has to do with the computer processor being used. Older computers are not always up to speed with the kind of technology that is necessary for this program, but if the structure is there and students have fast enough computers to support the program, there should be no problems. Another issue is one of adult context. There are elements within Second Life, not pertained to the education context, that do contain sexually explicit themes. Although this issue is not in the mainstream experience, it is there, and people fear that it can interfere with the education perspective of the program.
What is viewed by the public as a positive aspect of Second Life in an education context is that the virtual program offers experiences that will benefit learning. Many people feel that if you are socially engaged, such as with this program, more trust and connectedness among peers and instructors will develop. Second Life encourages people to communicate, and in real time, all of these components should help the learning environment, said Atwood.
“Second Life is a great phenomenon that I can only see expanding,” said Wesley G. Moorhead, an employee at Microsoft. “The benefits that come from a program such as this do not come around often. It is our job to grasp that and take advantage of it.”
The virtual world and the variety it will bring to WSU should be very interesting to watch develop. Second Life offers a diverse, untraditional way of learning, and WSU is ready to take a part in it.
“The next year will be very telling for Second Life at Washington State,” said Atwood. “Those experimenting with it will be able to see what works and what does not.” From there, the future of Second Life at WSU will be determined.
The virtual campus was designed by staff and students who work for The Center for Distance and Professional Education, also known as CDPE. The complete 3D replica of the Pullman campus will be WSU’s first entry into the virtual world and will be accessible to a global audience.
“We are dipping our toe into Second Life to see where it is appropriate or may benefit WSU staff and students,” said Atwood.
WSU is encouraging professors to learn and get comfortable with Second Life, and from there, integrate it where it may be suitable in a school setting.
“People can log in from around the world and can attend a lecture,” said Atwood. “It is essentially a 3D space, just like a class room, and allows for a 3D simulated lecture environment.”
Second Life offers a replica of a class room setting and gives students across geographic areas a sense of community, explained Atwood. It opens access to WSU and allows for creativity and collaboration. Because of this, the future for Second Life at WSU, especially for programs such as the distance learning program, sounds promising.
The introduction of this program at WSU differs from current programs used at the university, such as eLearning, because it adds a collaborative, simulative and community building component, explained Atwood. It allows students to have a shared environment with their peers, even though they may be across the world.
There are two common criticisms when the public looks at Second Life in an education context. The first issue has to do with the computer processor being used. Older computers are not always up to speed with the kind of technology that is necessary for this program, but if the structure is there and students have fast enough computers to support the program, there should be no problems. Another issue is one of adult context. There are elements within Second Life, not pertained to the education context, that do contain sexually explicit themes. Although this issue is not in the mainstream experience, it is there, and people fear that it can interfere with the education perspective of the program.
What is viewed by the public as a positive aspect of Second Life in an education context is that the virtual program offers experiences that will benefit learning. Many people feel that if you are socially engaged, such as with this program, more trust and connectedness among peers and instructors will develop. Second Life encourages people to communicate, and in real time, all of these components should help the learning environment, said Atwood.
“Second Life is a great phenomenon that I can only see expanding,” said Wesley G. Moorhead, an employee at Microsoft. “The benefits that come from a program such as this do not come around often. It is our job to grasp that and take advantage of it.”
The virtual world and the variety it will bring to WSU should be very interesting to watch develop. Second Life offers a diverse, untraditional way of learning, and WSU is ready to take a part in it.
“The next year will be very telling for Second Life at Washington State,” said Atwood. “Those experimenting with it will be able to see what works and what does not.” From there, the future of Second Life at WSU will be determined.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Ethics Assignment
1. I believe that the editor, Steven Smith, referred to the story as legitimate if they were to talk about the Mayor's scandal because that is what sells in news these days. The past of reporting strictly on fact is diminishing, and entertainment is becoming more important. If the reporter were able to find out information about the scandal, the public would most likely be more interested in the story. Although I feel that it is an unethical approach, I believe that that is what was meant by the statement.
2. Bill Morlin justified the operation by saying that there was no rule against hiring an outside person to help them get their story or information. He claimed that as long as what they did was legal, which in this case it was, there should be no problem with what they did to get the story. He claims that the purpose was to find the truth, and the reason he wanted the truth is so he could report it for his story to the public. The reason Morlin didn't create the identity himself is because it goes against the code of ethics for the newspaper. This is why he felt it was okay to use the approach he did, as long as he wasn't technically doing it himself.
3. I think The Spokesman Review published so many articles on the Mayor's scandal because it was a big story to hit a town where not a lot of scandal, at least publicly, occurs. It isn't a very small town, but it isn't a major city either, so people could relate to the story, and felt like they were involved. Because it was something that was so controversial, the paper knew that it would attract a lot of readers.
4. I don't think that the story benefited anybody. All that it really did was cause a lot of drama for the city of Spokane, bring a lot of stress to West, not to mention ruining his career, and it also could have effected Spokane's gay community negatively. I feel that it is not ethical to run stories until they are completely proven as fact; especially in a situation that threatens so many people. From this, the newspaper temporarily got more readers, and that is about it. I do not believe it was worth it for them, because it ultimately hurt more people than it did anyone good.
5. I do feel there are ethical problems with this story. What stood out to me is that it seems to be one sided. I feel that in order to write a story such as this, both sides need to be presented clearly and equally. By only talking about one negative side, it makes it hard for readers to form their own opinion.
2. Bill Morlin justified the operation by saying that there was no rule against hiring an outside person to help them get their story or information. He claimed that as long as what they did was legal, which in this case it was, there should be no problem with what they did to get the story. He claims that the purpose was to find the truth, and the reason he wanted the truth is so he could report it for his story to the public. The reason Morlin didn't create the identity himself is because it goes against the code of ethics for the newspaper. This is why he felt it was okay to use the approach he did, as long as he wasn't technically doing it himself.
3. I think The Spokesman Review published so many articles on the Mayor's scandal because it was a big story to hit a town where not a lot of scandal, at least publicly, occurs. It isn't a very small town, but it isn't a major city either, so people could relate to the story, and felt like they were involved. Because it was something that was so controversial, the paper knew that it would attract a lot of readers.
4. I don't think that the story benefited anybody. All that it really did was cause a lot of drama for the city of Spokane, bring a lot of stress to West, not to mention ruining his career, and it also could have effected Spokane's gay community negatively. I feel that it is not ethical to run stories until they are completely proven as fact; especially in a situation that threatens so many people. From this, the newspaper temporarily got more readers, and that is about it. I do not believe it was worth it for them, because it ultimately hurt more people than it did anyone good.
5. I do feel there are ethical problems with this story. What stood out to me is that it seems to be one sided. I feel that in order to write a story such as this, both sides need to be presented clearly and equally. By only talking about one negative side, it makes it hard for readers to form their own opinion.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Frontline Assignment
Seconds after watching the first segment, something that I’ve heard many times stood out to me more than it ever has. One of the speakers said that people who used to report news were once heroes. I cannot help but look at that phrase and question what they are considered today. What is it that happened that changed the way society viewed these people who were once highly respected professionals? By watching these video clips, it occurred to me exactly how large of a change the phenomenon of the internet has created in the way we view news.
What I found very interesting was the segment that pointed out how one of today’s most influential and most watched news programs airs not on NBC, CNN, or any other profound station, but on Comedy Central. The Daily Show with John Stewart is a perfect example of how our news is changing in front of our eyes. People are beginning to view certain styles of reporting news as a joke, and by watching a show that makes fun of that, and still presents news, it becomes very clear what people are interested in. It seems that news has transformed from truth into entertainment. This explains why people want news that they enjoy watching, and can still learn from, yet at the same time, get involved with. This brings me to another phenomenon that the internet brings to our news; blogs.
Blogging was also pointed out as a way our news is changing. It is becoming more and more prominent, and many young readers (who are only going to continue the trend into future generations) are starting to view blogging as an acceptable form of news. Anybody has the right to blog, and because of that, people do not have a way to tell exactly what is true and what is not. This new form of “journalism”, if you want to call it that, should not always be considered credible, and can cause many issues in effecting the way news is presented. News now days, that was once strictly to report stories, is integrating entertainment, all in order to keep ratings high. New channel’s need for viewers is threatening serious reporting. If everybody has the right to report news, which the internet is now allowing, the concept of “real” news can completely disappear. As the audience of certain news shows, such as 60 minutes, ages, so will the number of viewers, and eventually the concept. The internet, although it offers many positive aspects to news, also has the power to completely change traditional journalism.
What I found very interesting was the segment that pointed out how one of today’s most influential and most watched news programs airs not on NBC, CNN, or any other profound station, but on Comedy Central. The Daily Show with John Stewart is a perfect example of how our news is changing in front of our eyes. People are beginning to view certain styles of reporting news as a joke, and by watching a show that makes fun of that, and still presents news, it becomes very clear what people are interested in. It seems that news has transformed from truth into entertainment. This explains why people want news that they enjoy watching, and can still learn from, yet at the same time, get involved with. This brings me to another phenomenon that the internet brings to our news; blogs.
Blogging was also pointed out as a way our news is changing. It is becoming more and more prominent, and many young readers (who are only going to continue the trend into future generations) are starting to view blogging as an acceptable form of news. Anybody has the right to blog, and because of that, people do not have a way to tell exactly what is true and what is not. This new form of “journalism”, if you want to call it that, should not always be considered credible, and can cause many issues in effecting the way news is presented. News now days, that was once strictly to report stories, is integrating entertainment, all in order to keep ratings high. New channel’s need for viewers is threatening serious reporting. If everybody has the right to report news, which the internet is now allowing, the concept of “real” news can completely disappear. As the audience of certain news shows, such as 60 minutes, ages, so will the number of viewers, and eventually the concept. The internet, although it offers many positive aspects to news, also has the power to completely change traditional journalism.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Exploring News Beyond the U.S. Assignment
While surfing through the different news channels today, I noticed that none of them seem to be the same. As I suspected, I felt that with every news station, with the exception of BBC World News, there was bias from wherever the news was being broadcasted. I felt that each station would drop certain hints that indicated which country, or view, they supported the most. I also listened to a few arguments that occurred discussing an issue, which usually was something about the United States, and I saw that the person who opposed the U.S. had much more speaking time than those who supported our country. While watching BBC World News, I did not get any sense of bias. It seemed to follow the Murrow standard the best, and I feel that it is a very reliable source, with a variety of stories and information. After watching Al Jezeera, I was able to see the biggest bias in all of the news sources. I felt that they were pretty anti-American, and it was apparent in the way they portrayed their stories.
1. I do not feel that the Internet will exactly help Al Jezeera reach an American audience, but I don't believe it will hurt their number of viewers either. Although it is a way for people in the U.S. to have an opportunity to view the news station, I do not see how many Americans would have the desire to do so. The station seems to be pretty anti-American, and I cannot see someone from here wanting to listen to that constantly when they have the opportunity to listen to other news.
2. I do not think that Al Jezeera should be broadcasted in the U.S. I feel that it should stay on the Internet. I think that a lot of arguments would come from offended Americans if it were broadcasted here. That is not to say it shouldn't remain on the Internet though. That way, people can view it if they want to, but they don't have to hear it without logging onto the site by choice.
3. I feel that their way of broadcasting differs from the kind in U.S. news stations because of their variety. I felt that the reporters were coming from multiple places, rather than a news station with very few on-scene reports. It seemed a little more scattered to me than many news stations I see here that seem to have a very structured plan and style.
4. From what I saw, I believe they stuck to their code of ethics. For a news team to post their code of ethics, I feel that they would have to keep a pretty conscious effort of following it. From my knowledge, other news companies do not make their code of ethics public, so people have no way to tell whether or not they are following it. Although, I'm sure it is common for multiple news sources to slip up here and there.
1. I do not feel that the Internet will exactly help Al Jezeera reach an American audience, but I don't believe it will hurt their number of viewers either. Although it is a way for people in the U.S. to have an opportunity to view the news station, I do not see how many Americans would have the desire to do so. The station seems to be pretty anti-American, and I cannot see someone from here wanting to listen to that constantly when they have the opportunity to listen to other news.
2. I do not think that Al Jezeera should be broadcasted in the U.S. I feel that it should stay on the Internet. I think that a lot of arguments would come from offended Americans if it were broadcasted here. That is not to say it shouldn't remain on the Internet though. That way, people can view it if they want to, but they don't have to hear it without logging onto the site by choice.
3. I feel that their way of broadcasting differs from the kind in U.S. news stations because of their variety. I felt that the reporters were coming from multiple places, rather than a news station with very few on-scene reports. It seemed a little more scattered to me than many news stations I see here that seem to have a very structured plan and style.
4. From what I saw, I believe they stuck to their code of ethics. For a news team to post their code of ethics, I feel that they would have to keep a pretty conscious effort of following it. From my knowledge, other news companies do not make their code of ethics public, so people have no way to tell whether or not they are following it. Although, I'm sure it is common for multiple news sources to slip up here and there.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
"Feeding the Beast" Video
After watching "Feeding the Beast", my views on the world of journalism and reporting the news changed quite a bit. Many people do not take time to think about the demands of the field and all of the work that goes into it, but this video gives outsiders an inside view. The media, which can be referred to as "the beast", is constantly in demand of new, quick information. There is a need to provide the media, and the public, with information at all times. Knowing how many people go into the background of the stories that are reported in journalism made me realize exactly how much work it takes to get the information the news is constantly feeding the public. Although it seems easy to disagree with one journalist taking the credit for many other people's work, I do not feel that people could get as much news as they do and as quickly as they do, if it were only one person at a time making these stories possible. The heavy demand for the news to constantly "feed the beast" can arise some compromise in the work being displayed. People working for the news can feel rushed to fulfill the constant demand of the public, and therefore may not give credible stories. Their work can be compromised because of the pressure they have to put out as much information as possible, at all times. The reporters may not research the topic as in-depth as they need to, and because of that, the information may not be one hundred percent accurate. It is up to the public to decide which is more important to them: the constant news feed or complete accuracy.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
WSU Football Player's Automobile Accident Inspires Foundation
A new foundation emerged after a personal tragedy occurred to a Washington State University football player on his drive home during finals week.
Cory Mackay, who had just completed his freshman year at WSU as a football redshirt, was seriously injured May 7th, in a one-vehicle accident on State Hwy. 26.
After falling asleep behind the wheel, Mackay’s Nissan pickup truck veered from the highway, hitting a ditch and going airborne before coming to a stop on a county road.
A witness near the scene contacted emergency help who, upon arrival, cut Mackay out of the over-turned pickup and airlifted him to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland. Shortly after, he was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Mackay suffered from a broken back in two places and spinal cord damage. He remains in the intensive care unit in stable condition with no feeling below his waist.
In honor of the accident, friends, coaches and colleagues of the Mackay family established an organization called the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation. Supporters wanted to help raise funds to supply the Mackay home with the proper ramps and other necessary accommodations for the 6-foot-4, 260 pound defensive end, after his return home from the hospital.
The foundation's purpose is to assist Mackay through his upcoming recovery and eventually continue in perpetuity to help other people who are going through similar challenges.
“It’s amazing. I knew there were always people out there who were supportive, but people have done so much for this family. It is so fantastic,” said Mackay’s sister, Kristin Mackay.
The original purpose of the organization was to help with the family’s soaring medical costs, but since being established, the foundation has taken flight and will continue to help others in similar situations.
The Mackay family is doing all they can to get the efforts of the foundation exposed to the public.
Fundraisers across the state have been inspired by this misfortune and are steadily raising profit for the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation.
Insight from friends and the community have created many ideas on ways to raise money for this cause. Multiple schools have already begun accepting donations, community residents continue to conduct activities such as car washes, and Mackay’s hometown is in the process of organizing an alum football scrimmage to raise money throughout the area.
“The support from the WSU community has been overwhelming”, said Carlie Halstrom, girlfriend of Mackay and fellow WSU student.
Teammates of Mackay on the Cougar football team have also started raising money for the foundation. The players have been signing jerseys and other cougar apparel to auction off. All of the proceeds made will be donated to the Mackay’s foundation.
Statements that have been released by WSU football coach, Paul Wulff, make it evident that the key issue on supporter’s minds is the well-being of Mackay, not the effect it will have on the football team’s future.
“My only feelings have been for him and his family,” said Wulff, in an interview with The Spokesman Review. “To be quite honest, and I know this sounds strange, I haven’t even thought more than a second about the football loss of it for our team. I just haven’t. … It’s not the most important thing, so I haven’t let myself go there.”
The support that has been shown in the previous weeks continues to inspire Mackay in the recovery process.
“This situation has opened up Cory’s eyes. He wants to be able to help others,” said Kristin Mackay. “We want this to be a long term foundation and want to help as many people as we can.”
Donations are being accepted at any US Bank branch. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, visit a US Bank and share your donation to the “Cory Mackay Fund”.
If you are interested in participating or leading a fundraiser for the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation, contact mackayrehab@live.com.
Cory Mackay, who had just completed his freshman year at WSU as a football redshirt, was seriously injured May 7th, in a one-vehicle accident on State Hwy. 26.
After falling asleep behind the wheel, Mackay’s Nissan pickup truck veered from the highway, hitting a ditch and going airborne before coming to a stop on a county road.
A witness near the scene contacted emergency help who, upon arrival, cut Mackay out of the over-turned pickup and airlifted him to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland. Shortly after, he was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Mackay suffered from a broken back in two places and spinal cord damage. He remains in the intensive care unit in stable condition with no feeling below his waist.
In honor of the accident, friends, coaches and colleagues of the Mackay family established an organization called the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation. Supporters wanted to help raise funds to supply the Mackay home with the proper ramps and other necessary accommodations for the 6-foot-4, 260 pound defensive end, after his return home from the hospital.
The foundation's purpose is to assist Mackay through his upcoming recovery and eventually continue in perpetuity to help other people who are going through similar challenges.
“It’s amazing. I knew there were always people out there who were supportive, but people have done so much for this family. It is so fantastic,” said Mackay’s sister, Kristin Mackay.
The original purpose of the organization was to help with the family’s soaring medical costs, but since being established, the foundation has taken flight and will continue to help others in similar situations.
The Mackay family is doing all they can to get the efforts of the foundation exposed to the public.
Fundraisers across the state have been inspired by this misfortune and are steadily raising profit for the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation.
Insight from friends and the community have created many ideas on ways to raise money for this cause. Multiple schools have already begun accepting donations, community residents continue to conduct activities such as car washes, and Mackay’s hometown is in the process of organizing an alum football scrimmage to raise money throughout the area.
“The support from the WSU community has been overwhelming”, said Carlie Halstrom, girlfriend of Mackay and fellow WSU student.
Teammates of Mackay on the Cougar football team have also started raising money for the foundation. The players have been signing jerseys and other cougar apparel to auction off. All of the proceeds made will be donated to the Mackay’s foundation.
Statements that have been released by WSU football coach, Paul Wulff, make it evident that the key issue on supporter’s minds is the well-being of Mackay, not the effect it will have on the football team’s future.
“My only feelings have been for him and his family,” said Wulff, in an interview with The Spokesman Review. “To be quite honest, and I know this sounds strange, I haven’t even thought more than a second about the football loss of it for our team. I just haven’t. … It’s not the most important thing, so I haven’t let myself go there.”
The support that has been shown in the previous weeks continues to inspire Mackay in the recovery process.
“This situation has opened up Cory’s eyes. He wants to be able to help others,” said Kristin Mackay. “We want this to be a long term foundation and want to help as many people as we can.”
Donations are being accepted at any US Bank branch. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, visit a US Bank and share your donation to the “Cory Mackay Fund”.
If you are interested in participating or leading a fundraiser for the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation, contact mackayrehab@live.com.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Summary News Lead
http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_051909WAB-suv-burger-king-LJ.1aaded1c.html
"Several people were injured after a speeding car ran into a Renton Burger King overnight."
"Several people were injured after a speeding car ran into a Renton Burger King overnight."
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Story Pitches
Dear Editor,
Being that more than half of the student population that attends Washington State University comes from the “west side” of the state, many of us know what it is like to drive the long trek to Pullman. The extensive drive has become routine for so many that drivers tend to forget about how dangerous it truly is. Considering the majority of the trip is a two-lane highway, it is very easy for drivers and their passengers to endanger themselves. This is why I propose to write an article focusing on the topic.
Last week a very good friend of mine encountered this danger after driving home near the end of finals week. The driver, who happens to play as a starter on the WSU football team, rolled his car and ended up surviving what should have been a fatal crash. He remains in intensive care at Harbourview Hospital in Seattle.
In this article, I propose to focus on my friend’s story and report it as news. I will cover statistics about how dangerous the drive is, talk about what occurred to my friend, and possibly include information about the foundation that has been created in honor of this accident. This should be interesting for readers because it hits close to home knowing that it is a fellow student. It is also somebody who plays for our football team, a thing that our school is very passionate about. This article will really affect students, and will hopefully remind them to drive safely in the future.
The sources I can use for my article are the driver himself, Cory Mackay, the school’s football coach (he could talk about Cory, and how this crash has affected him and his teammates), or the parent’s of Cory (this can touch readers by putting themselves, or their parents, in the Mackay’s shoes).
Dear Editor,
As many people who attend Washington State University may know, the campus’ Greek life is a major part of the community. It seems near impossible to go a day on the hill without acknowledging the fact that our campus has a very large, and very proud Greek system.
In my article, I propose to speak about the presence of Greek life on our campus and the effects it may cause. People in the system tend to be very exclusive, whether it is towards people who are not Greek or even to other Greek members that are in different houses. On the other side, those who are not in the Greek system tend to have negative opinions of the Greek community.
I would like to focus on exactly why people feel the way they do, and why the two groups are commonly so segregated from one another. I will make both sides of the issue very clear. This will be interesting for readers because they are either on one side of the topic or the other. It will be helpful for people to hear both sides of the spectrum in order to form their opinion, or to justify the one they currently have.Being a former member of the Greek community gives me a good angle to write this article. I know from experience what it is like to be on both sides, and that will help eliminate bias from my story.
Sources I can use are Greek members on the executive board of Pi Beta Phi Sorority or Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (possibly the presidents of each). I can also use people who are not associated with Greek life, many of whom are here for summer session. It could also be interesting to interview a staff member, such as a teacher, to see if they notice any difference it makes among their students and they way they act towards one another.
Dear Editor,
Although Pullman has always come across as a very small town to me, as this summer session beings to progress, I can’t help but question how the little population affects local businesses. I have not yet seen one store close down for the summer, but I can’t imagine that they all are able to stay open with the little business they are receiving.
In this article, I propose to write about how the majority of a town being away for summer affects the town’s businesses. With the bad economy, it is probably hard enough for little shops and family owned restaurants to stay open, but how are they taking the hit of absent students? I will discuss the views of owners and managers, get numbers that record exactly how much of a drop they are receiving, how they deal with the loss of business, and why they continue to stay in a town that receives this drop every year around this time.This will be interesting for the readers because they reside in Pullman, and the people that are here for summer session probably have the same question as I do.
In order to get my information I will go visit one of the more popular stores such as Safeway or Starbucks, and speak with their managers to understand the effects it causes. I will also visit a smaller store or resturant, that may be exclusive to Pullman, such as The Old European resturant.
Being that more than half of the student population that attends Washington State University comes from the “west side” of the state, many of us know what it is like to drive the long trek to Pullman. The extensive drive has become routine for so many that drivers tend to forget about how dangerous it truly is. Considering the majority of the trip is a two-lane highway, it is very easy for drivers and their passengers to endanger themselves. This is why I propose to write an article focusing on the topic.
Last week a very good friend of mine encountered this danger after driving home near the end of finals week. The driver, who happens to play as a starter on the WSU football team, rolled his car and ended up surviving what should have been a fatal crash. He remains in intensive care at Harbourview Hospital in Seattle.
In this article, I propose to focus on my friend’s story and report it as news. I will cover statistics about how dangerous the drive is, talk about what occurred to my friend, and possibly include information about the foundation that has been created in honor of this accident. This should be interesting for readers because it hits close to home knowing that it is a fellow student. It is also somebody who plays for our football team, a thing that our school is very passionate about. This article will really affect students, and will hopefully remind them to drive safely in the future.
The sources I can use for my article are the driver himself, Cory Mackay, the school’s football coach (he could talk about Cory, and how this crash has affected him and his teammates), or the parent’s of Cory (this can touch readers by putting themselves, or their parents, in the Mackay’s shoes).
Dear Editor,
As many people who attend Washington State University may know, the campus’ Greek life is a major part of the community. It seems near impossible to go a day on the hill without acknowledging the fact that our campus has a very large, and very proud Greek system.
In my article, I propose to speak about the presence of Greek life on our campus and the effects it may cause. People in the system tend to be very exclusive, whether it is towards people who are not Greek or even to other Greek members that are in different houses. On the other side, those who are not in the Greek system tend to have negative opinions of the Greek community.
I would like to focus on exactly why people feel the way they do, and why the two groups are commonly so segregated from one another. I will make both sides of the issue very clear. This will be interesting for readers because they are either on one side of the topic or the other. It will be helpful for people to hear both sides of the spectrum in order to form their opinion, or to justify the one they currently have.Being a former member of the Greek community gives me a good angle to write this article. I know from experience what it is like to be on both sides, and that will help eliminate bias from my story.
Sources I can use are Greek members on the executive board of Pi Beta Phi Sorority or Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (possibly the presidents of each). I can also use people who are not associated with Greek life, many of whom are here for summer session. It could also be interesting to interview a staff member, such as a teacher, to see if they notice any difference it makes among their students and they way they act towards one another.
Dear Editor,
Although Pullman has always come across as a very small town to me, as this summer session beings to progress, I can’t help but question how the little population affects local businesses. I have not yet seen one store close down for the summer, but I can’t imagine that they all are able to stay open with the little business they are receiving.
In this article, I propose to write about how the majority of a town being away for summer affects the town’s businesses. With the bad economy, it is probably hard enough for little shops and family owned restaurants to stay open, but how are they taking the hit of absent students? I will discuss the views of owners and managers, get numbers that record exactly how much of a drop they are receiving, how they deal with the loss of business, and why they continue to stay in a town that receives this drop every year around this time.This will be interesting for the readers because they reside in Pullman, and the people that are here for summer session probably have the same question as I do.
In order to get my information I will go visit one of the more popular stores such as Safeway or Starbucks, and speak with their managers to understand the effects it causes. I will also visit a smaller store or resturant, that may be exclusive to Pullman, such as The Old European resturant.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Writing Style and it's Effect on the Media
In order to demonstrate the effect that writing-style can have on the media and the way stories are portrayed, I thought it would be helpful to focus on a topic that is being discussed throughout the media today.
Carrie Prejean, the runner-up in the recent Miss USA Pageant, caused quite a stir when answering a question concerning gay marriage. When Prejean announced to the world on live television that gay marriage was not something she supported or believed in, the public was quick to pick her answer apart through the media. Reports and blogs filled the internet, debating whether or not the contestant’s politically incorrect answer was acceptable.
A story reporting the situation on NBC’s San Diego web page came across as very bias. NBC has been accused many times in the past of having a liberal bias and it seems to reflect in their piece on Prejean’s situation. In the article (which shows its opinion in the title alone) titled “Miss Cali: Pretty Until She Opens Her Mouth”, the NBC reporter writes, in almost a blog style, about negative aspects of Prejean’s answer. Reading the article made Prejean come across as a very ignorant person, leading people who have only heard this side of the story to believe it to be true; especially considering there were no other facts or opinions available. Giving the public only one view on a story makes it hard for people to form their own opinion. Because of this bias, the story, although well written, fails to follow the Murrow standard. Being that this article was published in California, a state with one of the highest homosexual populations, I believe that their reader’s reactions are likely to support this kind of article and its opinion. By emphasizing the negative aspects of the situation and failing to establish all sides of the story, NBC produced a very biased article.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/entertainment/Miss-Cali-Pretty-Till-She-Opens-Her-Mouth.html
Another story covering the same situation had a different approach in sharing their information. FOX news, which has ironically been accused of having a conservative bias in the past, produced a much more fair and balanced version of the story. The article begins by explaining the situation and follows with in-depth views from both the supporting and opposing side. FOX, especially in this article, lived up to their claim of being “fair and balanced” by reporting exactly so. By hearing both perspectives on the story, instead of just one, it gives readers the chance to form their own opinion. Articles and sites, such as this one, succeed by following the Murrow standard. Although the writer most likely holds their own opinion on the situation, they are sure not to make it come across as bias in their writing. This website is very well-known in the news media, and that may be a reflection of the way their writing style established all sides of the story.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,517215,00.html
Although I do not agree with the views of Carrie Prejean, I do agree with the way the supposedly “conservative” site (FOX) reports their media; traditionally. Readers should not feel the need to question or challenge their news, and having both sides of the story available makes it much easier not to do so. This comparison between the two articles demonstrates the power and effect that writing style has on media. By following a traditional style and avoiding skewed opinions, news becomes more credible.
Carrie Prejean, the runner-up in the recent Miss USA Pageant, caused quite a stir when answering a question concerning gay marriage. When Prejean announced to the world on live television that gay marriage was not something she supported or believed in, the public was quick to pick her answer apart through the media. Reports and blogs filled the internet, debating whether or not the contestant’s politically incorrect answer was acceptable.
A story reporting the situation on NBC’s San Diego web page came across as very bias. NBC has been accused many times in the past of having a liberal bias and it seems to reflect in their piece on Prejean’s situation. In the article (which shows its opinion in the title alone) titled “Miss Cali: Pretty Until She Opens Her Mouth”, the NBC reporter writes, in almost a blog style, about negative aspects of Prejean’s answer. Reading the article made Prejean come across as a very ignorant person, leading people who have only heard this side of the story to believe it to be true; especially considering there were no other facts or opinions available. Giving the public only one view on a story makes it hard for people to form their own opinion. Because of this bias, the story, although well written, fails to follow the Murrow standard. Being that this article was published in California, a state with one of the highest homosexual populations, I believe that their reader’s reactions are likely to support this kind of article and its opinion. By emphasizing the negative aspects of the situation and failing to establish all sides of the story, NBC produced a very biased article.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/entertainment/Miss-Cali-Pretty-Till-She-Opens-Her-Mouth.html
Another story covering the same situation had a different approach in sharing their information. FOX news, which has ironically been accused of having a conservative bias in the past, produced a much more fair and balanced version of the story. The article begins by explaining the situation and follows with in-depth views from both the supporting and opposing side. FOX, especially in this article, lived up to their claim of being “fair and balanced” by reporting exactly so. By hearing both perspectives on the story, instead of just one, it gives readers the chance to form their own opinion. Articles and sites, such as this one, succeed by following the Murrow standard. Although the writer most likely holds their own opinion on the situation, they are sure not to make it come across as bias in their writing. This website is very well-known in the news media, and that may be a reflection of the way their writing style established all sides of the story.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,517215,00.html
Although I do not agree with the views of Carrie Prejean, I do agree with the way the supposedly “conservative” site (FOX) reports their media; traditionally. Readers should not feel the need to question or challenge their news, and having both sides of the story available makes it much easier not to do so. This comparison between the two articles demonstrates the power and effect that writing style has on media. By following a traditional style and avoiding skewed opinions, news becomes more credible.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Chevron vs. Ecuador
If one were to watch the video released by Chevron speaking on it's current situation with Ecuador, I can see how it would be easy for a viewer to take Chevron's side. It seems like a real news story, the story is told by a real broadcaster, there are even interviews with insiders; how can it be that they are not following the Murrow standard? It is not until you view the story reported by "60 Minutes" that you realize how much information is lacking from the Chevron video. Although Chevron's video did give some facts similar to the"60 Minutes" report, it seems as though they left out major points; the other side of the story. The "60 Minutes" report clearly followed the Murrow standard in the following ways: it gave facts from both counts, there was no bias, and it seemed like traditional reporting; strictly giving the facts on a story that the public knows little about. The fact that Chevron hired their own reporter to give their side of the story, only after finding out that "60 Minutes" would be giving a report of their own, seems to give the lack of authenticity away. It also doesn't help that they now deny that it was a "report" to begin with, instead just a way to share their opinion with the public, even when their reporter clearly states that what he is doing is reporting. There are many ways that Chevron's bias is apparent after watching both of the videos. They put the blame on other companies, they only give their perspective, and they would not share certain inside information or interviews with CNN. Watching these two videos gives viewers an outside look on exactly how this phenomenon of media loosing integrity can really affect an outcome. It is not common for people to question the truth of a news story if it comes across as real news. It is important for reports to be un-bias, to state all of the facts, and to continue with the traditional Murrow standard.
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