Introduction To Journalism And Media PDF

**Introduction to journalism and media** **Conceptual foundations** **News** 1. What is News? - News is new information about recent events. - It often focuses on topics that are in the public interest and important for democratic societies. 2. History of News - News has existed f...

**Introduction to journalism and media** **Conceptual foundations** **News** 1. What is News? - News is new information about recent events. - It often focuses on topics that are in the public interest and important for democratic societies. 2. History of News - News has existed for centuries through travelers, priests, soldiers, and town criers sharing information. - Newsgathering (systematically collecting and reporting news) became a professional activity only in the 1800s. 3. News vs. The News - News: Any new, important information. - The News: A collection of important news stories that a group of people agrees is worth reporting. - These terms are cultural constructs shaped by history, culture, and those with the authority to decide what is newsworthy. 4. Newsworthiness - Journalists select stories based on criteria like: - Unexpectedness: Unusual, surprising events. - Impact: Events affecting many people or having big consequences. - Superlativeness: Extreme or large-scale events (biggest, fastest, etc.). - Eliteness: Involving famous or high-status people, countries, or institutions. - Proximity: Geographically or culturally close to the audience. - Timeliness: Happening recently or currently. - Positivity: Feel-good stories or breakthroughs. - Negativity: Controversial, risky, or conflict-filled events. - Personalization: Stories about ordinary people or with a human angle. 5. Key Points - News is not just a list of events. It is organized and presented based on cultural norms. - Journalists and media outlets have power to shape societal priorities by deciding what is \"the news.\" - News is more than information; it's a way of understanding the world. **Journalism** 1. What is Journalism? - Journalism can mean different things depending on how it\'s defined: a. As a product: News articles, TV reports, or stories that follow journalistic formats (e.g., clear headlines, verified sources). b. By people: Work produced by trained journalists, certified professionals, or those recognized by their society. c. By institutions: Products made by organizations like The New York Times or BBC News. d. As activities: Collecting, organizing, verifying, and sharing news. e. As a service: Focusing on goals like informing the public, holding officials accountable, or promoting civic engagement. f. As an occupation: Guided by shared values like objectivity, fairness, independence, and ethics. These values may vary across societies. 2. Why Definitions Matter - Journalism is fluid and changes with societal, cultural, and technological shifts. - Example: A teacher blogging about public meetings can now perform acts of journalism, thanks to modern technology. - Definitions impact: - Access: Seats at press conferences or legal protections for journalists. - Authority: Organizations seen as legitimate (e.g., The New York Times) are trusted to define news and influence societal priorities. 3. Journalism and Expectations - Journalism holds a special social status, often seen as the authority on "news" (e.g., protected under the U.S. First Amendment). - Public trust: Higher standards and expectations are placed on those considered true journalists. - Legitimacy grants power to shape public understanding of news. This is why debates about "real journalism" and "fake news" are common. 4. Journalism is Plural - There isn't one kind of journalism; there are different types (e.g., sports journalism, data journalism, advocacy journalism). - Each type has unique purposes, norms, and practices. For example: - Neutrality may be valued in some areas but not in others. - Journalism is dynamic and multifaceted, with no single \"right way\" to practice it. 5. Key Takeaways - Journalism means different things to different people and is a contested concept. - In liberal democracies, it often reflects values like public service, objectivity, independence, and ethics. - How journalism is understood affects trust, expectations, and access to resources. - There are multiple forms of journalism, each with its own distinct characteristics and norms. **Media and press** 1. What is Media? - Definition: Media refers to all forms of communication, from printed materials to digital platforms, used to share messages or content. - Examples: - Technological platforms: Books, TV, smartphones, apps (e.g., fitness apps, TikTok). - Content: Movies like Black Panther, websites like Reddit, or newspapers like The Washington Post. - People: Journalists, coders, actors. 2. Types of Media - Mass Media: Tools for reaching large audiences (e.g., TV, radio, newspapers, magazines). - Digital Media: Online platforms (e.g., websites, blogs, streaming services). - Social media: Platforms for real-time interaction (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter). - Multimedia: Combining text, audio, video, and graphics for richer communication. 3. Key Points About Media - Media are plural: Use "media are" (e.g., "media are evolving"). - In politics, people refer to \"the media\" as mainstream news outlets, treating it as a singular entity (e.g., "the media is biased" --- grammatically incorrect). 4. Media as a Social Institution - Like families, media is an institution with norms that guide behaviors, but it includes diverse components: - Technologies (TV, smartphones). - Organizations (news outlets, studios). - Media workers (journalists, coders). - Ownership models and cultures. - Audience reactions and effects. 5. What is the Press? - Origin: Comes from the printing press, originally referring to newspapers and print journalists. - Expanded Definition: Now includes journalists in digital formats but still mainly focuses on news reporting. 6. Key Takeaways - Media: - Broad term for communication tools, platforms, and people involved in creating and sharing content. - Refers to both mass and digital forms. - Press: - Originally print journalism but now often used as a synonym for journalists or news media. - Common Misuse: - \"The media\" is often treated as a singular term in casual speech, especially when discussing news outlets. **Inside the newsroom** **Roles in journalism** 1. Print Journalism Roles - Editor-in-Chief (Executive Editor) - The \"boss\" of the newspaper, responsible for all published content. - Oversees staff, allocates space for articles and ads, and decides on stories. - Sets the editorial voice and writes opinion pieces. - News Editor (or Managing/Duty Editor) - Oversees daily news content and assigns stories to reporters. - Coordinates with sub-editors and photographers. - Checks for legal/ethical issues. - Desk Editor - Senior journalist in charge of a section (e.g., world news, sports). - Manages a team of reporters and decides on story coverage. - Reporter - Writes on various topics (e.g., news, sports, culture). - Specialized reporters are called beat reporters (e.g., crime, health). - Feature writers focus on in-depth or human-interest stories. - Picture Editor - Commissions photographers and selects photos for stories. - Photographer - Captures news events, often working freelance. - Graphics Editor - Leads a team creating visuals like charts, maps, and diagrams. - Production Editor (Chief Sub) - Manages sub-editors and ensures timely delivery of pages to the printer. - Maintains consistent style and standards. - Sub-Editor (Final Editor) - Edits stories for grammar, factual accuracy, and word limits. - Designs layouts, writes headlines, and photo captions. - Captions are short (15--25 words) and explain the photo's context. 2. News Broadcasting Roles - Producer - Oversees TV/radio program production, ensuring high-quality output. - Coordinates content, plans the structure, and manages the team. - Checks for legal issues in the broadcast. - Presenter (Anchor) - The face/voice of the show, interviews guests, reads news, and interacts with the audience. - Anchors stabilize the broadcast, like a ship's anchor. - Broadcast Reporter - Sources, researches, and writes news stories for TV/radio. - Writes scripts for news packages and conducts recorded/filmed interviews. - Sound Technician - Manages all recorded sound. - Camera Crew - Camera Operator: Sets up cameras and films. - Grip: Handles camera movement equipment. 3. Social Media Desk - Purpose: Manages the news organization's social media presence (e.g., Instagram, Twitter, TikTok). - Team: Led by a Social Media Manager and includes editors/designers. - Tasks: Adapts reporters' content for each platform, ensures news is timely and engaging. - Often part of the web team. **Where to find news** 1. News Agencies - Definition: Organizations that gather, write, and distribute news globally or nationally. - Examples: Reuters, AP (Associated Press), AFP (Agence France-Presse), Bloomberg. - Other agencies include: PANA (Africa), MENA (Middle East), Xinhua (China), Tass (Russia). - Purpose: - Provide initial reports for media outlets. - Supply cost-effective news services for newspapers, TV, radio, and online media. - Global Impact: - News agencies supply 60-80% of content to outlets, allowing them to focus on unique angles, commentary, and local perspectives. - Major Agencies: - Reuters: Largest, reaching over 1 billion daily. - AP: Oldest U.S. agency, started in 1846. - AFP: Based in Paris, origins date to 1832. - Bloomberg: Focuses on business and economic news. 2. Finding Unique Angles - Localization: Connect global stories to local audiences. - Example: How U.S. election results affect other countries. - In-Depth Coverage: - Use in-house editors to expand stories by interviewing experts or sending reporters to events. 3. Creating Original Content - Sources of News: - Press Releases: Organizations provide information (sometimes under embargo). - Personal Networks: Journalists use contacts for tips and exclusive insights. - Social Media: Monitor platforms for announcements (e.g., Elon Musk on Tesla). - Other Media: Find local or niche stories to adapt for your audience. - Citizen Tips: Leads provided by the public. 4. News Process Steps - Discovery: Reporter finds or receives a tip. - Information Gathering: Verifies the tip and gathers details. - Judging Impact: Determines if the story is relevant to the audience. - Critical Focus: Highlights key elements of the story. - Organizing: Arranges the story clearly to reflect its importance. - Effective Writing: Carefully writes and rewrites to ensure clarity and impact. 5. Follow-Up Content - Editors expand on significant or ongoing stories: - Example: A death reported leads to additional content like reactions, investigations, and impact analysis. 6. Key Takeaways - 60-80% of news comes from agencies due to cost and efficiency. - Agencies provide the foundation; editors focus on creating unique, relevant content. - News can come from various sources, but originality and local relevance are crucial in a competitive media landscape. **Sourcing news** 1. Definition of News Sources - A source provides information for journalists (e.g., witnesses, experts, press releases, court filings, or reports). - Essential because journalists cannot witness everything firsthand and often need expertise or diverse perspectives. - Sources benefit from journalists by gaining exposure, credibility, and advancing their own agendas. 2. Why Sources Are Crucial - For Journalists: - Help cover events not personally observed. - Provide expertise and diverse perspectives (e.g., climate scientists, local witnesses). - May be the focus of a story (e.g., officials accused of corruption). - For Sources: - Spread their message through media. - Gain legitimacy by appearing in respected outlets. - Advance their goals or agendas. 3. Source Influence on News - Audiences often see source quotes as more authoritative than the journalist's narrative. - Sources shape how journalists view and report on events, even without direct quotes. 4. Fixers in Journalism - Fixers assist foreign correspondents with local tasks (translation, access, cultural insight). - Example: A journalist covering Egypt's elections needs a local fixer for language and cultural knowledge. - Fixers: - Perform key roles but rarely get public credit or influence on the final story. - Are paid little and lack benefits. - Have limited opportunities for career advancement. 5. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) - What Are NGOs? - Independent groups focused on public good (e.g., Human Rights Watch, Red Cross). - Provide journalists with information subsidies (e.g., reports, press releases, video content) to encourage coverage of their causes. - Benefits for Journalists - Easy, low-cost access to professional and factual reports. - Offer solutions, expert recommendations, and sources in hard-to-reach areas. - Benefits for NGOs - Media coverage boosts awareness, lobbying, and fundraising. - Helps promote their brand and missions. - Challenges - Journalists risk becoming uncritical platforms for NGO agendas. - NGOs aren't held to journalistic ethics and may bypass media by distributing content directly (e.g., on social media). - NGOs still struggle to get significant attention compared to government sources. 6. User-Generated Content (UGC) - What Is UGC? - Content created by users on platforms (e.g., TikTok videos, Yelp reviews, social media posts). - Examples in journalism: fan photos, article comments, social media posts linked to news coverage. - UGC in Journalism - Used to engage audiences and provide participatory opportunities. - Cost-effective source of content (e.g., replaces professional photos with fan photos). - Examples: CNN's iReport for video submissions or hashtags linking user posts to news stories. - Benefits - Engages audiences and builds loyalty to news platforms. - Can reduce costs (e.g., replacing professional content with free submissions). - Challenges - Blurred Boundaries: - Non-professional creators lack training in journalistic ethics. - Audiences may not distinguish between journalist-produced content and UGC. - Quality and Ethics: - UGC can include misinformation, bias, or unprofessional content. - Journalists must moderate content, which can be expensive and morally complex. - External Platforms: - News outlets lose control as user discussions increasingly happen on third-party platforms (e.g., Facebook). - Journalists depend more on external platforms for engagement. 7. Crowdsourcing in Journalism: - Journalists now work in teams, collaborate with other organizations, and engage audiences in news production. - Crowdsourcing refers to using the public's knowledge, social networks, or money for journalistic tasks like gathering, verifying, and distributing news. - Crowdsourcing can: - Help process large amounts of information (e.g., document leaks). - Improve journalism by reducing mistakes (more eyes = better work). - Build audience loyalty by involving them in the process. - Participation in Crowdsourcing: - Participants are usually not paid but may receive rewards like badges, leaderboards, or the satisfaction of contributing to a social cause. - Types of crowdsourcing participation: - Voting -- Helps prioritize stories or identify newsworthy events. - Witnessing -- Sharing first-hand accounts of breaking events. - Sharing Experiences -- Contributing personal knowledge or expertise. - Offering Expertise -- Providing professional or hobbyist expertise. - Completing Tasks -- Volunteering for semi-structured tasks (e.g., sorting documents). - Example: The Guardian Crowdsourcing: - The Guardian published 700,000 pages of British Parliamentary expenses and asked the public to flag interesting or suspicious items. - Over 20,000 people helped review 170,000 pages in 4 days. - Participants received symbolic rewards like recognition on leaderboards. - Risks of Crowdsourcing: - Crowdsourcing can go wrong if the information is inaccurate or misused. - Example: After the Boston Marathon bombing, Reddit users wrongly identified suspects, damaging their reputations. 8. Ambient Journalism: - Ambient journalism refers to news production and distribution in real-time through social media, with journalists verifying crowdsourced information. - It differs from traditional journalism: - It's more fragmented (short, frequent updates on platforms like Twitter). - It requires audience participation for gathering and verifying information. - Example: Andy Carvin's coverage of Middle Eastern revolutions (2011): - Carvin monitored Twitter for news, verified information with the help of locals, and shared it in real-time. - He earned trust for being a reliable source of verified information. 9. Key Takeaways: - Fixers: Local workers hired by foreign journalists for guidance or translation. - NGOs: Non-governmental organizations that provide information but need to be approached carefully as they may have their own agendas. - User-Generated Content: Content created and shared by users, which has blurred the lines between professional journalism and community-driven contributions. - Crowdsourcing: Public participation in news tasks, typically with symbolic rewards. - Ambient Journalism: Continuous news production using crowdsourced information via social media. **Sources and reliability** 1. Importance of Sources in Journalism: - Journalists need sources because they can\'t observe everything firsthand. - Sources help provide expert opinions (e.g., climate scientists) or personal accounts (e.g., witnesses of an event). - Sources also need journalists to share their views and gain legitimacy (e.g., a climatologist's research getting global attention through media). - Sources may have their own agendas and aim to influence public opinion (e.g., a government official seeking media coverage to gain funding). 2. Power Dynamics in Sourcing: - The journalist-source relationship involves a balance of power; both parties have something to gain or lose. - Journalists get information and access, while sources get publicity and can promote their agendas. - Journalists are more likely to get access to sources in positions of power (e.g., politicians or officials). - Powerful sources (e.g., police officers, government officials) tend to have their \"truth\" more readily accepted, while those with less power (e.g., victims) are often ignored or not believed as easily. - Trust in sources can vary by country. For instance, journalists in the U.S. tend to be skeptical of government claims, while in other countries, they may trust officials more. 3. Biases in Sourcing: - Homophily: Journalists tend to interview people similar to themselves (e.g., male journalists interview male sources). - Availability: Journalists often rely on sources who are quick to respond, especially public relations professionals or press agents. - Due to time pressures, journalists may rely more on official sources who have the resources to respond promptly. 4. Ensuring Source Reliability: - Verify Credentials: Check the background and qualifications of a source to ensure they are credible. - Cross-reference: Don't rely on one source. Compare information from multiple sources to check for consistency. - Evaluate Track Record: Look at the source's past work. If they are known for being accurate, they are likely trustworthy. - Assess Bias: Be aware of the source's biases (e.g., political views, affiliations) and try to present a balanced perspective. - Fact-checking Tools: Use platforms like FactCheck.org, Snopes, and PolitiFact to verify information and debunk misinformation. - Build Relationships: Develop connections with reliable sources to ensure access to accurate information in the future. - Stay Ethical: Follow ethical guidelines (e.g., Society of Professional Journalists) to maintain credibility. - Caution with Anonymous Sources: Use anonymous sources carefully and try to get on-the-record quotes for transparency. - Trust Your Instincts: If something seems off or too good to be true, dig deeper and question it. 5. Key Takeaways: - Sources provide vital information but often have their own agendas. - Journalists are more likely to get interviews with powerful, accessible, and similar sources. - Verifying sources' credentials, cross-referencing, and using fact-checking tools are crucial for reliable reporting. - Being cautious with anonymous sources and trusting your instincts helps ensure the accuracy of your work. **Content** **News items** 1. What Are News Items? - News writing is direct and formal, focusing on basic facts. - Follows the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. - Uses an inverted pyramid structure: Most important information comes first. - No jargon; short and precise language. 2. Types of News Stories: - Hard News: - Deals with serious events (e.g., floods, fires, earthquakes). - Focuses on facts: times, dates, people involved. - Example: \"Scientists fault U.S. response in Gulf oil spill.\" - 5Ws used to provide clear details. - Soft News: - Focuses on people: profiles, trends, and personal stories. - Example: \"Ikea closes French shops\" (hard news) vs. a story about an employee who worked there for 35 years (soft news). 3. Multiplatform News Writing (BASIC Principles): - Brevity: News must be concise, especially online where readers have less time. - Short paragraphs and headlines. - Adaptability: The story should be flexible for different media (website, TV, etc.). - Scan-ability: Readers often scan content online. - Use subheadings, bullet points, and blockquotes to make the story easy to skim. - Interactivity: Include clickable content (links, embeds) to engage readers. - Community: Think about how the story connects with readers and invites conversation. 4. Editing News Articles for BASIC Principles: - Brevity: Make paragraphs shorter and punchy. - Adaptability: Could the story be told through another medium (e.g., video)? - Scan-ability: Add subheadings, bullet points, and images. - Interactivity: Consider links or clickable content to engage the reader. - Community: Encourage reader interaction and discussion. 5. Key Takeaways: - News writing is formal, precise, and focuses on basic facts. - There are hard news (focuses on serious events) and soft news (focuses on people and profiles). - Apply the BASIC principles (Brevity, Adaptability, Scannability, Interactivity, Community) to adapt news for different platforms and engage the audience, because hard news often makes use of the 5ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) **Feature stories** 1. What is a Feature? - A feature is a longer piece of writing, often used in magazines, newspapers, or online. - It covers a topic in more depth than a news story, often exploring an ongoing event from a different angle. 2. News Story vs. Feature: - News stories are short and focus on the most important facts (5Ws). - Features are longer, can include more emotion and detail, and may focus on people or specific aspects of a topic. +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | | **News story** | **Feature** | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | Content | Recent or breaking | Any issue: could be | | | news | news-related or human | | | | interest | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Intro | Summarizes the story | Often has a human | | | | focus or tells an | | | | anecdote | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Sources and | Can, but doesn't | Always contains a | | | always, contain more | variety of sources | | angle | than one source and | and angles | | | angle | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | structure | Inverted pyramid | More flexible: can | | | | take linear or a | | | | non-linear | | | | structure/include | | | | storytelling | | | | | | | | conclusion is | | | | important | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ 3. Types of Feature Stories: - News Feature: - Focuses on a current news topic but in more detail. - Includes hard-news facts but has a softer, more human approach. - Example: A feature on a methamphetamine epidemic might include arrest stats and interviews with affected individuals. - Profile Feature: - Focuses on a person or group and their background. - It explores a specific aspect of their life, career, or interests. - Based on interviews and observation, the article aims to show the person's character and connection to the news. - Spot Feature: - A feature written quickly (on deadline) to complement a breaking news event. - It focuses on specific aspects of the event, like personal stories or related background. - Example: After a tornado, spot features could describe shelters or past tornado experiences. - Trend Story: - Focuses on cultural trends, like fashion, tech gadgets, or new music. - These stories are usually light, fun, and focus on what's currently popular. - Live-In Feature: - An in-depth story about a specific place or environment. - Reporters spend a lot of time in the location to capture the daily life there. - Example: A day-in-the-life of a police precinct or a homeless shelter. - Explainer: - Articles that break down complex topics through a series of questions and answers. - They aim to clarify difficult subjects in an easy-to-understand way. - Fact Checker: - Focuses on verifying the accuracy of public claims. - Rates the truth of statements or claims made in the news or by public figures. 4. Key takeaways - Features are longer, more detailed, and often focus on people or specific aspects of a news story. - Different types of features provide depth, emotion, and human interest (e.g., profile features, live-ins). - Explainers and fact checkers help clarify complex information and ensure accuracy. **Review** 1. What is a Review? - A review critiques something like a movie, product, or book. - The goal is to offer an honest opinion and help the audience decide if it\'s worth their time or money. 2. Review Style: - Reviews are subjective: You give your personal opinion, unlike news stories that are objective. - You can be more informal and personal in your tone to connect with the audience. 3. Role of a Reviewer: - Inform Provide necessary details. - Describe Explain what the object is like. - Analyze Break down the elements and how they work. - Advise Help the audience decide if they should engage with the product. 4. Tips for Writing a Film Review: - Include key details: Film title, director, lead actors, release date. - Summarize the plot: Keep it short and avoid spoilers. - Provide examples: Describe what stood out, such as a funny scene or strong acting. - Comment on other aspects: Mention the music, special effects, etc. - Give your opinion: Support it with evidence. Be fair, even if you didn't like one part of the film. - Make a final judgment: For example, rate the film out of 5 stars. **Columns and opinions** 1. What Are Columns and Opinions? - Columns and opinion pieces are used to raise awareness of issues and often encourage readers to take action. - They might ask readers to vote, protest, or challenge authorities on an issue. 2. Types of Opinions: - Journalists' Opinions -- Written by reporters covering specific topics like politics or sports. - PR Professionals' Opinions -- Written by those promoting a company, group, or official's position. - Experts' Opinions -- Written by outside experts or academics. 3. Op-ed: - Stands for "opposite the editorial page," where external contributors or in-house columnists write opinion pieces. - Structure of an Op-Ed: - Start with a strong opening that grabs attention. - State your position clearly. - Provide evidence to support your argument. - Acknowledge counterarguments. - End with a call to action. - Op-eds should be timely and focused on a narrow issue that can be covered in about 500-1000 words. 4. Editorials: - Written by the editorial board or publisher of the media outlet, not by an individual writer. - Represent the views of the publication, not a personal opinion. - Editorials are usually unsigned, unlike opinion pieces that have a byline. 5. Column: - A regular, signed contribution to a publication, usually with a set title. - Columns reflect the writer's personal views and style on a particular subject. - Columns can be serious, humorous, or provide advice on various topics like politics, lifestyle, or social issues. **Code of conduct** **Is it ok to lie to tell a story?** 1. Ethical Concerns - Deception in journalism is a common ethical problem, ranging from small misrepresentations to full undercover reporting. 2. Trust in Media - Misinformation and disinformation are a problem. Trust in journalism is essential for democracy to function properly. 3. Janet Malcolm's View - She argues that all journalists deceive in some way, as they often gain trust from subjects only to betray it. 4. Case Studies: - Cambridge Analytica: Data from Facebook used to influence elections. This deception was justified as it revealed crucial information about election interference. - Al Jazeera's Undercover Operations: Infiltrated the NRA (USA) and One Nation (Australia). These actions were not justified. - News of the World Scandal: Hacking phones of innocent people, including the murdered schoolgirl, Milly Dowler. This was an extreme breach of ethics. 5. Six-Point Framework to Assess Deception: - Public Interest: Is the information vital to the public? - Alternatives: Were other methods considered, or was deception the only way? - Transparency: Was deception revealed to the audience and the reasons explained? - Suspicion of Wrongdoing: Was there a good reason to suspect the target was doing something harmful to the public? - Risk Strategy: Was there a strategy to avoid harming formal investigations by authorities? - Assessment of Harm: Did the public interest justify any potential harm or wrongdoing caused? - Hybrid Journalism: Some deceptive practices are more common in advertising, where it's hard to distinguish between news and sponsored content. This is called \"branded content,\" \"native advertising,\" or \"sponsored content.\" 6. Everyday Deceptive Practices: - Journalists failing to identify themselves. - Pretending romantic interest to gain access. - Publishing known untrue information to please a source. - Recording someone without their knowledge (e.g., ambushing with hidden cameras/microphones). 7. Conclusion - Deception is not inherent in journalism but must be closely examined. Ethical decisions must be made carefully to maintain public trust in media. **Code of conduct** 1. Preamble - Right to Information: Everyone has the right to access information and ideas (Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights). - Journalist's Mission: Journalists' main responsibility is towards the public, ensuring the free flow of truthful information. Independent journalism is essential for democracy. 1. Respect for the Fact - Duty to Report Truthfully: Journalists must report the facts accurately, protecting them from personal bias or opinion. The public has the right to know the truth, so honesty is the primary duty. 2. Freedom to Report - Freedom and Fair Comment: Journalists can freely collect and publish news, as long as they clearly distinguish facts from opinions and criticisms. - Example: Reporting WHO stats versus quoting experts like Professor August Johnson on the WHO's pandemic response. 3. Verify Sources - Know Your Sources: Always know where the information comes from. Don't suppress information or falsify documents. Fact-check everything. - Example: The myth of the \"Ghost of Kiev\" pilot during the Ukrainian conflict was a false narrative, which was later proven untrue. 4. Fair Methods - Ethical Gathering: Journalists must use fair methods to obtain information and must identify themselves as journalists. Hidden recordings should only be used when absolutely necessary and in the public\'s interest. - Example: Undercover investigations may be necessary to reveal discrimination in housing markets but should only be used for critical issues. 5. Accuracy over Speed - Time vs. Verification: Journalists must prioritize accuracy over being the fastest to publish. Rushing to release news can lead to errors. 6. Correct Errors - Fix Mistakes: If a journalist makes an error, it must be corrected quickly, transparently, and completely. - Example: If a statistic in an article is incorrect, it must be updated with a correction, and the change should be clearly noted. 7. Protect Sources - Confidentiality: Journalists must respect the privacy of their sources, especially those who provide sensitive information. Protecting sources ensures more people are willing to share important, often confidential, information. - Example: Journalists' rights to protect their sources were key during the Watergate scandal, where anonymous sources helped expose political corruption. 8. Respect Privacy - Privacy and Dignity: Journalists must respect privacy, especially of vulnerable people. They must inform interviewees whether the conversation will be published and respect requests for off-the-record discussions. - Example: A politician knows their interview is on the record, but a vulnerable person may need reassurance before agreeing to publication. 9. Avoid Discrimination - Avoid Hate and Prejudice: Journalists must ensure their reporting does not contribute to hate or discrimination. They should avoid framing issues in ways that encourage prejudice based on race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. - Example: Misleading reporting on conflicts or groups can fuel hatred, as seen in the criticism of Western media coverage of pro-Palestinian clashes. 10. Professional Misconduct - Avoid Unethical Behavior: Journalists must not plagiarize, distort facts, or publish unfounded accusations. Fabricating testimonies or misrepresenting quotes is unacceptable. 11. No Police or Spy Involvement - No Collaboration with Security Services: Journalists should never work as agents for the police or other security services. Their role is to inform the public, not assist with government interests. - Example: Journalists acting as spies, like those uncovered in the UK or Denmark, are a violation of journalistic ethics. 12. Solidarity with Colleagues - Support Fellow Journalists: Journalists should show solidarity, especially in conflict zones, but maintain their duty to report critically. Over half of journalist deaths occur in conflict areas, showing the importance of protecting journalists' rights and safety. - Example: Attacks on journalists in Gaza reflect the extreme danger of journalism in war zones. 13. No Conflicts of Interest - Avoid Personal Gain: Journalists should never use their role to gain personal advantages, whether through the information they report or withholding certain news. Transparency is key when receiving benefits, such as free tickets or trips. - Example: If a journalist receives a free trip for a review, they must disclose it to avoid compromising impartiality. 14. Independence - Protect Your Independence: Journalists must protect their independence from external influences, including friendships or informal networks. However, being in touch with contacts should not affect critical reporting. - Example: Maintaining professional distance while networking is crucial for unbiased journalism. 15. Professional Integrity - Act According to Conviction: Journalists must adhere to their ethical principles and cannot be forced to act against their professional beliefs or conscience. 16. Self-Regulation - Respect Self-Regulatory Bodies: Journalists should follow the guidelines of independent regulatory bodies that handle complaints against journalists or outlets, as long as these bodies are fair and free of government influence. - Example: In Belgium, the Board of Journalists interprets ethical breaches, encouraging media outlets to correct any issues raised. **Global news** **International news** 1. Overview - Specialized Journalism: International news is processed by trained professionals, has unique challenges, and can impact global issues like war, peace, and the environment. - News Values in International Coverage: - Conflict, Magnitude, Surprise: General news values apply but must be adjusted for international stories. - Journalistic Restrictions: Reporters often face more restrictions, even in open environments. - Global Impact: International news can influence major global issues and policies, shaping how people view world events. 2. Determinants of International News Coverage - General News Values: - Conflict: Controversial events are more newsworthy. - Magnitude: Events that impact many people or have significant consequences. - Surprise: Events that deviate from the norm attract attention. - Geographic and Cultural Proximity: - Countries close in geography or culture (e.g., U.S. and the U.K.) receive more coverage. - Economic and Military Importance: - Countries with more economic or military power (e.g., Japan over Brazil) get more news coverage, often due to geopolitical interests. - Country Relationships: - Countries with strong ties (e.g., trade, military) are more covered by international media. 3. Representation of Countries and Issues - Uneven Coverage: - Geocentric Focus: European media focus on Europe, North America, and the Middle East. East Asian media focus on China, Japan, and the Koreas. - World Powers Dominate: Developed countries (Global North) get more coverage. Emerging countries in the Global South are often underrepresented, with coverage focusing on negative events. - Different Coverage by Region: - International events (e.g., the Olympics, climate change) are covered differently depending on the country, based on local interests and journalistic culture. - Cultural Relevance: - Countries with shared cultural or economic ties receive more coverage because the stories are seen as more relevant to the audience. 4. Declining International News Coverage - High Costs: - International news is expensive (reporters, travel, local journalists, security). - Smaller Audience: - International news typically attracts fewer viewers compared to domestic news, leading to less coverage. - Internet and Social Media: - The rise of social media and citizen journalism offers competition, with people accessing news directly from foreign sources. 5. Impacts of International News Coverage - Influence on Awareness: - People rely on international news for understanding global issues, which can lead to stereotypes if coverage is distorted. - Public Opinion: - Instantaneous news (e.g., terror attacks) can influence public opinion and prompt quick governmental action, sometimes leading to ill-considered decisions. - Global News Flows: - Major news outlets like the BBC and The New York Times often reflect Western perspectives, creating a flow of information from the Global North to the Global South. - Improved Access: - The internet allows for a more balanced flow of news, with local media gaining international exposure (e.g., Al Jazeera). - Interconnected World: - As countries become more interconnected, it\'s harder to separate domestic from international news. 6. Key Takeaways - Coverage Influenced by Relationships: Countries that are economically or culturally connected to the domestic country tend to receive more news coverage. - Focus on Superpowers: International news coverage focuses on global powers, with less coverage for the Global South. - Declining International News: The amount of space dedicated to international news has decreased due to high production costs, smaller audiences, and competition from social media. **Global journalistic outlets** 1. Introduction - Global journalistic outlets are those with extensive staff and resources that allow them to operate on a global scale. - They provide international news to audiences worldwide and shape people\'s understanding of global events. 2. International News Agencies - News agencies produce a significant amount of international news, which is then distributed to other outlets. - They employ large teams of reporters and freelancers who gather and package news for global distribution. - Examples of international news agencies: - EFE (Spain) - Anadolu Agency (Turkey) - Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) (Germany) - Kyodo News (Japan) - ANSA (Italy) 3. Global Broadcasting - Some major global broadcasters are subsidiaries of news agencies, providing international video content. - Key examples: - APTN (Associated Press) - Reuters TV (Reuters) - AFPTV (Agence France-Presse) - Bloomberg TV - Major global broadcasters: - BBC World News (UK) - CNN International (USA) - Al Jazeera (Qatar) - RT (Russia Today) (Russia) - CCTV (China) - Telesur (Venezuela) 4. Global News Systems and Soft Power - Global journalistic outlets form a global news system, where news is shared worldwide, influencing global public opinion. - These outlets can serve as tools for soft power, spreading ideas, values, and perspectives. - Example: Western media promoting capitalist and democratic values after WWII. - Some states intentionally use media to promote their own interests: - Xinhua News Agency (China) helps promote China\'s global presence. - Al Jazeera (Qatar) produces investigative journalism that challenges Global North policies. 5. Key Takeaways - Global journalistic outlets are important players in shaping global perspectives. - News agencies play a central role in producing and distributing international news. - Media outlets can promote soft power by spreading values and influencing public opinion. **Foreign correspondents and bureaus** 1. Introduction - Foreign correspondents are journalists who report from foreign countries. - Historically, being a foreign correspondent was prestigious, involving travel to exotic and sometimes dangerous locations with high autonomy. - Correspondents used to work from news bureaus (offices for newsgathering), like the Associated Press\'s Cairo bureau, to cover regions and maintain a strong presence. 2. Foreign Correspondents and Values - Historically, foreign correspondents were from the country where their organization was based (e.g., American journalists stationed abroad for the New York Times). - They were rotated between bureaus, typically staying in one place for 3 years or less to prevent becoming \"insiders.\" - Critics argue that foreign correspondents from Western countries may not understand local cultures as well as local journalists, leading to biased reporting. - There's been a shift toward hiring local journalists as foreign correspondents or part-time correspondents, mainly for cost reasons, which has changed how foreign journalism is done. 3. Foreign News Bureaus - Foreign bureaus offer stability and long-term coverage of global events, allowing journalists to establish networks and cover developments quickly. - They are strategically located in major cities (e.g., Beijing, London) and conflict zones (e.g., Baghdad, Jerusalem). - Example: During the 2003 Iraq War, outlets with Baghdad bureaus, like CNN and BBC, were well-positioned to cover the invasion. - Supporting staff in bureaus (e.g., translators, fixers) are crucial for interpreting stories and connecting correspondents with local sources. 4. Economics of Bureaus and Correspondents - In the 1980s and 1990s, many U.S. newspapers had foreign bureaus, but by the 2010s, many shut down or reduced their foreign correspondents. - The decline is due to high costs of maintaining bureaus (e.g., housing, office rent, security) compared to cheaper alternatives like freelancers and news agencies. - This trend has affected both U.S. and U.K. newspapers, leading to fewer full-time correspondents and more reliance on partnerships and global news agencies. - Despite these challenges, foreign correspondents and bureaus are still crucial to international journalism. 5. Key Takeaways - Foreign correspondents are journalists based in other countries who report on local and global events. - News bureaus are offices set up to cover specific regions over time, offering stability and long-term perspectives. - Due to economic pressures, there are fewer foreign correspondents and bureaus, but they remain vital in international journalism. **Parachute journalism** 1. Introduction - Parachute journalism is when journalists are sent briefly to cover a news story far from their home base (e.g., a journalist from New York covering a political event in Venezuela for a few days). - It has become more common as media outlets cut costs and reduce the number of full-time foreign correspondents and bureaus. - Parachuting is cheaper because it doesn't require permanent offices, staff, or accommodations. 2. Critiques of Parachute Journalism - Lack of cultural understanding: Journalists often don't know the culture, history, language, or customs of the places they cover. - Shallow stories: Coverage can focus on isolated incidents rather than deeper themes, lacking context and important details. - Stereotyping: Parachute journalism may promote an "us vs. them" perspective, focusing on conflicts or exoticizing other cultures. - Dependence on local intermediaries: Journalists rely on translators and fixers for information, and may not build diverse sourcing networks. - Reliance on official sources: Stories often depend on government or elite sources, leading to bias and sometimes propaganda. - Mistakes: Journalists may not have enough time to fully understand the story or follow its consequences, leading to errors in reporting. 3. Value of Parachute Journalism - Eyewitness reporting: Despite criticisms, parachute journalism allows for some international coverage when permanent foreign correspondents are no longer feasible due to budget cuts. - Cost-effective for smaller outlets: Smaller news organizations can't afford full-time foreign correspondents but can send reporters for specific important stories. - Expert reporters: Sometimes, journalists who are experts in specific subjects (e.g., energy, health, or fashion) may provide more in-depth coverage on certain topics than a general correspondent. - Inevitable in some cases: Some critics argue that foreign journalism has always had elements of parachuting, such as covering a country or region without full knowledge of all local cultures. 4. Key Takeaways - Parachute journalism is the practice of sending journalists to cover foreign stories for a short period. - It's often criticized for producing shallow, stereotypical, and biased stories due to lack of deep understanding - Despite its flaws, it allows for coverage where there might otherwise be none due to budget constraints, especially in small and mid-sized news outlets. **Future of global journalism** 1. Introduction - AI is becoming a big part of journalism, blending with traditional methods. - Journalists and newsrooms are adapting to AI, but many are uncertain about the future. - AI brings both opportunities (faster reporting, new storytelling) and challenges (ethics, human roles). 2. Current Use of AI in Journalism - AI in Newsrooms: AI is already used in many big news outlets. Examples: - Washington Post's Heliograph writes simple stories automatically. - Reuters uses News Tracer to check social media for breaking news. - Automation of Tasks: AI is good at repetitive tasks (e.g., earnings reports, sports summaries), freeing journalists for more in-depth work. - AI-Driven Recommendations: AI suggests articles based on what readers like (e.g., New York Times' Project Feels). 3. Challenges and Concerns - Public Perception: Only 7% of people have read AI-written news. Many are skeptical about AI's role. - Ethics: There are concerns about transparency, trust, and the ethical use of AI in news. - Bias: People prefer human involvement in journalism, especially on important topics like politics. 4. Impact of AI on Journalism in 2024 - Public Awareness: Only 45% of people are knowledgeable about AI. - Audience Comfort: 26% of AI-aware individuals accept AI-generated news; 45% are okay with human journalists using AI. - AI-Driven Analytics: AI is used for predictive analytics and data-driven journalism, improving investigative reporting. 5. AI-Powered Content Creation - Automated Writing: 48% of journalists use AI for generating content (e.g., research, drafts). - Ethical AI Use: There is a push for transparency in AI news creation to maintain trust. 6. Impact on Jobs - Job Concerns: 26% of journalists see AI as a challenge, fearing job loss and wanting more human involvement. 7. Data-Driven Journalism - AI for Data Analysis: AI helps journalists analyze massive data sets quickly, leading to better investigations (e.g., Panama Papers). - Access for Small Newsrooms: AI helps smaller newsrooms tackle complex data without needing a big budget. 8. AI in News Distribution & Engagement - Personalized Content: AI customizes news for individual readers, increasing engagement. - Social Media & Chatbots: AI helps optimize social media strategies and provides automated responses on news sites. 9. Misinformation: AI as a Problem and Solution - Fake News: AI can generate realistic fake news, making it harder to trust content. - AI for Fact-Checking: AI tools help journalists quickly verify information, which is especially important in countries with less formal education. 10. The Future of Investigative Journalism - AI in Investigations: AI helps journalists quickly sort through large amounts of data for big stories (e.g., misclassified medical records). - Human Judgment: Even with AI, human journalists are needed for making decisions and conducting investigations. 11. Ethical & Legal Considerations - Transparency: It's important to disclose when AI is used in news production to keep audience trust. - Copyright Issues: Legal challenges are arising over the use of AI and intellectual property. - Accountability: News outlets must ensure AI-generated content is accurate and ethically produced. 12. Conclusion - AI is changing journalism in major ways, but it brings both opportunities and ethical challenges. - Newsrooms need to adapt to AI, but they must balance innovation with maintaining trust and accountability. - AI could help fill gaps in journalism, especially considering losses in traditional media. - A team effort between journalists, tech companies, and lawmakers is needed to ensure AI benefits journalism. 13. Key Takeaways - AI is reshaping how news is created, shared, and consumed. - Automated content and data analysis are now common in newsrooms. - Ethical concerns about AI in journalism include transparency, bias, and accountability. - AI can be both a tool and a challenge in the fight against misinformation. - Newsrooms must adapt to AI to stay relevant in the digital age.