Journalism Basics

This weeks reading assignment was the first three chapters of the News Reporting and Writing textbook: The nuts and bolts of journalism.

Much of these chapters discussed concepts I have already faced in previous journalism classes. There was, however, one theme that was consistently repeated which I have not heard much of before. That is, that civic/public journalism has become an accepted style of reporting in the past decade, that complete objectivity might be an impossible goal, and that that might be OK.

Where previous textbooks have reinforced the idea that accuracy and objectivity make good news writing, the News Reporting and Writing book includes a more modern definition for journalism: Journalism should exist "to provide people with the information needed to be self-governing." Good journalists monitor power. They uncover injustice. This is what the news consumer wants and expects from journalists: A certain element of social-activism in reporting. I'm sure many college students, IC students especially, will adopt this description of what a journalist should be.

The textbook also pointed out that the power to choose what news individuals will and will not consume is increasingly becoming a personal choice. The gatekeeping function of journalists seems to be at an end. More and more individuals are getting their news from online, where anyone can post information or personal views. Indeed, the definition of "news" is expanding to include the work of bloggers and other online "journalists," even those with an obvious bias, no expertise on the subject or lack of formal journalistic training. Traditional media no longer have total control over what is out there.

My only grudge with this week's assignment was that we had to read Chapter Three, Interviewing. I think it's obvious that if you're interviewing someone, the interview will run more smoothly and will yield more quotable responses if you are friendly and empathetic. And I don't think I'd ever go into an interview without researching my subject or preparing questions.

The chapter wasn't a total waste. It did point out that it's sometimes good to ask sources if they'd like to see you work before publication, especially when writing an investigative piece (so the source can see the value of their help). I also didn't mind being retold to observe my surroundings during an interview; I tend to only focus on the verbal aspect of an interview. Still, I think we could have quickly discussed these items in the next class.