Yeah, that worked really well in the MSM's coverage of the Israel/Hezbollah war.
Posted on 12/13/2007 1:21:17 PM PST by abb
You're beginning to get a lot more news ... from you.
It ranges from the CNN YouTube debates to political blogs to cellphone video of that sniper who opened fire at an Omaha Mall. These are all examples of so called "citizen journalism," the hot new extension of the news business where the audience becomes the reporter.
Supporters of "citizen journalism" argue it provides independent, accurate, reliable information that the traditional media don't provide. While it has its place, the reality is it really isn't journalism at all, and it opens up information flow to the strong probability of fraud and abuse. The news industry should find some way to monitor and regulate this new trend.
The premise of citizen journalism is that regular people can now collect information and pictures with video cameras and cellphones, and distribute words and images over the Internet. Advocates argue that the acts of collecting and distributing makes these people "journalists." This is like saying someone who carries a scalpel is a "citizen surgeon" or someone who can read a law book is a "citizen lawyer." Tools are merely that. Education, skill and standards are really what make people into trusted professionals. Information without journalistic standards is called gossip.
But unlike those other professions, journalism — at least in the United States — has never adopted uniform self-regulating standards. There are commonly accepted ethical principals — two source confirmation of controversial information or the balanced reporting of both sides of a story, for example, but adhering to the principals is voluntary. There is no licensing, testing, mandatory education or boards of review. Most other professions do a poor job of self-regulation, but at least they have mechanisms to regulate themselves. Journalists do not.
snip
(Excerpt) Read more at ajc.com ...
ping
“While it has its place, the reality is it really isn’t journalism at all, and it opens up information flow to the strong probability of fraud and abuse.”
Wow, talk about irony.
“While it has its place, the reality is it really isn’t journalism at all, and it opens up information flow to the strong probability of fraud and abuse.”
Wow, talk about irony.
This from an NBC guy, no less. The network that planted a bomb in a pickup truck and blew it up to show that the gas tanks were unsafe. LOL!!
And who was it that falsely accused Richard Jewell of murder in the Atlanta bombings, destroying his life and sending him to an early grave?
Yeah, Dan Rather sure found out about that, didn't he? Those darned citizen journalists just can't be trusted.
LOL
I guess “tell the truth” (which anyone can do without standards or training) is just too simple a concept for “journalists.”
jw
This is the funniest article I’ve read in a long time.
The irony is that the author apparently doesn't recognize that most Americans are convinced the MSM is already loaded with fraud and abuse. There's gotta be a reason "journalists" are among the very least respected professionals.
Hmm... I've been involved in 5 civil litigation procedures in two countries (all as plaintiff) and won them all - without a lawyer.
I guess I shouldn't be allowed to do that...(and no, I've never studied law... just read a few "law books")
From the folks who participated in the framing of Richard Jewell.
What a snob! (the “author,” not you, abb)
1. "two source confirmation." Fine - establish that standard and stick to it. Otherwise STFU!
2. "There is no licensing, testing, mandatory education or boards of review." Then STFU!
3. "Most other professions do a poor job of self-regulation, but at least they have mechanisms to regulate themselves. Journalists do not."
Actually, it's a Laugh Riot.
"The news industry should find some way to monitor and regulate this new trend."
Then he says this,
"But unlike those other professions, journalism — at least in the United States — has never adopted uniform self-regulating standards"
So, an industry that has never effectively regulated itself should somehow reach out and regulate the activities of free citizens.
Utterly clueless
I think they mean "principles" here. Do they no longer teach correct English usage in J-School?
balanced reporting of both sides of a story
LOL.
Die, Big Media, die.
>>Journalism schools such as mine ... should create mini-courses to certify citizen journalists in proper ethics and procedures<<
Ha. Seems the only MSM qualification presently necessary is the ability to swallow a load of left wing krap and then to glibly barf it up onto a keyboard.
Yeah, that worked really well in the MSM's coverage of the Israel/Hezbollah war.
“Certified Journalist”
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.