Journalism Ethics

My section covered journalists and politics. Basically, they are not to noticeable mix. I agree that journalists shouldn't openly promote a politician, or special interest group because it interferes with their objectivity, or their perceived objectivity. Journalists can't give money to campaigns or go out marching in rallies because readers would naturally not believe anything those journalists had to say about that particular issue. In my publication I would make it known that the writers needed to keep their ties to themselves and not let it interfere with their work. Also, same goes with being members of community groups. Writers can go to church or be apart of alumni groups but other groups like city boards or commissions are off limits. Journalists' relationships with advertisers or public relations practitioners need to be cordial. I do not want my writers to completely turn up their noses at advertisers or PR practitioners because we are all just trying to do our job and if we give respect, they will return it. Finally, no one can use the paper to get ahead personally, and I think that goes to say for any company. Overall, after reading this section it is poignantly clear that when you are a journalist, you are a journalist first before everything else. Better get used to it.

Be Ethical

Reading over the normal code of ethics I stumbled over one important piece that always bothers me when it comes to online publications and interactivity with the readers. Accountability. I know that it was addressed in the Poynter article that sometimes it is necessary to the story for people to not disclose their names in a story/blog, but it makes me extremely nervous. I think that any respectable blog or forum would want the readers to identify themselves so that everyone is accountable for their own words, actions and, horribly, possible libel. Moving on to the digital and audio editing, I think it's a really good idea that different publications are coming up with their own code for visuals. I think it's absolutely true that visuals can send a very powerful message to the reader and the publication needs to make sure that the message they're sending is accurate with what really happened. I thought it was classy that Texarkana Gazette will not show dead or injured bodies, and that Sioux Falls will not allow their pictures to be used in advertising.
I think overall this collection of readings reminds us all that ethical behavior should always be foremost on our mind. We need to be making judgment calls daily to ensure that we are neither spin doctors nor "sensationalizers." In our news publication I think we should have a code of ethics for visual and audio, making sure that no one abuses the power of software like Photoshop. If we constantly consider whether what we're doing is right or necessary I think we could have a fair publication.

Designing

First off, after being in class Friday before break and trying to make a nice newspaper layout, I have such appreciation for the Chicago Tribune, Hartford Courant and Oklahoman's new designs. I think it's great that they are trying to move with the times and update their paper, just as any firm would do with their products as time goes on. Newspapers today especially need to be innovative, enterprising and branching out of the traditional boundaries. I also think it was great that the Chicago Tribune and Oklahoman held focus groups to see if the readers would like their new design. The narrower paper definitely is a big change and I think making that change without seeing how readers felt would have been a potentially huge mistake. I also loved how the Oklahoman is using color as a navigational tool. I think most people can attest that newspapers can get a little dry and dreary to look at when it's all grey with only three colors. The Oklahoman's vibrant colors are awesome, though it can't be cheap. I'd love to use a lot of color and an unique design for our news publication, especially because I think it will resonate well with our young target audience.
Quinn's article about visual journalists is really interesting and it makes me really wish I knew more about design and layout. I actually am considering taking the AdCopy and Design class through my IMC minor and after reading these few articles, I think I might just because of the opportunity I may be giving myself in the future. I think it makes perfect sense that visual journalists- combining good content and research with text, graphics and more- are going to be highly desirable in the upcoming years. People have always responded well to visuals while hearing/reading a story.
I thought the debunked design myths were interesting. I didn't even know a lot of them- like what is reverse type exactly. I really would like to use a different font and rag right alignment for our news publication. Again I think for our target audience it will be good to have easy-to- read text.

More on Reading

Well, I found Peter Osnos article interesting- how he compared the future of journalism with the future of the economy. Ideologically and practically, journalism needs to be reevaluated. I think he definitely had a point by reminding the public that the news content that they read online or in the newspapers is not free. It didn't magically appear in print, and will not magically still remain published without the hardworking individuals who do this for a living. I don't think any of us would agree to relying solely on citizen journalists and the blogosphere for our country's news.
Therefore, we must put a price on the content. We pay for everything else in the world, why wouldn't we pay for news that makes it online. He also mentioned that nonprofit organizations will eventually support the news. I find this hopeful, but a little skeptical as to if it can actually happen.
Folkenflik's discussion on the nonprofit business model of news is interesting, yet again, is it truly reliable? I suppose if the public is finally convinced that the content is a commodity that they won't be able to find elsewhere, then they'll be more likely to contribute money. However, the news can be found everywhere as of right now. It would have to be a wide industry movement, coupled with putting a price on content that reaches the Internet. Is it possible?
Looking over these articles makes me think that my publication's writers probably will get small salaries, especially if we go to a nonprofit business model. It also makes me realize the importance of gaining credibility, respect and a following in the local area that we are reaching. It does make me sad though because it sounds way more like marketing to a crowd, when journalism's products used to be the one thing free of commercial gain.