Buyer Be Ware

With the presidential election taking place next week, political coverage will dominate the airwaves and web. Most readers use their filters to find a news source they trust, but often relax once they've reached that point. This leads to a relaxed intake of information by viewers/readers that often results in a subconscious influence of viewer/reader perspective.

Without that strong consumer filter, trusted media sources slide by with bias language and suggestive tone that eventually paints a new perspective for the masses. Though I am a journalist, I am also a news consumer and hate the thought of being swindled or cajoled. Still, no man is an island and no news article completely objective, which is why elimination of overt media bias is SO important. Those that buy into the impossibility of media bias need to take a closer look.

In light of the political haze the media has stewed in for the past 2 years, Jennifer Pozner has spent her time analyzing trusted media sources. Her analysis resulted in the lecture series "When Anchormen Attack!: Gender, Race and the Media in Election 2008." Pozner brought the "show and tell" of sorts to VCU this Fall and surprised many of the attendants with clips of suggestive and bias language and comments made by popular, trusted media personalities.

Listen to some of what Pozner had to say about the issue and how she works to remedy it:

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With acknowledgement of the problem should come some solutions. Pozner offerd some interesting ways the public can work to change things.

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The Importance of Perception

As journalists, how the public perceives our actions holds nearly as much significance as the actions. Likewise, our perception of truth proves just as important as the reality of a matter. Had the Gwen Ifill taken this stance (as I noted in a recent post), her integrity may not have received the criticism it did.

Recently, a friend e-mailed me a link that looked quite credible. The video format, the news organization name and quality all seemed so legit. After further examination however, I had to change my perception. I realized "that's how rumors get started."

There's Always Time for Class

Editors make time to train their newsroom, and journalists take the time to hone their skills -- at least that's the way WashingtonPost.com rolls.

During a roundtable discussion and tour he gave my graduate class this weekend, Chet Rhodes sounded off on reporters picking up video skills and the majesty that is the Washington Post family of products.

Rhodes, a former U of MD professor, oversees the daily videos at WashingtonPost.com as Assistant Managing Editor. His academic experience, combined with 8 years at one of the top mainstream papers in the country, definately showed. He provided some excellent words of advice for print or online journalists struggling to make deadlines, much less class.

His advice for those making the transition:

- If reporting live or doing a stand-up for a basic news package; remember to give the viewer three things --
1. Who you are and the newsroom you represent
2. What happened; and
3. What's next

- To get the best shots keep these three things in mind
1. Don't Zoom While Taping -- the human eye doesn't zoom.
2. Get Wide, Medium and Tight shots
3. The Pan RARELY works -- use it sparingly and only for visually interesting views

Of all the advice Rhodes offered, his recomendation to take classes, seek training and ask questions truly stood out.

"We train our reporters," Rhoades said. "There's always time for classes."

Check out Mr. Rhodes talking about the training the Post has done below.




You can also see some highlights from a class Rhodes conducted during the Online News Association Conference.

Little Coverage of Job Market for Grad Program Grads

The coming presidential election and economic state of things have dominated recent news coverage. Few stories have focused on the lack of prospects for students entering the workforce. This is especially important for those in graduate school.

Many students everywhere have anxiety about their prospects, but the problem is even more pervasive for those in graduate programs -- as they rarely have the option to delay their job search.

While the lack of mainstream coverage on this issue makes sense for the moment, students should know the type of job market they face. That information should come before the election, as it may alter how the candidates' plans look.

Without more research on the job market, expert predictions on how to improve the outlook and coverage to draw attention to the problem some may underestimate the bleakness of the situation. Journalists could also publicize alternate options and the needs of non-conventional work that utilizes law degrees.

Let's hope for more coverage of prospects for those entering the workforce -- it may give the student vote more purpose.

Retaining the Appearance of Right

Many journalists have worked long and hard to gain the trust of and build rapport with their readers. Once gained, that rapport often results in the public ceasing to see journalists as part of the public, and holding them to a higher standard of accountability.

But journalists are part of the public; with family ties, career goals and lives that cause potential conflicts of interest. As was the case of the Ifill story, no conflict existed. Yet, seemingly little thought was given to the way others could use her interests against her, it became a story.

With this in mind, don't think too harshly of those that underestimated potential conflicts with less than stellar results.

For beginning journalists, like myself, serious review of the following questions could prevent serious backlash:

1. Why is this story important to me?

Journalists always ask why a story is important, but by evaluating the importance an issue on a personal level. If a story is of great personal significance to a writer, it may prove difficult to report on the matter as objectively as possible.

2. Do any of the facts seem important to you or those you associate with?

Even if the facts seem to touch most of the public in the same way, do not underestimate the way the public will scrutinize its consequences for you and those you know.

3. Could my relationships, current or past, be used to create a conflict of interest in this particular story? If so, would my acknowledgment and dismissal of the potential conflict harm my credibility more than quashing the appearance of impropriety?

4. Could someone else in your newsroom or on your team report on the matter more thoroughly and objectively with little hardship?

While many of us have great ideas for stories and would love the byline to accompany our own portfolio, a civic journalist must place public interest before his or her own ego.

With all the reporting on petty politics, any Energy for Education coverage?

Each issue within the President's reach will have consequences that reach every constituent, directly or indirectly. And, most of the public follows the lead of the media to pinpoint how an issue affects them. Without a strong, well-rounded education, however, most issues will likely seem irrelevant.

So why is it that most political coverage of late has focused on the oil/energy and financial crisis (well, that and insults)?

Despite the lack of buzz, education plans and education reform should receive more attention.

The public has ample opportunity to hear politicians hurl party insults, and most have the gumption to pay attention to the positions politicians (like McCain and Obama) take while "on the stump". Still, most of the public needs mainstream media to provide a clear portrait of action from candidates. Good journalism does this by tracking and compiling votes, giving context for statements made and reporting on them in a way that the general public can digest.

Though less glamorous than Oil and Terror, Education moves the American public -- with or without their knowledge. The outcome of government roles in Education and the advancement/decline of our academic status in the world should receive more attention. The next President's action for Academia should make front page now. After the election, it may be too late.

In traditional media some outlets covered it early on. But the media that showed the public what mattered and why were, not surprisingly, unaffiliated blogs.