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Kevin07 Website
Friday, November 2, 2007
Week 14 - Ethical journalism: Is it an oxymoron?
1. I think that I would go and see the source. It is a difficult question to answer. I think with any job there is always going to be unforseen costs, however perhaps not of this nature. Questions raising conflict of interest or bribery can be raised. Maybe if you communicated with this source on a personal level, you would find it hard not to print a biased article. However, the text states that, "the acceptance of gifts represents a ... widespread and insidious conflict of interest" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 396).
2. A, "purist would say that no such trips should be taken unless the newspaper pays for it" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 397). However, in this situaiton, it is important to be honest and to not use your position for personal gain (more trips in the future). The public has a right to know your opinion. As a journalist, perhaps you could let all companies willing to give you gifts know taht it does not buy goodwill or favourable coverage.
3. This is a difficult question to answer. As a student studying journalism, I would most probably run the correction piece, and cost myself the pay rise. However, as a journalist who is trying to work up in the world, I would probably print the smaller article. It may not be ethical, but it is an honest (I'm sure many journalists today would have done the same thing). It is fine to consider these situations in theory, but until you are put in the positions described, you can not be sure of how you would react.
4. This is also a difficult question to answer, and one that I am unsure of. Perhaps you could print the story and leave out the girl's name. Or perhaps there is a similar agreement you could come towards. This question is very dramatic and I sure it would not come up all too often.
------------------------------------------------------
Milk processors predicted to boost producer payments
Posted Thu Nov 1, 2007 1:49pm AEDT
The Department of Agriculture says Western Australia's milk processors will be forced to increase the amount they pay producers for milk this summer to maintain their supply base.
Milk processor Fonterra Australia will increase its price by about five cents a litre from January 1, 2008 until the end of June.
The department's John Lucey says he is pleased at least one milk processor is reacting to record high milk prices.
However, Mr Lucey says it is a competitive market and historically, when one processor increases its prices, the other processors generally follow suit.
"It's great that the processors are realising that if they want to have long-term dairy farmers supplying them, in this situation with the increase costs of summer feeding, they've had to increase their price to farmers," he said.
The Department of Agriculture says WA's milk processors will be forced to increase the amount they pay producers for milk to maintain their supply base.
---------------------------------------------------
This article is interesting to me as I drink ALOT of milk. I have never had soft drink, so all I really drink is milk and water.
Although it is only a raise by 5c per litre, you can see the drastic measures that the draught has caused, and its impact upon individual workers. Farmland is so harsh at the moment, and so difficult for farmers and produce.
The cost of groceries has risen so much. Living out of home, the costs of groceries are very important. As a university student, I am scraping together funds as it is.
Is it sad when Australian farmers, who are in a way the 'face' of Australia, are stuggling so badly. We are sheilding from their situation, and it is at times 'absence makes the heart forget'. Australian's should be showing more support for their farmers, we rely on them so much every day and barely realise it.
Suicide and depression are big issues concerning isolated individuals, especially males in rural environements. The drought, and added pressure for produce, would not be helping this issue. These are big problems, and add as another reason why farmers need as much support as they can from the Australian publics and governments.
This first paragraph is in a summary format. It has indicated the Who What Where and Why, and has left the When and How until the second paragraph. This article has been written in an inverted pyramid format, and could easily be chopped or added to.
2. A, "purist would say that no such trips should be taken unless the newspaper pays for it" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 397). However, in this situaiton, it is important to be honest and to not use your position for personal gain (more trips in the future). The public has a right to know your opinion. As a journalist, perhaps you could let all companies willing to give you gifts know taht it does not buy goodwill or favourable coverage.
3. This is a difficult question to answer. As a student studying journalism, I would most probably run the correction piece, and cost myself the pay rise. However, as a journalist who is trying to work up in the world, I would probably print the smaller article. It may not be ethical, but it is an honest (I'm sure many journalists today would have done the same thing). It is fine to consider these situations in theory, but until you are put in the positions described, you can not be sure of how you would react.
4. This is also a difficult question to answer, and one that I am unsure of. Perhaps you could print the story and leave out the girl's name. Or perhaps there is a similar agreement you could come towards. This question is very dramatic and I sure it would not come up all too often.
------------------------------------------------------
Milk processors predicted to boost producer payments
Posted Thu Nov 1, 2007 1:49pm AEDT
The Department of Agriculture says Western Australia's milk processors will be forced to increase the amount they pay producers for milk this summer to maintain their supply base.
Milk processor Fonterra Australia will increase its price by about five cents a litre from January 1, 2008 until the end of June.
The department's John Lucey says he is pleased at least one milk processor is reacting to record high milk prices.
However, Mr Lucey says it is a competitive market and historically, when one processor increases its prices, the other processors generally follow suit.
"It's great that the processors are realising that if they want to have long-term dairy farmers supplying them, in this situation with the increase costs of summer feeding, they've had to increase their price to farmers," he said.
The Department of Agriculture says WA's milk processors will be forced to increase the amount they pay producers for milk to maintain their supply base.
---------------------------------------------------
This article is interesting to me as I drink ALOT of milk. I have never had soft drink, so all I really drink is milk and water.
Although it is only a raise by 5c per litre, you can see the drastic measures that the draught has caused, and its impact upon individual workers. Farmland is so harsh at the moment, and so difficult for farmers and produce.
The cost of groceries has risen so much. Living out of home, the costs of groceries are very important. As a university student, I am scraping together funds as it is.
Is it sad when Australian farmers, who are in a way the 'face' of Australia, are stuggling so badly. We are sheilding from their situation, and it is at times 'absence makes the heart forget'. Australian's should be showing more support for their farmers, we rely on them so much every day and barely realise it.
Suicide and depression are big issues concerning isolated individuals, especially males in rural environements. The drought, and added pressure for produce, would not be helping this issue. These are big problems, and add as another reason why farmers need as much support as they can from the Australian publics and governments.
This first paragraph is in a summary format. It has indicated the Who What Where and Why, and has left the When and How until the second paragraph. This article has been written in an inverted pyramid format, and could easily be chopped or added to.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Week 13 - Online news: Journalism's strands converge + Perils of Defamation
Journalism's Strands Converge
1. I think a lot of training and preparation would be needed before media companies can expect their journalists to work in converged news rooms. However, "the idea of journalists trying to be all things to all media at once is a fallacy" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 300). I personally think that convergence can be done, as it has done with Media General, successfully. Convergence allows for a huge range of possibilities for journalists. However, some people may not feel comfortable working in a broadcasting media, and prefer print or newspaper reporting. This would put a lot of pressure on staff. However, many journalists already are working in a convergence media, although this generally applies to similar mediums such as newspaper and online.
2. I think the likely outcome would be that the person would either accept their situation, and try to learn the skills needed for television reporting, or would resign and find a non convergence media company. However, I think in this situation, if the person felt extremely uncomfortable, then it would be silly to push them and in turn lose a good employee. There is nothing wrong with becoming a specialist in one media format. By pushing someone into a format they are not comfortable with, the medium will suffer.
3. I am unsure about this question as some new technologies having really taken off, and some have not. Convergence media will generally only be available to the mega media companies, as they will have the resources to support the huge conglomerate. In terms of low-scale convergence, I think many media formats may consider converging with one other, as many have already done with print and the web, or Radio and print. For example, Triple J radio station releases a 'J Mag', a monthly magazine. Or Sydney Morning Herald Online and the newspaper.
4. More relaxed cross-media ownership laws will most probably only result in more publications going online. Nearly every company, or even person, has a web site. The text book states, "If the keep giving away their news free on the web ... they will go broke" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 312). I disagree with this statement. I always look at the ABC news website, and this does not deter me from watching the ABC news broadcast or purchaing a newspaper.
5. I think all mediums will still hold their value among society. All mediums have their own place, their own positives and negatives, and have tailored themselves to suit their mediums. Perhaps the only difference would be that everything would be personally sent to a mobile phone-like device whenever you wanted it. The web will always continue to grow and grow.Who knows with technology. I know that I would personally be very disappointed if even one of the mediums was not around.
6. I think the universities are already promoting a certain level of multi-skilling. In the journalism course at Newcastle University, broadcast journalism, magazine journalism & print journalism are all offered. There is always the option of an elective, opening up a whole new level of possibilities.
7. I think society is very reliant on computers, technology and the web, but I do not think they are getting to the point where they could not survive without it. The web offers so much information that would never be available to us without it. It is a huge technological advance, and should not always be looked at in a negative light. Society has adapted to the technology and is using it to their advantage. Ever if society did reach the point where they could not live without it, I do not think this is such a dramatic issue. Points concerning socialisation and interpersonal skills are highly valid, but I am addressing this question from a professional point of view, not a social.
PERILS OF DEFAMATION
1. I think in a situation like this it is of great value to seek professional legal help. I think in this case you should also contact your editors or senior work colleages. A defamation civil case is something to avoid at all costs. The text states that a newspaper should, "offer the defamed person a chance to put their side" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 422). I think in this case what the person requires is a little more extreme then just putting their side across. Maybe you could have a meeting with the person and come to some sort of agreement that allows for an article to be published, but not an extravaganza. This would be too costly for the newspaper.
2. No, I think everyone should abide by the same laws and have to deal with the consequences. Giving different people different powers would never work. Having a universal defamation law in Australia is sufficient. Even though these public figures are often role models, and do have a responsibility in society, they should not lose their defamation rights.
3. This is a difficult situation. If you report your whistle blower, you are going against your journalistic code of ethics. However if you do not then the newspaper will be sued. There is also the issue of withholding information. If you have taken clear, accurate notes of your source, then these may be used in a courtroom.
-------------------------------------------------
Hundreds protest Puerto Rican 'pet massacre'
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:00am AEST
Hundreds of people, angered over an alleged "pet massacre" in Puerto Rico's north-west town of Barceloneta, joined in a protest march from the island's Supreme Court to its Capital.
Many in the crowd of about 500 brought dogs and wore T-shirts reading, "I'm an animal lover" or "I love mutts." Others held signs with slogans like "Stop animal abuse" and "Justice for the pets of Barceloneta."
The October 8 and October 10 raids, in which authorities seized around 80 pets from their owners at three public housing projects in Barceloneta, stirred widespread anger.
Residents say many of the animals were later thrown off the 15-metre Paseo del Indio highway bridge outside the town to their deaths.
"I'm here because we have to stop the abuse against dogs and other animals," said dog owner Mari Luz Santiago.
Fellow protester Ramon Martinez added, "If what they say is true, that's an action that's unfitting for any civilised country."
Mayor Sol Luis Fontanes ordered the raids after instituting a no-pet policy at the projects, though commonwealth and federal housing officials say they had no rules barring pets.
Forty-five residents filed a $US22.5 million federal lawsuit on Friday against the town, the Public Housing Administration, the owner of an animal control company and several others.
The suit claims at least 50 of the pets were beaten, drugged and then thrown to their deaths from the bridge.
Animal Control Solutions President Julio Diaz, whose company was contracted by the municipality, said municipal officials delivered the pets to his firm, which then euthanised the animals humanely.
Mr Diaz said many pet corpses below the bridge were decomposed and probably killed before the raids, but some residents told of rescuing pet survivors and identifying bodies.
---------------------------------------------------
This article is very upsetting for me. All I can hope is that President Julio Diaz is correct, and that the animals were enthanised humanely.
This raised the question of, why were these pets taken away in the first place? Was it the people living in the public housings' fault? Or was it over a dispute? Either way, it is very wrong for innocent animals to suffer.
As an animal lover, I think that animals deserve to die with dignity. Throwing an animal off a bridge is a serious offence. Hopefully Animal Rights groups will be able to assess the situation in Peurto Rico, and take action.
The fact that there was a huge protest leads me to believe that an ill action was taken, and that there is geniune need for such measures to be taken. I am not sure how effectively animal owners would be able to identify decomposed bodies, but if they are able to then this is a complete outrage.
This raises other issues concerning the rights of animals, such as animal testing. This is a very tough subject, however I do applaud companies that actively dismiss animal testing, such as The Body Shop or Red Earth. These natural products are, in my opinion, much better.
Each state and territory has different laws governing the welface of aniamls, however animal testing is not illegal.
The Body Shop Link
The Body Shop
Act Now Animal Testing
Act Now
Puerto Rico protests (watch without the sound)
1. I think a lot of training and preparation would be needed before media companies can expect their journalists to work in converged news rooms. However, "the idea of journalists trying to be all things to all media at once is a fallacy" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 300). I personally think that convergence can be done, as it has done with Media General, successfully. Convergence allows for a huge range of possibilities for journalists. However, some people may not feel comfortable working in a broadcasting media, and prefer print or newspaper reporting. This would put a lot of pressure on staff. However, many journalists already are working in a convergence media, although this generally applies to similar mediums such as newspaper and online.
2. I think the likely outcome would be that the person would either accept their situation, and try to learn the skills needed for television reporting, or would resign and find a non convergence media company. However, I think in this situation, if the person felt extremely uncomfortable, then it would be silly to push them and in turn lose a good employee. There is nothing wrong with becoming a specialist in one media format. By pushing someone into a format they are not comfortable with, the medium will suffer.
3. I am unsure about this question as some new technologies having really taken off, and some have not. Convergence media will generally only be available to the mega media companies, as they will have the resources to support the huge conglomerate. In terms of low-scale convergence, I think many media formats may consider converging with one other, as many have already done with print and the web, or Radio and print. For example, Triple J radio station releases a 'J Mag', a monthly magazine. Or Sydney Morning Herald Online and the newspaper.
4. More relaxed cross-media ownership laws will most probably only result in more publications going online. Nearly every company, or even person, has a web site. The text book states, "If the keep giving away their news free on the web ... they will go broke" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 312). I disagree with this statement. I always look at the ABC news website, and this does not deter me from watching the ABC news broadcast or purchaing a newspaper.
5. I think all mediums will still hold their value among society. All mediums have their own place, their own positives and negatives, and have tailored themselves to suit their mediums. Perhaps the only difference would be that everything would be personally sent to a mobile phone-like device whenever you wanted it. The web will always continue to grow and grow.Who knows with technology. I know that I would personally be very disappointed if even one of the mediums was not around.
6. I think the universities are already promoting a certain level of multi-skilling. In the journalism course at Newcastle University, broadcast journalism, magazine journalism & print journalism are all offered. There is always the option of an elective, opening up a whole new level of possibilities.
7. I think society is very reliant on computers, technology and the web, but I do not think they are getting to the point where they could not survive without it. The web offers so much information that would never be available to us without it. It is a huge technological advance, and should not always be looked at in a negative light. Society has adapted to the technology and is using it to their advantage. Ever if society did reach the point where they could not live without it, I do not think this is such a dramatic issue. Points concerning socialisation and interpersonal skills are highly valid, but I am addressing this question from a professional point of view, not a social.
PERILS OF DEFAMATION
1. I think in a situation like this it is of great value to seek professional legal help. I think in this case you should also contact your editors or senior work colleages. A defamation civil case is something to avoid at all costs. The text states that a newspaper should, "offer the defamed person a chance to put their side" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 422). I think in this case what the person requires is a little more extreme then just putting their side across. Maybe you could have a meeting with the person and come to some sort of agreement that allows for an article to be published, but not an extravaganza. This would be too costly for the newspaper.
2. No, I think everyone should abide by the same laws and have to deal with the consequences. Giving different people different powers would never work. Having a universal defamation law in Australia is sufficient. Even though these public figures are often role models, and do have a responsibility in society, they should not lose their defamation rights.
3. This is a difficult situation. If you report your whistle blower, you are going against your journalistic code of ethics. However if you do not then the newspaper will be sued. There is also the issue of withholding information. If you have taken clear, accurate notes of your source, then these may be used in a courtroom.
-------------------------------------------------
Hundreds protest Puerto Rican 'pet massacre'
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:00am AEST
Hundreds of people, angered over an alleged "pet massacre" in Puerto Rico's north-west town of Barceloneta, joined in a protest march from the island's Supreme Court to its Capital.
Many in the crowd of about 500 brought dogs and wore T-shirts reading, "I'm an animal lover" or "I love mutts." Others held signs with slogans like "Stop animal abuse" and "Justice for the pets of Barceloneta."
The October 8 and October 10 raids, in which authorities seized around 80 pets from their owners at three public housing projects in Barceloneta, stirred widespread anger.
Residents say many of the animals were later thrown off the 15-metre Paseo del Indio highway bridge outside the town to their deaths.
"I'm here because we have to stop the abuse against dogs and other animals," said dog owner Mari Luz Santiago.
Fellow protester Ramon Martinez added, "If what they say is true, that's an action that's unfitting for any civilised country."
Mayor Sol Luis Fontanes ordered the raids after instituting a no-pet policy at the projects, though commonwealth and federal housing officials say they had no rules barring pets.
Forty-five residents filed a $US22.5 million federal lawsuit on Friday against the town, the Public Housing Administration, the owner of an animal control company and several others.
The suit claims at least 50 of the pets were beaten, drugged and then thrown to their deaths from the bridge.
Animal Control Solutions President Julio Diaz, whose company was contracted by the municipality, said municipal officials delivered the pets to his firm, which then euthanised the animals humanely.
Mr Diaz said many pet corpses below the bridge were decomposed and probably killed before the raids, but some residents told of rescuing pet survivors and identifying bodies.
---------------------------------------------------
This article is very upsetting for me. All I can hope is that President Julio Diaz is correct, and that the animals were enthanised humanely.
This raised the question of, why were these pets taken away in the first place? Was it the people living in the public housings' fault? Or was it over a dispute? Either way, it is very wrong for innocent animals to suffer.
As an animal lover, I think that animals deserve to die with dignity. Throwing an animal off a bridge is a serious offence. Hopefully Animal Rights groups will be able to assess the situation in Peurto Rico, and take action.
The fact that there was a huge protest leads me to believe that an ill action was taken, and that there is geniune need for such measures to be taken. I am not sure how effectively animal owners would be able to identify decomposed bodies, but if they are able to then this is a complete outrage.
This raises other issues concerning the rights of animals, such as animal testing. This is a very tough subject, however I do applaud companies that actively dismiss animal testing, such as The Body Shop or Red Earth. These natural products are, in my opinion, much better.
Each state and territory has different laws governing the welface of aniamls, however animal testing is not illegal.
The Body Shop Link
The Body Shop
Act Now Animal Testing
Act Now
Puerto Rico protests (watch without the sound)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Week 12 - Broadcast Journalism: The world's town crier
Broadcast Journalism: the world's town crier
1. I think the ABC should not become privatized. The poll in 2004, in Conley & Lamble, showed that the ABC is the second most trusted organization in Australia. As long as Australia remains in public hands it will continue to be accountable to no one but its own staff.
"As long as politicians control funding, the ABC probably always will be perceived to be under some form of government pressure" (Conley & Lamble, p. 269). This statement is very true. Although, as with John Howards act of cutting 10% of ABC funding after a debate against the opposition was hosted by Kerry O'Brien, I wonder if this was more damaging to Howard's approval ratings than to the ABC.
2. I think I would interview both applicants and decide on who had the most passion for the job, however I am swaying towards the female candidate. It is wrong to, "value beauty over brains in its journalists" (Conley & Lamble, p. 288). As the female is more experienced, she will most probably be a better news reporter, yet once this also hinges on how passionate they are and how comfortable they are in front of a camera.
3. Radio - A Negative aspect is that it is frequently claimed by media critics to be 'over the line into entertainment'. Stories sometimes unable to sink in.
Positives is that radio is a warm, emotional medium of the imagination. Often can be the first to release a story.
Television - A Negative is that sometimes it is viewed as only providing the 'tip of the iceberg' of news stories. Another is that stories are sometimes unable to sink in. Stories may be rejected because they are "video poor".
Positives is that it can show footage and has strong, lasting qualities. Can seek 'common denominators' that appeal to most viewers.
Newspaper - Story is able to sink in. Can fully cover a story.
Negative is that it is always a day late.
Web - Stories can often be "just in" or the first to broadcast
Can be seen as lacking in credibility
I think the best communicators are either newspaper or television, even though all formats hold their own values. When reading a newspaper, I am able to think about the words on the page and form opinions and questions in my mind. I am able to receive a lot of information concerning the incident. However, television is a very strong medium with the cutting edge in timeliness over newspapers. Television is also able to show footage.
4. The last federal campaign, or I will concentrate on this campaign, is focusing more on personalities rather than issues. Each side tries to personally cut down the other, to the extent of airing information concerning Kevin Rudd's heart operation many years ago. Really, voters should be listening to their policies and debates rather then looking at the faces of the parties.
---------------------------------------------------
Little change for DOCS in child deaths review
Posted Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:08am AEST Updated Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:20am AEST
The New South Wales ombudsman's annual report confirms there has been little change in the number of children who have died after concerns about them were reported to the Department of Community Services (DOCS).
A spokeswoman for ombudsman Bruce Barbour has confirmed this year's report, due to be released on Friday, will show the office has reviewed more than 100 child deaths.
The report will come on the same day a memorial service is held for Dean Shillingsworth, the two-year-old whose body was found dumped in a suitcase in Sydney's south-west.
DOCS admitted earlier this week it knew of Dean's family and the department is now being investigated to see if it could have acted differently.
Opposition community services spokeswoman Katrina Hodgkinson has seized on the figures, saying it is evidence of the NSW Government's failings.
"It follows on from the previous year where 109 deaths were occasioned for children who had been notified to the Department of Community Services that they were at risk," she said.
"It continues to be a trend and it's unacceptable to the people of NSW that this trend continues."
Last year's investigation into reviewable child deaths found most had a history of contact with DOCS.
Dean's father released
The father of Dean Shillingsworth has been released from jail in time for his son's memorial service.
Paul Shillingsworth has been in Junee prison in the state's south-east after breaching parole.
The NSW Parole Board met yesterday and decided to release Mr Shillingsworth.
It is understood Mr Shillingsworth will travel to Sydney after being collected by relatives.
There are reports both sides of the boy's family are fighting over where his funeral should take place.
----------------------------------------------------------------
It seems no matter what DOCS do, they are always wrong.
Before I began my studies of communication, all I wanted to be was a social worker, most probably working for DOCS. My mother actively discouraged me from following this career path saying that I would be unable to leave my job out of my personal life. And right now, I can see I made the right decision.
DOCS is overloaded with so many cases, they are constantly struggling. To use a tragic situation, such as that of the young boy who was found murdered in a suitcase, to try and attack opposing governments is appauling.
I agree in that it is unacceptable that the trend continue, so perhaps some more power could be installed to the social workers at DOCS. At present, if they act on a situation they believe is unacceptable, they are crucified by both the public and the media for breach of privacy and can be charged. If they are successful in rescuing children, they have such little power that the child will often be returned to the incompetent parents. I know this personally. If they do nothing, it is even worse.
Society and the media need to get behind DOCS, they deal with terrible situations every day. They are doing a job that many people would dread doing. I have a lot of respect for them.
Link to DOCS website:
DOCS Website
1. I think the ABC should not become privatized. The poll in 2004, in Conley & Lamble, showed that the ABC is the second most trusted organization in Australia. As long as Australia remains in public hands it will continue to be accountable to no one but its own staff.
"As long as politicians control funding, the ABC probably always will be perceived to be under some form of government pressure" (Conley & Lamble, p. 269). This statement is very true. Although, as with John Howards act of cutting 10% of ABC funding after a debate against the opposition was hosted by Kerry O'Brien, I wonder if this was more damaging to Howard's approval ratings than to the ABC.
2. I think I would interview both applicants and decide on who had the most passion for the job, however I am swaying towards the female candidate. It is wrong to, "value beauty over brains in its journalists" (Conley & Lamble, p. 288). As the female is more experienced, she will most probably be a better news reporter, yet once this also hinges on how passionate they are and how comfortable they are in front of a camera.
3. Radio - A Negative aspect is that it is frequently claimed by media critics to be 'over the line into entertainment'. Stories sometimes unable to sink in.
Positives is that radio is a warm, emotional medium of the imagination. Often can be the first to release a story.
Television - A Negative is that sometimes it is viewed as only providing the 'tip of the iceberg' of news stories. Another is that stories are sometimes unable to sink in. Stories may be rejected because they are "video poor".
Positives is that it can show footage and has strong, lasting qualities. Can seek 'common denominators' that appeal to most viewers.
Newspaper - Story is able to sink in. Can fully cover a story.
Negative is that it is always a day late.
Web - Stories can often be "just in" or the first to broadcast
Can be seen as lacking in credibility
I think the best communicators are either newspaper or television, even though all formats hold their own values. When reading a newspaper, I am able to think about the words on the page and form opinions and questions in my mind. I am able to receive a lot of information concerning the incident. However, television is a very strong medium with the cutting edge in timeliness over newspapers. Television is also able to show footage.
4. The last federal campaign, or I will concentrate on this campaign, is focusing more on personalities rather than issues. Each side tries to personally cut down the other, to the extent of airing information concerning Kevin Rudd's heart operation many years ago. Really, voters should be listening to their policies and debates rather then looking at the faces of the parties.
---------------------------------------------------
Little change for DOCS in child deaths review
Posted Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:08am AEST Updated Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:20am AEST
The New South Wales ombudsman's annual report confirms there has been little change in the number of children who have died after concerns about them were reported to the Department of Community Services (DOCS).
A spokeswoman for ombudsman Bruce Barbour has confirmed this year's report, due to be released on Friday, will show the office has reviewed more than 100 child deaths.
The report will come on the same day a memorial service is held for Dean Shillingsworth, the two-year-old whose body was found dumped in a suitcase in Sydney's south-west.
DOCS admitted earlier this week it knew of Dean's family and the department is now being investigated to see if it could have acted differently.
Opposition community services spokeswoman Katrina Hodgkinson has seized on the figures, saying it is evidence of the NSW Government's failings.
"It follows on from the previous year where 109 deaths were occasioned for children who had been notified to the Department of Community Services that they were at risk," she said.
"It continues to be a trend and it's unacceptable to the people of NSW that this trend continues."
Last year's investigation into reviewable child deaths found most had a history of contact with DOCS.
Dean's father released
The father of Dean Shillingsworth has been released from jail in time for his son's memorial service.
Paul Shillingsworth has been in Junee prison in the state's south-east after breaching parole.
The NSW Parole Board met yesterday and decided to release Mr Shillingsworth.
It is understood Mr Shillingsworth will travel to Sydney after being collected by relatives.
There are reports both sides of the boy's family are fighting over where his funeral should take place.
----------------------------------------------------------------
It seems no matter what DOCS do, they are always wrong.
Before I began my studies of communication, all I wanted to be was a social worker, most probably working for DOCS. My mother actively discouraged me from following this career path saying that I would be unable to leave my job out of my personal life. And right now, I can see I made the right decision.
DOCS is overloaded with so many cases, they are constantly struggling. To use a tragic situation, such as that of the young boy who was found murdered in a suitcase, to try and attack opposing governments is appauling.
I agree in that it is unacceptable that the trend continue, so perhaps some more power could be installed to the social workers at DOCS. At present, if they act on a situation they believe is unacceptable, they are crucified by both the public and the media for breach of privacy and can be charged. If they are successful in rescuing children, they have such little power that the child will often be returned to the incompetent parents. I know this personally. If they do nothing, it is even worse.
Society and the media need to get behind DOCS, they deal with terrible situations every day. They are doing a job that many people would dread doing. I have a lot of respect for them.
Link to DOCS website:
DOCS Website
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Week 11 - Reporting for Duty
Reporting for Duty
1. I would most probably run the story. However, this would evoke discrimination from the police, and may result in being left out from getting crime stories. Although contacts are highly important to journalists, what is in the public interest is paramount. If the discrimination occurs, it can, "motivate a meeting between the editor and senior police" (Conley & Lamble, p. 244). If a policeman is found to be corrupt, then other, honest policemen would want him to pay for his unjust actions. Although, some protection must be put in place for whistle blowers. This raises a whole new set of rules and regulations. One large story was that of the journalists who got given court sentences as they would not uncover their sources because it was against the journalistic code of ethics.
2. This is a difficult question to answer and can most probably not be answered correctly until I was put in that position. On the one hand you could report the story, as you have a duty to the newspaper and public to report all such incidents. You are protected from charges of defamation or contempt in such cases, provided you are accurate and fairly represent the evidence. They must also cover both sides if both were presented in court.
On the other hand, it is an ethical and legal issue. Perhaps you could contact a mental health institute or the police. I would be very unsure of where to go from in a case such as this.
3. I would report the case. Not only would it be a large story, but a journalist has a duty to the public to report all such findings. It would also be a huge scoop. People in the public eye, although are most probably under a lot of stress, must follow the same legal system as everybody else. It is their responsibility to abide by it accordingly. It would also be insulting to a credible journalist to be offered such rewards.
4. I think it would be important to contact legal advice as soon as possible. If there is any chance that this is true, I would protect the identity of my whistle blower, as it is in line with the journalistic code of ethics. I would not run a story concerning the issue as I could be charged with, "scandalising the court" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 247). If you are charged with this, you are guilty until proven innocent, a reversal of normal rules.
Family First candidate dumped over internet photos
Posted Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:42am AEDT
Updated Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:01am AEDT
Family First has dumped one of its election candidates over compromising photographs that have surfaced on the internet.
A party spokeswoman says Andrew Quah has been disendorsed and expelled from the party because he "does not share the party's values".
One of the three photographs appears to show Mr Quah exposing himself.
Today's Sydney Morning Herald quotes Mr Quah as saying that his "political enemies" may have drugged him to force him to pose for the photos.
But he denies his genitals are shown on the photo, saying someone may have photoshopped them in to the shot.
Family First wants to make it harder to access pornography on the internet and Mr Quah says that in the past he has questioned the feasibility of doing so.
Mr Quah was a candidate for the seat of Reid in mid-western suburbs of Sydney.
Family First says another candidate will be chosen in the next few days.
-----------------------------------------------------
I really wonder about public figures sometimes. But this article has really incited more worry! This is a complete oxymoron of the party's policy, and has been embarrassing for everyone involved, especially Mr Quah.
Situations like this serve as huge reality checks to the rest of society - these politicans or public figures are human, just like you and me. Another time when a reality check has been served was the incident involving Kevin Rudd at 'Scores', a strip-club. We, and sometimes the media, tend to put these people up on pedestools, and expect them to be seamless. Their parties also expect this of them, especially when they are the face.
This article was timed so badly, the government released all that information concerning safety on the internet to all houses, and then this arises. Mr Quah would definitely be regretting his decisions. Blaming his actions on "political enemies" who may have drugged him to pose for photos is so feeble that he really should have made no comment rather than this.
I wonder if any more interesting information will surface about our political leaders in the weeks moving closer to the election.
Family first link:
http://www.familyfirst.org.au/
One funny photo:
This is unrelated to my article, but I still find it hilarius!
1. I would most probably run the story. However, this would evoke discrimination from the police, and may result in being left out from getting crime stories. Although contacts are highly important to journalists, what is in the public interest is paramount. If the discrimination occurs, it can, "motivate a meeting between the editor and senior police" (Conley & Lamble, p. 244). If a policeman is found to be corrupt, then other, honest policemen would want him to pay for his unjust actions. Although, some protection must be put in place for whistle blowers. This raises a whole new set of rules and regulations. One large story was that of the journalists who got given court sentences as they would not uncover their sources because it was against the journalistic code of ethics.
2. This is a difficult question to answer and can most probably not be answered correctly until I was put in that position. On the one hand you could report the story, as you have a duty to the newspaper and public to report all such incidents. You are protected from charges of defamation or contempt in such cases, provided you are accurate and fairly represent the evidence. They must also cover both sides if both were presented in court.
On the other hand, it is an ethical and legal issue. Perhaps you could contact a mental health institute or the police. I would be very unsure of where to go from in a case such as this.
3. I would report the case. Not only would it be a large story, but a journalist has a duty to the public to report all such findings. It would also be a huge scoop. People in the public eye, although are most probably under a lot of stress, must follow the same legal system as everybody else. It is their responsibility to abide by it accordingly. It would also be insulting to a credible journalist to be offered such rewards.
4. I think it would be important to contact legal advice as soon as possible. If there is any chance that this is true, I would protect the identity of my whistle blower, as it is in line with the journalistic code of ethics. I would not run a story concerning the issue as I could be charged with, "scandalising the court" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 247). If you are charged with this, you are guilty until proven innocent, a reversal of normal rules.
Family First candidate dumped over internet photos
Posted Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:42am AEDT
Updated Mon Oct 29, 2007 9:01am AEDT
Family First has dumped one of its election candidates over compromising photographs that have surfaced on the internet.
A party spokeswoman says Andrew Quah has been disendorsed and expelled from the party because he "does not share the party's values".
One of the three photographs appears to show Mr Quah exposing himself.
Today's Sydney Morning Herald quotes Mr Quah as saying that his "political enemies" may have drugged him to force him to pose for the photos.
But he denies his genitals are shown on the photo, saying someone may have photoshopped them in to the shot.
Family First wants to make it harder to access pornography on the internet and Mr Quah says that in the past he has questioned the feasibility of doing so.
Mr Quah was a candidate for the seat of Reid in mid-western suburbs of Sydney.
Family First says another candidate will be chosen in the next few days.
-----------------------------------------------------
I really wonder about public figures sometimes. But this article has really incited more worry! This is a complete oxymoron of the party's policy, and has been embarrassing for everyone involved, especially Mr Quah.
Situations like this serve as huge reality checks to the rest of society - these politicans or public figures are human, just like you and me. Another time when a reality check has been served was the incident involving Kevin Rudd at 'Scores', a strip-club. We, and sometimes the media, tend to put these people up on pedestools, and expect them to be seamless. Their parties also expect this of them, especially when they are the face.
This article was timed so badly, the government released all that information concerning safety on the internet to all houses, and then this arises. Mr Quah would definitely be regretting his decisions. Blaming his actions on "political enemies" who may have drugged him to pose for photos is so feeble that he really should have made no comment rather than this.
I wonder if any more interesting information will surface about our political leaders in the weeks moving closer to the election.
Family first link:
http://www.familyfirst.org.au/
One funny photo:
This is unrelated to my article, but I still find it hilarius!
Week 10 - The Story Factor
The Story Factor
1. I would most probably run with the story, as if another media outlet publishes the story the day after, it can negatively effect them. Although I would know that the story would most probably be written at a better standard if it was a day after, wouldn't a lot of stories have that same problem? I would simply have to just write it to the best of my ability. If the source would rather the information be left until the next day, I would have to explain to them my situation. And, why would they have brought up this information unless they wanted it to be printed or revealed?
2. This is a tough situation, with your personal ethical standpoints coming into serious play. I would find this decision to be very daunting. Although it is very much in the public interest to know about this situation, as several guests and staff have become ill, there is the fact that 120 jobs may be risked. I am leaning towards publishing the story, as it is the responsibility of the kitchen to be health-orientated and to not be in these conditions. With already so many incidents, the kitchen would surely not survive in today's standards of cleanliness.
3. I would find this source to be very untrustworthy and would be very hesitant to follow off his comments. As I have no experience in the journalism industry, this question is difficult to answer as there is probably a code or steps to follow when an incident such as this occurs, or relating to sources.
4. I would be unsure of what to do in the situation. As a junior journalist, it would be a very difficult decision to make. An editor's opinion would be highly regarded as they know the newspaper well and know how to angle a story. The policeman, although probably experienced when dealing with journalists, is still a policeman who does not work at your newspaper. Although, maintaining contacts in important. Perhaps further research of the story would make for a meet somewhere in the middle.
---------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy arrives in Burma amid further protests
Posted Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:12pm AEST Updated Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:40pm AEST
Just before the arrival of the UN envoy, protesters again took to the streets (AFP)
• Related Story: Burma death toll much higher than reported: Downer
• Related Story: Japanese Minister heading to Burma
• Related Story: Satellites show Karen villages burnt in Burma
The United Nations special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, has arrived in Burma to try to persuade the military authorities to end the suppression of the pro-democracy movement.
Just before his arrival, protesters again took to the streets of Rangoon.
After landing in Burma's largest city, Mr Gambari left immediately for the country's isolated administrative capital, Naypidaw, where he is expected to meet top junta leaders.
There were small groups of protesters on the streets today, with security forces charging a crowd of about 100 in the centre of Burma's main city Rangoon, beating many of them and arresting five, witnesses said.
The group had gathered on the Pansoedan bridge in downtown Rangoon and as soon as they started to clap their hands, the security forces swooped and began attacking them, they said.
"They beat people so badly, I wonder how these people can bear it," said one Rangoon resident who witnessed the scene.
"I saw the security forces arrest about five people on the streets."
The small protest was the first to be held in Rangoon today, as an overwhelming security operation successfully choked off daily rallies that yesterday attracted 10,000 and tens of thousands earlier in the week.
UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon has called on the Burmese Government to commit to a path of peaceful national reconciliation.
Global pressure on the military regime to halt the crackdown on demonstrations has intensified.
Members of the protest movement vowed to come out on the streets again Saturday, despite a three-day offensive by security forces that has left at least 13 dead and hundreds more jailed.
"We are ready to go to town again. We will start it all over again and we are very hopeful that things will become much more intense as the hours go by," one pro-democracy campaigner involved in the protests said.
Dr Gambari's itinerary has not been released, but on previous visits he has met with regime leader Senior General Than Shwe, and once with opposition activist Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for most of the past 18 years.
The United States has urged the country's leaders to let Mr Gambari meet with anyone he wishes, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Back online
Internet access has been restored to Burma, a day after the main internet link was cut off to stop reports and pictures of a crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations reaching the outside world.
Internet users inside Burma are now able to see domestic Web pages as well as send e-mails outside the country.
Pictures and video footage sent to the international media by Burmese protesters have fuelled global condemnation of the government's actions.
Earlier, witnesses said soldiers were beating and arresting people found with mobile phones or cameras.
Food aid stalled
Meanwhile the World Food Program is having trouble delivering food to the hundreds of thousands of people it supports in Burma because of the latest unrest.
Program spokesman Greg Barrow says it is now getting very difficult to move food around.
"At the moment, we're trying to feed around half a million [people] and all of them are potentially affected if this goes on for a long time," he said.
"I think you have to realise that when you have a big food assistance operation, there's a long chain of movement going on there, and if one link in that chain is disrupted it has a knock-on effect down the line."
-------------------------------------------------
This is such a terrible situation. Reading articles such as these evoked a lot of strong, emotional feelings. The situation in Burma is terrible, with people coming to such measures to try and combat their government.
"They beat people so badly, I wonder how these people can bear it," said one Rangoon resident who witnessed the scene. - This line is probably the saddest. The way people are being treated in Burma is appauling. It makes me realise how lucky we are to be living in a democracy, and in such a fortunate country as Australia.
One incident of a photographer being shot at point-blank distance was high on the media's agenda. They had direct footage of the incident, which effectively communicated the true magnitude of not only the armed forces, but of the completely biased Burmese media, who inappropriately said that forces were dealing with protesters accordingly.
The second of this article relating to food aid is very disturbing and worrying. The people of Burma are affected on so many levels.
I really hope that peace is restored in Burma, and that negotiations with the UN are definitely underway.
Some interesting links are:
Photos of Burmese Protests
The Telegraph (UK)
1. I would most probably run with the story, as if another media outlet publishes the story the day after, it can negatively effect them. Although I would know that the story would most probably be written at a better standard if it was a day after, wouldn't a lot of stories have that same problem? I would simply have to just write it to the best of my ability. If the source would rather the information be left until the next day, I would have to explain to them my situation. And, why would they have brought up this information unless they wanted it to be printed or revealed?
2. This is a tough situation, with your personal ethical standpoints coming into serious play. I would find this decision to be very daunting. Although it is very much in the public interest to know about this situation, as several guests and staff have become ill, there is the fact that 120 jobs may be risked. I am leaning towards publishing the story, as it is the responsibility of the kitchen to be health-orientated and to not be in these conditions. With already so many incidents, the kitchen would surely not survive in today's standards of cleanliness.
3. I would find this source to be very untrustworthy and would be very hesitant to follow off his comments. As I have no experience in the journalism industry, this question is difficult to answer as there is probably a code or steps to follow when an incident such as this occurs, or relating to sources.
4. I would be unsure of what to do in the situation. As a junior journalist, it would be a very difficult decision to make. An editor's opinion would be highly regarded as they know the newspaper well and know how to angle a story. The policeman, although probably experienced when dealing with journalists, is still a policeman who does not work at your newspaper. Although, maintaining contacts in important. Perhaps further research of the story would make for a meet somewhere in the middle.
---------------------------------------------------------
UN envoy arrives in Burma amid further protests
Posted Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:12pm AEST Updated Sat Sep 29, 2007 9:40pm AEST
Just before the arrival of the UN envoy, protesters again took to the streets (AFP)
• Related Story: Burma death toll much higher than reported: Downer
• Related Story: Japanese Minister heading to Burma
• Related Story: Satellites show Karen villages burnt in Burma
The United Nations special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, has arrived in Burma to try to persuade the military authorities to end the suppression of the pro-democracy movement.
Just before his arrival, protesters again took to the streets of Rangoon.
After landing in Burma's largest city, Mr Gambari left immediately for the country's isolated administrative capital, Naypidaw, where he is expected to meet top junta leaders.
There were small groups of protesters on the streets today, with security forces charging a crowd of about 100 in the centre of Burma's main city Rangoon, beating many of them and arresting five, witnesses said.
The group had gathered on the Pansoedan bridge in downtown Rangoon and as soon as they started to clap their hands, the security forces swooped and began attacking them, they said.
"They beat people so badly, I wonder how these people can bear it," said one Rangoon resident who witnessed the scene.
"I saw the security forces arrest about five people on the streets."
The small protest was the first to be held in Rangoon today, as an overwhelming security operation successfully choked off daily rallies that yesterday attracted 10,000 and tens of thousands earlier in the week.
UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon has called on the Burmese Government to commit to a path of peaceful national reconciliation.
Global pressure on the military regime to halt the crackdown on demonstrations has intensified.
Members of the protest movement vowed to come out on the streets again Saturday, despite a three-day offensive by security forces that has left at least 13 dead and hundreds more jailed.
"We are ready to go to town again. We will start it all over again and we are very hopeful that things will become much more intense as the hours go by," one pro-democracy campaigner involved in the protests said.
Dr Gambari's itinerary has not been released, but on previous visits he has met with regime leader Senior General Than Shwe, and once with opposition activist Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for most of the past 18 years.
The United States has urged the country's leaders to let Mr Gambari meet with anyone he wishes, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Back online
Internet access has been restored to Burma, a day after the main internet link was cut off to stop reports and pictures of a crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations reaching the outside world.
Internet users inside Burma are now able to see domestic Web pages as well as send e-mails outside the country.
Pictures and video footage sent to the international media by Burmese protesters have fuelled global condemnation of the government's actions.
Earlier, witnesses said soldiers were beating and arresting people found with mobile phones or cameras.
Food aid stalled
Meanwhile the World Food Program is having trouble delivering food to the hundreds of thousands of people it supports in Burma because of the latest unrest.
Program spokesman Greg Barrow says it is now getting very difficult to move food around.
"At the moment, we're trying to feed around half a million [people] and all of them are potentially affected if this goes on for a long time," he said.
"I think you have to realise that when you have a big food assistance operation, there's a long chain of movement going on there, and if one link in that chain is disrupted it has a knock-on effect down the line."
-------------------------------------------------
This is such a terrible situation. Reading articles such as these evoked a lot of strong, emotional feelings. The situation in Burma is terrible, with people coming to such measures to try and combat their government.
"They beat people so badly, I wonder how these people can bear it," said one Rangoon resident who witnessed the scene. - This line is probably the saddest. The way people are being treated in Burma is appauling. It makes me realise how lucky we are to be living in a democracy, and in such a fortunate country as Australia.
One incident of a photographer being shot at point-blank distance was high on the media's agenda. They had direct footage of the incident, which effectively communicated the true magnitude of not only the armed forces, but of the completely biased Burmese media, who inappropriately said that forces were dealing with protesters accordingly.
The second of this article relating to food aid is very disturbing and worrying. The people of Burma are affected on so many levels.
I really hope that peace is restored in Burma, and that negotiations with the UN are definitely underway.
Some interesting links are:
Photos of Burmese Protests
The Telegraph (UK)
Week 9 - Interviewing: A Core Skill + Computer Assisted Reporting
Discussion Questions
1. I think I would run with the original quote. As the text book states, "Tidying' and 'cleaning up' quotes can...have serious legal implications". Who am I to change a direct quote just to suit my story. If anything was to change, it would have to be with the highest level of caution, so as to completely reflect the speaker's intent. I believe that paraphrasing the quote, which would misrepresent the speaker's quote, but bring much larger consequences than running a direct quote which is a little bit ambiguous.
2. No, I do not think it is appropriate for a journalist to intimidate an interviewee with public exposure. "A journalist should remain calm, firm, friendly, respectful, and, most of all, professional". I found the point that explained tactics to use against psychological games to be very interesting. By ignoring them or trying to shift the power balance by employing reasonable tactics, you may be able to gain the information you want, rather than severing all ties with the interviewee and possibly getting into a great deal of trouble.
3. No, it is never appropriate to use personal chemistry. This is completely unethical and inappropriate. If you want to be taken seriously in this field, then you have to act responsibly and professionally.
4. I think, in journalism, it is most important of all to remain completely accurate. This person may take offence to you tampering with their direct quotes. Tidying or cleaning up quotes can (as i've stated before) have serious legal implications. Perhaps you could run a story on this public figure, to provide a more accurate biography of him, otherwise you should may the sound decision to stay away from direct quote tampering.
Computer Assisted Reporting
1. I think that I would choose the stable weekly newspaper. Stability is very important. Once you have put together a impressive portfolio there will always be the chance to move further into the capital cities. At the newspaper, you will be able to develop the skills you need for the workforce. I think this question also depends on what type of journalist you would like to be. If you prefer online journalism, you would choose the online publication, and print, the newspaper. I think tailoring your resume and pursuing jobs that will help carve your way to your desired job is important. Companies are always looking for people who have experience, and at the newspaper job you will be able to gain as much experience as you need before moving on.
2. I would interview the politician through email. It would be better to have a story lacking flare than no story at all. You will be able to use correct direct quotes and will have factual information. I would try to make my questions as well-formed as possible, and ask for detailed answers. Perhaps I could view some media releases or other similar professional media as well.
3. If I was sure that the article had be plagiarised, I was confront the colleage about it, politely asking them to address the situation. I would like to give them to opportunity to run an apology in the newspaper the next day, and to let them tell the chief of staff about the situation. If this person disagreed, I am not sure what further action I would take. It is their credibility and embarassment that is at stake. These questions can only be answered so far in a theoretical way, and practically may be completely different. Loyalty may become an issue, etc.
4. I am unsure of what I would do. On the one hand, I could go meet with this person in the hope of gaining some valuable information, and in the other, I could ring the police and inform them that a wanted criminal has contacted me.
Issues to consider here are: why is this person on the run from the police, should you be meeting a criminal, How did this person get my email address, what value of information could they be holding (if anything at all), why am I meeting them beside a dark lake, etc.
"Just as anyone can put anything on the web, anyone can send an email" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 363). This, apparently, includes wanted criminals.
This is a hard question to answer theoretically.
5. I think looking at the credibility of sources, in this case, is extremely important. Amateur sites may have simply copied a quote from another, while a more credible site will most probably hold the correct information. As stated before, "anyone can put anything on the web" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 363). From there I would most probably conduct more research to try and find the true quote, or to try and find the website of the movie distributor, or something of that nature.
Rabbitohs' pokies plan highlights Govt greed
By Tim Costello
Posted Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:12am AEST Updated Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:28pm AEST
State and Territory governments rake in over $4 billion a year in pokies taxes. (File photo) (AAP: Mick Tsikas)
It is tragically ironic that as South Sydney Leagues Club is looking at scrapping its poker machines, the NSW Government is
considering a move that will further strengthen gambling's grip on the state by allowing pubs to introduce the Keno lottery game.
I believe the proposal by South Sydney Leagues Club's co-owners to remove its 160 poker machines should be applauded. It is a decision that reportedly will cost the club some $7 million in revenue.
Yet the proposal by Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court reflects a club that is truly prepared to listen to the community in which it operates. Further, it reveals an understanding that although pokies offer a short-term revenue boon, their long term cost to the community is devastating.
Poker machines are not popular in the community. In fact, they are hated. A recent Herald Sun survey revealed 84 per cent support for the removal of poker machines in Victoria.
More personally a hotel manager just last week confided in me that he was forever being asked by patrons to borrow $5 or $10 so they could go home and feed their families after losing all they had to the pokies. He said he hated the pokies and what they did to people.
Yet across Australia, states have been too keen to embrace them with open arms.
State and Territory governments rake in over $4 billion a year in pokies taxes. The only exception is Western Australia, which apart from video poker games in Perth's Burswood Casino, is pokies free.
Last year the gaming industry took more than $10 billion out of Australian wallets. And it is those who are least able to afford it who are most impacted.
The Productivity Commission's landmark 1999 report revealed that 42.3 per cent of pokies losses came from problem gamblers. That compared to 5.7 per cent for lotteries. More recent studies have put this at closer to 50 per cent of losses coming off the backs of the vulnerable and addicted.
And in terms of problem gamblers, the numbers are not insignificant. There are at least 220 000 Australians currently struggling with a gambling problem because of the pokies. They make up 80 per cent of all problem gamblers and for each problem gambler the lives of seven others, be they family or friends, are impacted.
It means that close to 2 million Australians are in some way are worse off by the pokies bug. And that doesn't include previous 'generations' of addicts who can no longer be classified as problem gamblers because they have already lost everything and can no longer gamble.
Pokies saturation
To me the decision by Souths' co-owners to draw a line in the sand against pokies is highly significant because of just how embedded pokies are in NSW. The state has more than 95,000 poker machines, which is half of the machines in Australia and almost one tenth of the machines in the world.
When I was asked to address the British House of Lords on this issue recently, they were so staggered by the saturation of poker machines in Australia - and NSW in particular - they thought they had misheard me.
When poker machines were introduced in Victoria in 1992 their impact was immediately felt in the community and there was a backlash.
Yet because NSW has always had machines it is a like a 'frog being boiled alive' - the state's pokies crisis has heated up gradually and to now epidemic proportions. Yet it is still not ringing the alarm bells it should.
And now it appears that the Iemma Government is looking to further tighten gambling's grip on the state by allowing pubs to introduce the Keno lottery game.
It is a tragedy that while some organisations such as Souths League Club appear determined to make the hard decisions to ensure community wellbeing, their Government is again following a well-worn path in opting for revenue over the health of our families and communities.
And this is despite repeated surveys that reveal overwhelming community support for curbing the gaming industry. Even those who work in the clubs and pubs are against pokies. Too often they see first hand the carnage poker machines cause.
Social breakdown
Gambling counsellors - those at the frontline of treating pokies addiction - all too often recount the frightening links between problem gambling and crime, kids going to school hungry, domestic violence, family breakdown and most tragically of all, suicide.
Yet the gaming industry's ability to use its very deep pockets to donate, schmooze, lobby and even employ the services of former State Cabinet Ministers has shielded legislators from the actual community impact and sentiments against the machines.
Kevin Rudd's recent announcement that he will 'declare war' on pokies - a sentiment echoed by Treasurer Peter Costello - is reason for hope.
If the Government and Opposition were serious in attacking the blight of gaming they need to use the Commonwealth's hold on the purse strings through the Grants Commission and other mechanisms to provide a 'carrot and stick' approach for the States on gambling taxes.
It would be better yet if States simply acted in the interests of their community.
The proposal by Souths Leagues Club co-owners represents the kind of courageous, moral decision-making that is required
of both government and business - for the sake of our communities.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Discussion
I agree Tim Costello. Poker machines are terrible devices, and the move by Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes should be applauded. Poker machines have a hugely negative impact on the lives of Australians. I also agree with Costello when he says that this club is truly listening to its community. Although they will suffer a huge financial loss, they know that poker machines are not benefiting the community in any short or long term way. With links to other huge issues such as domestic violence, crime and family breakdown, poker machines should be banned from all pubs and clubs.
The issues raised at state level have been very interesting and insightful in terms of government revenue. Clearly poker machines equal big money. It will be interesting to see how the government deals with this incident, and if further action will be taken by other club owners. I wonder if greed will win out?
Here is a link to a Sydney Morning Herald article discussing the same topic:
SMH Article
Here is the link to a poker machine entitlement form in NSW:
Entitlement Form
1. I think I would run with the original quote. As the text book states, "Tidying' and 'cleaning up' quotes can...have serious legal implications". Who am I to change a direct quote just to suit my story. If anything was to change, it would have to be with the highest level of caution, so as to completely reflect the speaker's intent. I believe that paraphrasing the quote, which would misrepresent the speaker's quote, but bring much larger consequences than running a direct quote which is a little bit ambiguous.
2. No, I do not think it is appropriate for a journalist to intimidate an interviewee with public exposure. "A journalist should remain calm, firm, friendly, respectful, and, most of all, professional". I found the point that explained tactics to use against psychological games to be very interesting. By ignoring them or trying to shift the power balance by employing reasonable tactics, you may be able to gain the information you want, rather than severing all ties with the interviewee and possibly getting into a great deal of trouble.
3. No, it is never appropriate to use personal chemistry. This is completely unethical and inappropriate. If you want to be taken seriously in this field, then you have to act responsibly and professionally.
4. I think, in journalism, it is most important of all to remain completely accurate. This person may take offence to you tampering with their direct quotes. Tidying or cleaning up quotes can (as i've stated before) have serious legal implications. Perhaps you could run a story on this public figure, to provide a more accurate biography of him, otherwise you should may the sound decision to stay away from direct quote tampering.
Computer Assisted Reporting
1. I think that I would choose the stable weekly newspaper. Stability is very important. Once you have put together a impressive portfolio there will always be the chance to move further into the capital cities. At the newspaper, you will be able to develop the skills you need for the workforce. I think this question also depends on what type of journalist you would like to be. If you prefer online journalism, you would choose the online publication, and print, the newspaper. I think tailoring your resume and pursuing jobs that will help carve your way to your desired job is important. Companies are always looking for people who have experience, and at the newspaper job you will be able to gain as much experience as you need before moving on.
2. I would interview the politician through email. It would be better to have a story lacking flare than no story at all. You will be able to use correct direct quotes and will have factual information. I would try to make my questions as well-formed as possible, and ask for detailed answers. Perhaps I could view some media releases or other similar professional media as well.
3. If I was sure that the article had be plagiarised, I was confront the colleage about it, politely asking them to address the situation. I would like to give them to opportunity to run an apology in the newspaper the next day, and to let them tell the chief of staff about the situation. If this person disagreed, I am not sure what further action I would take. It is their credibility and embarassment that is at stake. These questions can only be answered so far in a theoretical way, and practically may be completely different. Loyalty may become an issue, etc.
4. I am unsure of what I would do. On the one hand, I could go meet with this person in the hope of gaining some valuable information, and in the other, I could ring the police and inform them that a wanted criminal has contacted me.
Issues to consider here are: why is this person on the run from the police, should you be meeting a criminal, How did this person get my email address, what value of information could they be holding (if anything at all), why am I meeting them beside a dark lake, etc.
"Just as anyone can put anything on the web, anyone can send an email" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 363). This, apparently, includes wanted criminals.
This is a hard question to answer theoretically.
5. I think looking at the credibility of sources, in this case, is extremely important. Amateur sites may have simply copied a quote from another, while a more credible site will most probably hold the correct information. As stated before, "anyone can put anything on the web" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 363). From there I would most probably conduct more research to try and find the true quote, or to try and find the website of the movie distributor, or something of that nature.
Rabbitohs' pokies plan highlights Govt greed
By Tim Costello
Posted Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:12am AEST Updated Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:28pm AEST
State and Territory governments rake in over $4 billion a year in pokies taxes. (File photo) (AAP: Mick Tsikas)
It is tragically ironic that as South Sydney Leagues Club is looking at scrapping its poker machines, the NSW Government is
considering a move that will further strengthen gambling's grip on the state by allowing pubs to introduce the Keno lottery game.
I believe the proposal by South Sydney Leagues Club's co-owners to remove its 160 poker machines should be applauded. It is a decision that reportedly will cost the club some $7 million in revenue.
Yet the proposal by Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court reflects a club that is truly prepared to listen to the community in which it operates. Further, it reveals an understanding that although pokies offer a short-term revenue boon, their long term cost to the community is devastating.
Poker machines are not popular in the community. In fact, they are hated. A recent Herald Sun survey revealed 84 per cent support for the removal of poker machines in Victoria.
More personally a hotel manager just last week confided in me that he was forever being asked by patrons to borrow $5 or $10 so they could go home and feed their families after losing all they had to the pokies. He said he hated the pokies and what they did to people.
Yet across Australia, states have been too keen to embrace them with open arms.
State and Territory governments rake in over $4 billion a year in pokies taxes. The only exception is Western Australia, which apart from video poker games in Perth's Burswood Casino, is pokies free.
Last year the gaming industry took more than $10 billion out of Australian wallets. And it is those who are least able to afford it who are most impacted.
The Productivity Commission's landmark 1999 report revealed that 42.3 per cent of pokies losses came from problem gamblers. That compared to 5.7 per cent for lotteries. More recent studies have put this at closer to 50 per cent of losses coming off the backs of the vulnerable and addicted.
And in terms of problem gamblers, the numbers are not insignificant. There are at least 220 000 Australians currently struggling with a gambling problem because of the pokies. They make up 80 per cent of all problem gamblers and for each problem gambler the lives of seven others, be they family or friends, are impacted.
It means that close to 2 million Australians are in some way are worse off by the pokies bug. And that doesn't include previous 'generations' of addicts who can no longer be classified as problem gamblers because they have already lost everything and can no longer gamble.
Pokies saturation
To me the decision by Souths' co-owners to draw a line in the sand against pokies is highly significant because of just how embedded pokies are in NSW. The state has more than 95,000 poker machines, which is half of the machines in Australia and almost one tenth of the machines in the world.
When I was asked to address the British House of Lords on this issue recently, they were so staggered by the saturation of poker machines in Australia - and NSW in particular - they thought they had misheard me.
When poker machines were introduced in Victoria in 1992 their impact was immediately felt in the community and there was a backlash.
Yet because NSW has always had machines it is a like a 'frog being boiled alive' - the state's pokies crisis has heated up gradually and to now epidemic proportions. Yet it is still not ringing the alarm bells it should.
And now it appears that the Iemma Government is looking to further tighten gambling's grip on the state by allowing pubs to introduce the Keno lottery game.
It is a tragedy that while some organisations such as Souths League Club appear determined to make the hard decisions to ensure community wellbeing, their Government is again following a well-worn path in opting for revenue over the health of our families and communities.
And this is despite repeated surveys that reveal overwhelming community support for curbing the gaming industry. Even those who work in the clubs and pubs are against pokies. Too often they see first hand the carnage poker machines cause.
Social breakdown
Gambling counsellors - those at the frontline of treating pokies addiction - all too often recount the frightening links between problem gambling and crime, kids going to school hungry, domestic violence, family breakdown and most tragically of all, suicide.
Yet the gaming industry's ability to use its very deep pockets to donate, schmooze, lobby and even employ the services of former State Cabinet Ministers has shielded legislators from the actual community impact and sentiments against the machines.
Kevin Rudd's recent announcement that he will 'declare war' on pokies - a sentiment echoed by Treasurer Peter Costello - is reason for hope.
If the Government and Opposition were serious in attacking the blight of gaming they need to use the Commonwealth's hold on the purse strings through the Grants Commission and other mechanisms to provide a 'carrot and stick' approach for the States on gambling taxes.
It would be better yet if States simply acted in the interests of their community.
The proposal by Souths Leagues Club co-owners represents the kind of courageous, moral decision-making that is required
of both government and business - for the sake of our communities.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Discussion
I agree Tim Costello. Poker machines are terrible devices, and the move by Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes should be applauded. Poker machines have a hugely negative impact on the lives of Australians. I also agree with Costello when he says that this club is truly listening to its community. Although they will suffer a huge financial loss, they know that poker machines are not benefiting the community in any short or long term way. With links to other huge issues such as domestic violence, crime and family breakdown, poker machines should be banned from all pubs and clubs.
The issues raised at state level have been very interesting and insightful in terms of government revenue. Clearly poker machines equal big money. It will be interesting to see how the government deals with this incident, and if further action will be taken by other club owners. I wonder if greed will win out?
Here is a link to a Sydney Morning Herald article discussing the same topic:
SMH Article
Here is the link to a poker machine entitlement form in NSW:
Entitlement Form
Week 8 - Small path, big story
Discussion Questions
1. I think it would most probably prefer to opt for a computer and telephone assisted 'paper chase', yet would most probably actually leave the office. As the text states "The most important news resource ... is always human" (Conley & Lambel, p. 169). I think staying in the office too much would become quite straining, and I would be less motivated. Journalists can "become cocooned from the public" (Conley & Lambel, p. 169). By getting out and about journalists can talk to ordinary people, and can enlarge the scope of the newsroom.
Face-to-face interviews are much more personal and intimate, and would most probably result in being of a higher quality. I know that I find it much harder to get my message across on the telephone, compared to in-person.
2. This is a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, this is an opportunity to develop yourself as a investigatory journalist, and perhaps gain more credibility or make a bigger name for yourself. On the other hand, as the text states "there is a greater consideration: filling the paper each day" (Conley & Lambel, p.170). The text also goes on to say "... journalists are 'producers' not 'developers' of news stories ... some newspapers ... actively discourage their journalists from working on investigative articles become of cost factors" (Conley & Lambel, p. 170). I think then, it would be much more of a case of which news organisation you worked for, and whether they are supportive of investigatory articles.
3. Yes I most probably would band together with other reporters. I think it is very important to get as much information out of a media conference as possible, especially if it is of a subject that is in the spotlight. I think that at times like this it would be more important to do this, and to put your own pride behind you.
4. As I am doing my speech on this topic, I found this area very interesting. Freedom of information laws are commonly referred to as 'Freedom from information', and with just cause. Government information should be able to be accessed by the media, unless it is important information relating to defence or other matters of that nature. Freedom of Information laws in Australia are ranked so low compared to other countries. In Switzerland, access to information is the easiest to gain access to, with almost all requests being granted (and very quickly). As a reaction to Freedom of Information laws, leading media organisations have join together to form Australia's Right To Know Coalition to work together to rescue freedom of speech and other rules of democracy.
5. This would very much depend on how much research you had taken before the proceedings, and to what news angle you might have been considering. Also, "a chief of staff might be able to give a journalist advice on whether space will be available for several stories on different conference subjects, or whether they should narrow the focus to a single, all-encompassing story" (Conley & Lambel, p.175).
-----------------------------------------------
Polygamy leader told rape victim to repent, court told
Posted Sat Sep 15, 2007 10:00am AEST
A young woman told a Utah court she wanted to die after being forced into sex at the age of 14 in a marriage arranged by one of the biggest US polygamous sects.
But the self-styled prophet of the breakaway Mormon clan told her she was disobedient and needed to repent and submit to her new husband, the woman testified.
The woman, now 21, testified she had never been kissed or had a boyfriend before the 2001 wedding to her 19-year-old cousin and locked herself in the bathroom after the ceremony.
The wedding was presided over by Warren Jeffs, 51, the leader and self-described "prophet" of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or FLDS, a breakaway Mormon sect that practices polygamy.
Jeffs is on trial on two counts of being an accomplice to rape, a charge he denies. Jeffs is not charged with polygamy but the trial has focused attention on the practice and his secretive sect, whose approximately 7,500 members live in an isolated enclave on the Utah-Arizona border.
The woman, who cannot be identified, said she begged her husband not to touch her as he undressed her one night soon after their wedding.
"'I can't do this, please don't,'" she said she told her husband. "I was sobbing. My whole entire body was shaking I was so scared. He didn't stop. He just laid me onto the bed and had sex."
Afterward, the woman said she felt dirty and took two bottles of painkillers.
"I just wanted to die. I didn't want to deal with [my husband] anymore. I didn't want to deal with Warren, or the prophet, or my mother. ... I was so hurt by them," she said.
The woman later arranged a meeting with Jeffs and told him her husband was touching her in ways she did not fully understand."
"I told him I was sorry I had failed so severely. ... He told me that I needed to repent, that I was not living up to my vows, I was not being obedient, I was not being submissive and that was what my problem was," she recounted.
Jeffs told her to go home "and give myself mind, body, and soul" to her husband.
Jeffs' attorneys have said the case is one of religious persecution and have questioned how Jeffs would have known that rape was being committed behind bedroom doors.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Discussion
This is completely disgusting. If there is one religion I am at a loss for understanding it is Mormonism. Its religious beliefs, polygamy and incest is so badly founded, I wonder how this could still be happening in a Western country.
This article is fairly descriptive and evokes a lot of emotion, as a young woman. It makes me consider myself at age 14, and just how different the lives of people are to mine.
I wonder what the moral of Jeff's attorney is. How could he defend such a person? I know that everyone has the right to a fair trial, but wouldn't this case be damaging?
The fact that this young girl has had to suffer such trauma and emotional distress is complete unnecessary. I know I am sounding very prejudice towards Mormons, but I simply find them to be completely moronic. I know, I know, if you've grown up in that environment it is different. But clearly it isn't for this young girl who is bordering on suicidal. She took two bottles of painkillers and she did not even understand what was happening to her.
All I can say is that I am glad this woman has sought legal advice.
Mormonist perspective on their religion
My perspective on mormonism
Yes, south park can be sometimes moronic, but underneath all the swear words and jokes are some fairly solid issues. That is the whole point behind the cartoon. Once you start watching it, you realise just how clever Trey Parker and Matt Stone can actually be.
Here is a Wikipedia entry on The Book of Mormon, giving a brief outline of the religion, its history and major themes
Wikipedia and Book of Mormon
Some of you might not know this, but hugely popular band The Killers are actually Mormons. They are also from Las Vegas. Sounds fairly strange!
1. I think it would most probably prefer to opt for a computer and telephone assisted 'paper chase', yet would most probably actually leave the office. As the text states "The most important news resource ... is always human" (Conley & Lambel, p. 169). I think staying in the office too much would become quite straining, and I would be less motivated. Journalists can "become cocooned from the public" (Conley & Lambel, p. 169). By getting out and about journalists can talk to ordinary people, and can enlarge the scope of the newsroom.
Face-to-face interviews are much more personal and intimate, and would most probably result in being of a higher quality. I know that I find it much harder to get my message across on the telephone, compared to in-person.
2. This is a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, this is an opportunity to develop yourself as a investigatory journalist, and perhaps gain more credibility or make a bigger name for yourself. On the other hand, as the text states "there is a greater consideration: filling the paper each day" (Conley & Lambel, p.170). The text also goes on to say "... journalists are 'producers' not 'developers' of news stories ... some newspapers ... actively discourage their journalists from working on investigative articles become of cost factors" (Conley & Lambel, p. 170). I think then, it would be much more of a case of which news organisation you worked for, and whether they are supportive of investigatory articles.
3. Yes I most probably would band together with other reporters. I think it is very important to get as much information out of a media conference as possible, especially if it is of a subject that is in the spotlight. I think that at times like this it would be more important to do this, and to put your own pride behind you.
4. As I am doing my speech on this topic, I found this area very interesting. Freedom of information laws are commonly referred to as 'Freedom from information', and with just cause. Government information should be able to be accessed by the media, unless it is important information relating to defence or other matters of that nature. Freedom of Information laws in Australia are ranked so low compared to other countries. In Switzerland, access to information is the easiest to gain access to, with almost all requests being granted (and very quickly). As a reaction to Freedom of Information laws, leading media organisations have join together to form Australia's Right To Know Coalition to work together to rescue freedom of speech and other rules of democracy.
5. This would very much depend on how much research you had taken before the proceedings, and to what news angle you might have been considering. Also, "a chief of staff might be able to give a journalist advice on whether space will be available for several stories on different conference subjects, or whether they should narrow the focus to a single, all-encompassing story" (Conley & Lambel, p.175).
-----------------------------------------------
Polygamy leader told rape victim to repent, court told
Posted Sat Sep 15, 2007 10:00am AEST
A young woman told a Utah court she wanted to die after being forced into sex at the age of 14 in a marriage arranged by one of the biggest US polygamous sects.
But the self-styled prophet of the breakaway Mormon clan told her she was disobedient and needed to repent and submit to her new husband, the woman testified.
The woman, now 21, testified she had never been kissed or had a boyfriend before the 2001 wedding to her 19-year-old cousin and locked herself in the bathroom after the ceremony.
The wedding was presided over by Warren Jeffs, 51, the leader and self-described "prophet" of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or FLDS, a breakaway Mormon sect that practices polygamy.
Jeffs is on trial on two counts of being an accomplice to rape, a charge he denies. Jeffs is not charged with polygamy but the trial has focused attention on the practice and his secretive sect, whose approximately 7,500 members live in an isolated enclave on the Utah-Arizona border.
The woman, who cannot be identified, said she begged her husband not to touch her as he undressed her one night soon after their wedding.
"'I can't do this, please don't,'" she said she told her husband. "I was sobbing. My whole entire body was shaking I was so scared. He didn't stop. He just laid me onto the bed and had sex."
Afterward, the woman said she felt dirty and took two bottles of painkillers.
"I just wanted to die. I didn't want to deal with [my husband] anymore. I didn't want to deal with Warren, or the prophet, or my mother. ... I was so hurt by them," she said.
The woman later arranged a meeting with Jeffs and told him her husband was touching her in ways she did not fully understand."
"I told him I was sorry I had failed so severely. ... He told me that I needed to repent, that I was not living up to my vows, I was not being obedient, I was not being submissive and that was what my problem was," she recounted.
Jeffs told her to go home "and give myself mind, body, and soul" to her husband.
Jeffs' attorneys have said the case is one of religious persecution and have questioned how Jeffs would have known that rape was being committed behind bedroom doors.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Discussion
This is completely disgusting. If there is one religion I am at a loss for understanding it is Mormonism. Its religious beliefs, polygamy and incest is so badly founded, I wonder how this could still be happening in a Western country.
This article is fairly descriptive and evokes a lot of emotion, as a young woman. It makes me consider myself at age 14, and just how different the lives of people are to mine.
I wonder what the moral of Jeff's attorney is. How could he defend such a person? I know that everyone has the right to a fair trial, but wouldn't this case be damaging?
The fact that this young girl has had to suffer such trauma and emotional distress is complete unnecessary. I know I am sounding very prejudice towards Mormons, but I simply find them to be completely moronic. I know, I know, if you've grown up in that environment it is different. But clearly it isn't for this young girl who is bordering on suicidal. She took two bottles of painkillers and she did not even understand what was happening to her.
All I can say is that I am glad this woman has sought legal advice.
Mormonist perspective on their religion
My perspective on mormonism
Yes, south park can be sometimes moronic, but underneath all the swear words and jokes are some fairly solid issues. That is the whole point behind the cartoon. Once you start watching it, you realise just how clever Trey Parker and Matt Stone can actually be.
Here is a Wikipedia entry on The Book of Mormon, giving a brief outline of the religion, its history and major themes
Wikipedia and Book of Mormon
Some of you might not know this, but hugely popular band The Killers are actually Mormons. They are also from Las Vegas. Sounds fairly strange!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Week 7 - A Word's Worth
Discussion Questions
1. I think that a newspaper's educational level should reflect its target audience, or its readership. A more 'sophisticated' newspaper, such as The Australian, deals with more 'in-depth' or international issues, etc., and has a certain level of assumed knowledge among the readers. This is not to say that other, perhaps more locally directed, newspapers are not as valid or worthwhile, it is more a case of giving the readers what they want.
In the case of the Newcastle Herald, my town's main newspaper, I think it is tailoring its educational level at the right level. Newcastle has such a wide cross-section of people with vastly different economic, social and educational levels. The readership extends across this hugely. In terms of being an accessible newspaper it is fantastic. Anyone could read a story and be informed, with little to no assumed knowledge required.
An interesting point I found in the text was: "The challenge is to keep the language from becoming predictable and static while maintaining the tone and dignity of straight news reporting" (Conley & Lambel, p. ) This, to me, seems a very difficult task, as even the simple news writing assignments we have had this semester have been daunting. It has been more a case of not knowing where to begin, let alone considering lifting language so as not to become flat.
2.I don't think that reporters should interpret news events and inject their thoughts into news stories. The text states that words "centre on whether it is factual" (Conley & Lambel, p. 156). This is so important, especially in newspaper reporting, where it can even become dangerous. A reporter must remain credible to its sources and readers, or make sure not to "invest the story with false importance" (Conley & Lambel, p. 142)
Although, journalists should have 'styles' as "a journalist without style is a journalist without substance, and a journalist without substance is ... not a journalist" (Conley & Lambel, p.147). I wonder if forming a style comes naturally or whether you have to work hard to make one? Perhaps it is a little bit of both.
3.I think it is very important for news writing to stay independent of changing language, e.g. Americanism. News writing is the "product of centuries of linguistic evolution" (Conley & Lambel, p. 146).
I would find it very off-putting if I was to read a newspaper article which showcased slang or Americanisms, unless it was a article discussing language. I would find the newspaper to lack credibility and would probably dismiss it. In some magazines, journalists try to use slang, perhaps more as a technique to appear intimate and comfortable. This is completely different to 'hard news' as it concerns serious matters, and has a duty to the public.
4. Yes, I think newspapers do have a serious commitment to accuracy. As I said before, inaccurate journalism can even become dangerous. A newspaper has a contract with society to present news in the most accurate way possible. This extends so far as to ensure that names and titles are spelt correctly. Many people, including (and perhaps the most) people who are in the newspaper for the first time can become very upset if their names are incorrectly spelt. It may be only a small detail to a journalist, but it is not to the individual.
5. I would most probably contact my supervisor and prepare an apology to be ran in the next days newspaper. If nobody has contacted the newspaper yet, there may be someone who will soon (or most probably Mediawatch). It is must more important to retain your credibility rather than hope for the best. Hopefully, I would have researched my story a little bit better rather than having to run an apology for a serious mistake! This definitely highlights the need for thorough research.
-------------------------------------------------
VCAT hearing under way into late-night lockout plans
Posted Mon Aug 27, 2007 2:22pm AEST
Map: Bendigo 3550
A tribunal hearing about a proposed lockout for late-night venues in Bendigo's central business district, in central Victoria, has started in Melbourne.
Police had been pushing for a 1:00am AEST curfew, while venue operators prefer a 3:00am lockout.
The two parties had been in talks on a 2:00am compromise, but failed to reach an agreement.
The hearing, in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), is expected to finish today.
------------------------------------------------
Discussion
This article is very interesting to me, especially surrounding all the media attending that Newcastle has been facing. I have heard barely anything about the Victorian lockout scheme.
The lockout situation came as a retaliation to violence and disorderly behaviour in the Newcastle CBD. This was further heightened by the death of an elderly man called Frank Newberry, who was bashed to death and robber in his grocery store.
Newcastle residents were opting for a similar 1:00am curfew, however local and state government as well as hotel and club owners were pushing for a later time, and have come to the agreement of a 3:00am lockout.
It is sad that Newcastle and Melbourne have had to come to such measures. If only people were intelligent enough, and able to handle themselves well enough, to not be a danger to themselves or others around them.
Link to a Newcastle article
Newcastle Lockout
Measures used to try and combat the Newcastle Lockout
Rock Out Against the Lock Out
1. I think that a newspaper's educational level should reflect its target audience, or its readership. A more 'sophisticated' newspaper, such as The Australian, deals with more 'in-depth' or international issues, etc., and has a certain level of assumed knowledge among the readers. This is not to say that other, perhaps more locally directed, newspapers are not as valid or worthwhile, it is more a case of giving the readers what they want.
In the case of the Newcastle Herald, my town's main newspaper, I think it is tailoring its educational level at the right level. Newcastle has such a wide cross-section of people with vastly different economic, social and educational levels. The readership extends across this hugely. In terms of being an accessible newspaper it is fantastic. Anyone could read a story and be informed, with little to no assumed knowledge required.
An interesting point I found in the text was: "The challenge is to keep the language from becoming predictable and static while maintaining the tone and dignity of straight news reporting" (Conley & Lambel, p. ) This, to me, seems a very difficult task, as even the simple news writing assignments we have had this semester have been daunting. It has been more a case of not knowing where to begin, let alone considering lifting language so as not to become flat.
2.I don't think that reporters should interpret news events and inject their thoughts into news stories. The text states that words "centre on whether it is factual" (Conley & Lambel, p. 156). This is so important, especially in newspaper reporting, where it can even become dangerous. A reporter must remain credible to its sources and readers, or make sure not to "invest the story with false importance" (Conley & Lambel, p. 142)
Although, journalists should have 'styles' as "a journalist without style is a journalist without substance, and a journalist without substance is ... not a journalist" (Conley & Lambel, p.147). I wonder if forming a style comes naturally or whether you have to work hard to make one? Perhaps it is a little bit of both.
3.I think it is very important for news writing to stay independent of changing language, e.g. Americanism. News writing is the "product of centuries of linguistic evolution" (Conley & Lambel, p. 146).
I would find it very off-putting if I was to read a newspaper article which showcased slang or Americanisms, unless it was a article discussing language. I would find the newspaper to lack credibility and would probably dismiss it. In some magazines, journalists try to use slang, perhaps more as a technique to appear intimate and comfortable. This is completely different to 'hard news' as it concerns serious matters, and has a duty to the public.
4. Yes, I think newspapers do have a serious commitment to accuracy. As I said before, inaccurate journalism can even become dangerous. A newspaper has a contract with society to present news in the most accurate way possible. This extends so far as to ensure that names and titles are spelt correctly. Many people, including (and perhaps the most) people who are in the newspaper for the first time can become very upset if their names are incorrectly spelt. It may be only a small detail to a journalist, but it is not to the individual.
5. I would most probably contact my supervisor and prepare an apology to be ran in the next days newspaper. If nobody has contacted the newspaper yet, there may be someone who will soon (or most probably Mediawatch). It is must more important to retain your credibility rather than hope for the best. Hopefully, I would have researched my story a little bit better rather than having to run an apology for a serious mistake! This definitely highlights the need for thorough research.
-------------------------------------------------
VCAT hearing under way into late-night lockout plans
Posted Mon Aug 27, 2007 2:22pm AEST
Map: Bendigo 3550
A tribunal hearing about a proposed lockout for late-night venues in Bendigo's central business district, in central Victoria, has started in Melbourne.
Police had been pushing for a 1:00am AEST curfew, while venue operators prefer a 3:00am lockout.
The two parties had been in talks on a 2:00am compromise, but failed to reach an agreement.
The hearing, in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), is expected to finish today.
------------------------------------------------
Discussion
This article is very interesting to me, especially surrounding all the media attending that Newcastle has been facing. I have heard barely anything about the Victorian lockout scheme.
The lockout situation came as a retaliation to violence and disorderly behaviour in the Newcastle CBD. This was further heightened by the death of an elderly man called Frank Newberry, who was bashed to death and robber in his grocery store.
Newcastle residents were opting for a similar 1:00am curfew, however local and state government as well as hotel and club owners were pushing for a later time, and have come to the agreement of a 3:00am lockout.
It is sad that Newcastle and Melbourne have had to come to such measures. If only people were intelligent enough, and able to handle themselves well enough, to not be a danger to themselves or others around them.
Link to a Newcastle article
Newcastle Lockout
Measures used to try and combat the Newcastle Lockout
Rock Out Against the Lock Out
Week 6 - The Upside Down Pyramid
Discussion Questions
1. No, I would not include the comment. It is the job of a journalist to present the news are accurately as possible. You would have to insist to the source that you were unable to run the comment. Anything that is printed holds a great deal of responsibility. Running something that is untrue could come back to haunt you and damage your credibility.
2. I think then I would contact somebody, such as a supervisor, and discuss where to go from there. "Justification is sometimes offered by publishing the other side of the story the next day" (Conley & Lamble, p. 135), so maybe the newspaper could adopt a similar situation to offer balance.
If another newspaper was running a similar article, perhaps the story could be looked at from a different angle. I think that I would still want the story to run, as it is definitely relevant if another newspaper is publishing something similar. Newspapers are always crossing over on their stories in some way.
3. First of all, I would survey the scene, taking time to look for dangers and threats, and to get a "clear overview of the situation" (Conley & Lamble, p. 129). I would ten question some people at the scene of nearby who say they saw or heard the situation when it was reported to police. However, everything must be confirmed later. The five W's and the H are natural elements to include. It would be silly to try and get answers from emergency personnel who are trying to control the situation or treating someone.
I would start by writing a summary introduction that, "highlights the most dramatic element" (Conely & Lamble, p. 130). It would show how the first began and how the injuries occured. The best quotations would be placed high in the story to support the opening paragraph.
4. Yes, the inverted pyramid is the effective method of structuring material. Even though some people may quit reading the story half way along because they know the material becomes less and less important, however readers, "want to be told the most important facts immediately" (Conley & Lamble, p. 125). By only reading these first few paragraphs, readers can become reasonably well informed. It is the most, "efficient structure yet devised for communicating news quickly and clearly" (Conley & Lamble, p. 125).
Australia ranks low in world gun ownership: survey
By Leigh Sales and wires
Posted Wed Aug 29, 2007 6:50am AEST
Australia has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the world, according to the annual Small Arms Survey, released in
Europe overnight.
The independent research project, based at the Graduate School of International Studies in Geneva, catalogues weapons production, stockpiles and illicit arms transfers.
In recent decades the Government has tried to reduce civilian gun ownership, notably through a weapons buyback scheme after the Port Arthur Massacre in 1996.
It has worked, with figures estimating there are only about 15 guns per 100 Australians.
In comparison, the United States has an estimated 90 guns for every 100 civilians - the highest rate of gun ownership in the world.
India has the world's second-largest civilian gun arsenal, with an estimated 46 million firearms outside law enforcement and the military, though this represents just four guns per 100 people there.
China, ranked third with 40 million privately held guns, has three firearms per 100 people.
Germany, France, Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil and Russia are next in the ranking of country's overall civilian gun arsenals.
On a per-capita basis, Yemen has the second most heavily armed citizenry behind the US, with 61 guns per 100 people, followed by Finland with 56, Switzerland with 46, Iraq with 39 and Serbia with 38.
The survey uses published reports, gun registrations and other means to formulate its figures.
It does not make any findings regarding the possible link between gun ownership and violence, a highly controversial topic.
The study also shows three quarters of the world's small arms are held by civilians, with rapid and unchecked urbanisation a key driver behind their proliferation.
Of the 875 million small arms in circulation, some 650 million or 75 per cent are held by civilians.
There are 270 million small arms in the US.
The survey also shows civilians are acquiring greater numbers of increasingly powerful guns, and that this trend is likely to continue for the forseeable future.
"The connection between per capita wealth and gun ownership is strong enough to suggest that as long as gun ownership laws are not changed, greater national wealth leads to greater gun ownership," the report said.
Brazil's firearm homicide rate is greater than some war-torn countries, with the number of victims tripling to 21 per 100,000 from seven in the period 1982-2002.
Post-conflict societies also remain at risk from gun violence as many weapons still remain in circulation among the civilian population and societies often lack a robust regulatory and security framework, the report noted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discussion
Australia has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the world - and thank goodness for that. I am proud of Australia for its gun laws, in stark contrast to that of America and their present situation.
The stats on America, "estimated 90 guns for every 100 civilians", and that it has the highest rate of gun ownership in the world (270 million small arms), is completely outrageous. I know some people think it is a constitutional right, but surely they can see these laws are causing more harm than good. Especially in the rate of high school shootings and fatalities.
This article holds a certain amount of currency, especially highlighted by the Port Arthur Massacre in 1996. I was fairly young when this occurred, but can still remember the huge implications it caused.
I recently talked to someone who was upset about the weapons buyback scheme, and who thought it unnecessary. This really opened up my eyes to the opinions of some people, even though I completely disagreed with him.
It is a sad world where greater national growth leads to greater gun ownership. I am just glad that Australia has had enough sense to do something about the situation, rather than add fuel to the fire.
Interesting Link:
Gun Control
A opposing view-point to gun control laws in Australia:
Opinion Piece
1. No, I would not include the comment. It is the job of a journalist to present the news are accurately as possible. You would have to insist to the source that you were unable to run the comment. Anything that is printed holds a great deal of responsibility. Running something that is untrue could come back to haunt you and damage your credibility.
2. I think then I would contact somebody, such as a supervisor, and discuss where to go from there. "Justification is sometimes offered by publishing the other side of the story the next day" (Conley & Lamble, p. 135), so maybe the newspaper could adopt a similar situation to offer balance.
If another newspaper was running a similar article, perhaps the story could be looked at from a different angle. I think that I would still want the story to run, as it is definitely relevant if another newspaper is publishing something similar. Newspapers are always crossing over on their stories in some way.
3. First of all, I would survey the scene, taking time to look for dangers and threats, and to get a "clear overview of the situation" (Conley & Lamble, p. 129). I would ten question some people at the scene of nearby who say they saw or heard the situation when it was reported to police. However, everything must be confirmed later. The five W's and the H are natural elements to include. It would be silly to try and get answers from emergency personnel who are trying to control the situation or treating someone.
I would start by writing a summary introduction that, "highlights the most dramatic element" (Conely & Lamble, p. 130). It would show how the first began and how the injuries occured. The best quotations would be placed high in the story to support the opening paragraph.
4. Yes, the inverted pyramid is the effective method of structuring material. Even though some people may quit reading the story half way along because they know the material becomes less and less important, however readers, "want to be told the most important facts immediately" (Conley & Lamble, p. 125). By only reading these first few paragraphs, readers can become reasonably well informed. It is the most, "efficient structure yet devised for communicating news quickly and clearly" (Conley & Lamble, p. 125).
Australia ranks low in world gun ownership: survey
By Leigh Sales and wires
Posted Wed Aug 29, 2007 6:50am AEST
Australia has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the world, according to the annual Small Arms Survey, released in
Europe overnight.
The independent research project, based at the Graduate School of International Studies in Geneva, catalogues weapons production, stockpiles and illicit arms transfers.
In recent decades the Government has tried to reduce civilian gun ownership, notably through a weapons buyback scheme after the Port Arthur Massacre in 1996.
It has worked, with figures estimating there are only about 15 guns per 100 Australians.
In comparison, the United States has an estimated 90 guns for every 100 civilians - the highest rate of gun ownership in the world.
India has the world's second-largest civilian gun arsenal, with an estimated 46 million firearms outside law enforcement and the military, though this represents just four guns per 100 people there.
China, ranked third with 40 million privately held guns, has three firearms per 100 people.
Germany, France, Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil and Russia are next in the ranking of country's overall civilian gun arsenals.
On a per-capita basis, Yemen has the second most heavily armed citizenry behind the US, with 61 guns per 100 people, followed by Finland with 56, Switzerland with 46, Iraq with 39 and Serbia with 38.
The survey uses published reports, gun registrations and other means to formulate its figures.
It does not make any findings regarding the possible link between gun ownership and violence, a highly controversial topic.
The study also shows three quarters of the world's small arms are held by civilians, with rapid and unchecked urbanisation a key driver behind their proliferation.
Of the 875 million small arms in circulation, some 650 million or 75 per cent are held by civilians.
There are 270 million small arms in the US.
The survey also shows civilians are acquiring greater numbers of increasingly powerful guns, and that this trend is likely to continue for the forseeable future.
"The connection between per capita wealth and gun ownership is strong enough to suggest that as long as gun ownership laws are not changed, greater national wealth leads to greater gun ownership," the report said.
Brazil's firearm homicide rate is greater than some war-torn countries, with the number of victims tripling to 21 per 100,000 from seven in the period 1982-2002.
Post-conflict societies also remain at risk from gun violence as many weapons still remain in circulation among the civilian population and societies often lack a robust regulatory and security framework, the report noted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discussion
Australia has one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the world - and thank goodness for that. I am proud of Australia for its gun laws, in stark contrast to that of America and their present situation.
The stats on America, "estimated 90 guns for every 100 civilians", and that it has the highest rate of gun ownership in the world (270 million small arms), is completely outrageous. I know some people think it is a constitutional right, but surely they can see these laws are causing more harm than good. Especially in the rate of high school shootings and fatalities.
This article holds a certain amount of currency, especially highlighted by the Port Arthur Massacre in 1996. I was fairly young when this occurred, but can still remember the huge implications it caused.
I recently talked to someone who was upset about the weapons buyback scheme, and who thought it unnecessary. This really opened up my eyes to the opinions of some people, even though I completely disagreed with him.
It is a sad world where greater national growth leads to greater gun ownership. I am just glad that Australia has had enough sense to do something about the situation, rather than add fuel to the fire.
Interesting Link:
Gun Control
A opposing view-point to gun control laws in Australia:
Opinion Piece
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Week 5 - The Lead: Will the Reader Follow?
Discussion Questions
1. Because I am studying a journalism course, and we have been told about the habits in which people read the newspaper, I try to make an effort to read as much of a newspaper's content as I can. Although, I must admit there are a few sections that are often not even touched. These sections would be:
1. The sports section - I am really not interested in sports, I'm sorry I know I should at least stay informed about large stories. This is something I could improve on.
2. The drive/car section - Yes, as typical a female as I am, the car section does not enthrall me. I have a car (if you can call it that) and until I need to purchase a new car, this section does not interest me.
3. The Life/Wellbeing section - These are mostly in weekend newspapers, and I must admit that I do sometimes scan these for interesting reads. I do not find the content to this section very interesting most probably because it is directed at a different demographic to me.
4. The TAB/Racing section - Do I need to explain this?
However, in terms of being more technical (for instance, the headline, first paragraph, photograph, etc.) and when I am consciously aware of it, I tend to think that I look at the photograph/image first. Following this I dart to the photograph's caption and the headline to establish a context for the image, and if this story sounds interesting, I read the following text.
This seems to be quite similar to the chapter's view of preferences of eye-tracking. These being; 1. a photograph, 2. the photograph's caption, 3. the biggest headline and 4. the intro of the story with the biggest headline.
2. As strange as it might sound, I don't watch that much television. It may be my working hours or it may just be my quality of reception at home, but I just don't find many television shows to be interesting. Nearly all of the few shows I tune into are on the ABC and are only in certain half-hour blocks. This is sounding quite pretentious. Although, I have been known to watch the odd Australian Idol performance night.
I try to read the newspaper as much as possible. I think this is because it is embedded in all the students how important it is to be up-to-date on current affairs, or from a technical/writing perspective.
I am not sure what would encourage me to spend more time reading my local paper, as I tend to buy both the Sydney Morning Herald and the Newcastle Herald as frequently as I can. Perhaps if these were offered as the University in a more "street press" style, such as being free and easily acquired, this would encourage me to read it more regularly. Although the newspapers are offered at the University to be read for free, most of my reading occurs at home.
3. I think that writing trick intros are not worth the hassle to get your reader simply to the second paragraph. A writer should never jeopardize their integrity or insult/annoy their readers. As it states in the chapter, "The intro should never promise more than it delivers" (Conley & Lamble, 2006). I know I have suffered this ploy many times and have felt suitably cheated. If you're story has not got a strong news value to being with, perhaps you should re-evaluate why you are writing it to begin with. If there is not choice, then you should simply do you're job instead of trying to be as attention grabbing as you can instead of reporting the facts in a clear way to your readers. You may not be remembered for this story but at least you wont be remembered as being a false advertiser.
4.I think this would be a situation faced by many journalists, and I can see it happening to me! This books restates throughout the importance of the introduction. The chapter states that when formulating the intro, you should look for "angels ... to become the raw product from which the intro will be delivered". If the writer is having trouble formulating an intro that wont gel, perhaps they could try the "over-the-fence technique" (Conley & Lamble, 2006). This is "when you think of how you might summaries the material if you were telling a neighbour about the story" (Conley & Lamble, 2006). However, this is probably extremely helpful in a newsroom/"hard-news" situation, but for a feature writer this may still be quite unhelpful. Perhaps then, you should think of the strongest part of the message that is in you piece, and consider questions such as "What is the big picture?", "What news angles do I have in mind?" or "What are the implications?".
Perhaps if these do not lead you to your great introduction, you should organise your information into "vital", "possibly important" and "useless" categories. This may change the scope of your introduction completely.
5. I think in a situation like this you should immediately contact your sub-editor. It is not worth it to not only ruin you article but to also offend your sources. Letting something like this happen will not only embarass you, but will also embarass your sub-editor. Therefore you're interests are allied. Then there is the point of offending you're sources. If these sources are quite important, or they are used regularly, then in offending them it is safe to say that you will be cutting major ties. Even if these sources are not regularly used, they are still members of the public who have an opinion and who will voice it to other members of the community. You should not tarnish your name or the name of others for a mistake that can be easily corrected.
----------------------------------------------------------
Agent says Simpson book to be published
Posted Tue Aug 14, 2007 11:00am AEST
In the book, OJ Simpson describes how he would have killed his ex-wife (file photo). (Reuters: Fred Prouser)
A New York publisher is to go ahead with the release of If I Did It, OJ Simpson's hypothetical account of the murders of his ex-wife and one of her friends.
A spokesman for literary agent Sharlene Martin did not identify the publishing house involved in the deal or specify when the book would come out, saying only that further details would be released on Tuesday.
Ms Martin's spokesman says that the book, in which former American football star Simpson describes how he would have killed ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and friend Ronald Goldman, was to be repackaged by the new publisher.
The publisher "pledged to leave Simpson's manuscript entirely intact, but they will also add key commentary," spokesman Michael Wright said in a statement, without elaborating on the commentary.
Plans by Simpson to release the book last year sparked a wave of outrage across the United States, prompting publisher HarperCollins to scrap the title and for Fox News to cancel an accompanying television interview.
Simpson, who always has vehemently denied the 1994 killings, was acquitted of killing his ex-wife and Mr Goldman after a racially charged trial in 1995. The verdict sparked outrage in much of America.
He was later found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and ordered to pay $US33.5 million ($39 million) in damages to Mr Goldman's family.
The case took a further twist when a US judge in March handed the rights of the book to the Goldman family as payment for the $US33.5 million damages award never paid by Simpson.
---------------------------------------------------
Discussion
American football player OJ Simpson should not have been allowed to release this book. And whoever, the publishing house is, they have very low morals.
OJ Simpson is clearly trying to capitalise on his story, even though all of his income should be going to the Goldman family, to whom he is indebted $33.5 million. However, he receives an American Football pension, and law protects pensions from these kinds of positions (even though the pension is $33,000 per month).
His trial is often noted as "the trial of the century", in a verdict of not guilty for the two murders (his wife and wife's friend). The verdict was seen live on TV by more than half of the U.S. population, making it one of the most watched events in American TV history. Immediate reaction to the verdict was noted for its division along racial lines.
Simpson was later found liable in a civil case.
This book is clearly going to sell a huge amount of copies. I really do hope the revenue goes towards the Goldman family, they deserve it much more than Simpson.
Link to CNN trial of OJ Simpson
CNN
1. Because I am studying a journalism course, and we have been told about the habits in which people read the newspaper, I try to make an effort to read as much of a newspaper's content as I can. Although, I must admit there are a few sections that are often not even touched. These sections would be:
1. The sports section - I am really not interested in sports, I'm sorry I know I should at least stay informed about large stories. This is something I could improve on.
2. The drive/car section - Yes, as typical a female as I am, the car section does not enthrall me. I have a car (if you can call it that) and until I need to purchase a new car, this section does not interest me.
3. The Life/Wellbeing section - These are mostly in weekend newspapers, and I must admit that I do sometimes scan these for interesting reads. I do not find the content to this section very interesting most probably because it is directed at a different demographic to me.
4. The TAB/Racing section - Do I need to explain this?
However, in terms of being more technical (for instance, the headline, first paragraph, photograph, etc.) and when I am consciously aware of it, I tend to think that I look at the photograph/image first. Following this I dart to the photograph's caption and the headline to establish a context for the image, and if this story sounds interesting, I read the following text.
This seems to be quite similar to the chapter's view of preferences of eye-tracking. These being; 1. a photograph, 2. the photograph's caption, 3. the biggest headline and 4. the intro of the story with the biggest headline.
2. As strange as it might sound, I don't watch that much television. It may be my working hours or it may just be my quality of reception at home, but I just don't find many television shows to be interesting. Nearly all of the few shows I tune into are on the ABC and are only in certain half-hour blocks. This is sounding quite pretentious. Although, I have been known to watch the odd Australian Idol performance night.
I try to read the newspaper as much as possible. I think this is because it is embedded in all the students how important it is to be up-to-date on current affairs, or from a technical/writing perspective.
I am not sure what would encourage me to spend more time reading my local paper, as I tend to buy both the Sydney Morning Herald and the Newcastle Herald as frequently as I can. Perhaps if these were offered as the University in a more "street press" style, such as being free and easily acquired, this would encourage me to read it more regularly. Although the newspapers are offered at the University to be read for free, most of my reading occurs at home.
3. I think that writing trick intros are not worth the hassle to get your reader simply to the second paragraph. A writer should never jeopardize their integrity or insult/annoy their readers. As it states in the chapter, "The intro should never promise more than it delivers" (Conley & Lamble, 2006). I know I have suffered this ploy many times and have felt suitably cheated. If you're story has not got a strong news value to being with, perhaps you should re-evaluate why you are writing it to begin with. If there is not choice, then you should simply do you're job instead of trying to be as attention grabbing as you can instead of reporting the facts in a clear way to your readers. You may not be remembered for this story but at least you wont be remembered as being a false advertiser.
4.I think this would be a situation faced by many journalists, and I can see it happening to me! This books restates throughout the importance of the introduction. The chapter states that when formulating the intro, you should look for "angels ... to become the raw product from which the intro will be delivered". If the writer is having trouble formulating an intro that wont gel, perhaps they could try the "over-the-fence technique" (Conley & Lamble, 2006). This is "when you think of how you might summaries the material if you were telling a neighbour about the story" (Conley & Lamble, 2006). However, this is probably extremely helpful in a newsroom/"hard-news" situation, but for a feature writer this may still be quite unhelpful. Perhaps then, you should think of the strongest part of the message that is in you piece, and consider questions such as "What is the big picture?", "What news angles do I have in mind?" or "What are the implications?".
Perhaps if these do not lead you to your great introduction, you should organise your information into "vital", "possibly important" and "useless" categories. This may change the scope of your introduction completely.
5. I think in a situation like this you should immediately contact your sub-editor. It is not worth it to not only ruin you article but to also offend your sources. Letting something like this happen will not only embarass you, but will also embarass your sub-editor. Therefore you're interests are allied. Then there is the point of offending you're sources. If these sources are quite important, or they are used regularly, then in offending them it is safe to say that you will be cutting major ties. Even if these sources are not regularly used, they are still members of the public who have an opinion and who will voice it to other members of the community. You should not tarnish your name or the name of others for a mistake that can be easily corrected.
----------------------------------------------------------
Agent says Simpson book to be published
Posted Tue Aug 14, 2007 11:00am AEST
In the book, OJ Simpson describes how he would have killed his ex-wife (file photo). (Reuters: Fred Prouser)
A New York publisher is to go ahead with the release of If I Did It, OJ Simpson's hypothetical account of the murders of his ex-wife and one of her friends.
A spokesman for literary agent Sharlene Martin did not identify the publishing house involved in the deal or specify when the book would come out, saying only that further details would be released on Tuesday.
Ms Martin's spokesman says that the book, in which former American football star Simpson describes how he would have killed ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and friend Ronald Goldman, was to be repackaged by the new publisher.
The publisher "pledged to leave Simpson's manuscript entirely intact, but they will also add key commentary," spokesman Michael Wright said in a statement, without elaborating on the commentary.
Plans by Simpson to release the book last year sparked a wave of outrage across the United States, prompting publisher HarperCollins to scrap the title and for Fox News to cancel an accompanying television interview.
Simpson, who always has vehemently denied the 1994 killings, was acquitted of killing his ex-wife and Mr Goldman after a racially charged trial in 1995. The verdict sparked outrage in much of America.
He was later found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and ordered to pay $US33.5 million ($39 million) in damages to Mr Goldman's family.
The case took a further twist when a US judge in March handed the rights of the book to the Goldman family as payment for the $US33.5 million damages award never paid by Simpson.
---------------------------------------------------
Discussion
American football player OJ Simpson should not have been allowed to release this book. And whoever, the publishing house is, they have very low morals.
OJ Simpson is clearly trying to capitalise on his story, even though all of his income should be going to the Goldman family, to whom he is indebted $33.5 million. However, he receives an American Football pension, and law protects pensions from these kinds of positions (even though the pension is $33,000 per month).
His trial is often noted as "the trial of the century", in a verdict of not guilty for the two murders (his wife and wife's friend). The verdict was seen live on TV by more than half of the U.S. population, making it one of the most watched events in American TV history. Immediate reaction to the verdict was noted for its division along racial lines.
Simpson was later found liable in a civil case.
This book is clearly going to sell a huge amount of copies. I really do hope the revenue goes towards the Goldman family, they deserve it much more than Simpson.
Link to CNN trial of OJ Simpson
CNN
Monday, August 13, 2007
Week 4 - A Know For News
Discussion Questions
1. This has been posted after question 5.
2. If I was writing this article I would focus on the value of currency. The issues surrounding this woman are vast with a huge amount of controversy. Immigration and detention in Australia are serious issues . "Media must determine the strength and relevance of any new comment or circumstance and assess what, if anything, it adds to the debate. Does it add a new dimension?" - when concerning this case I would think it definitely would. Issues of protest would be raised concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, and much debate would be raised.
The second value I would choose is Human interest. This is definitely a story which would "interest humans". Although this is a news value that is sometimes linked with entertainment, I believe serious issues have there place under this heading. They can "inspire empathy or arouse community concern".
My third news value would be conflict. This issue would spark much debate within society, and have a heightened public interest. There would be issues sparked not only among society in general, but between politicians and various community groups. Running stories concerning conflict encourage individuals to develop their own opinions.
3. I would run the story on Prince Charles. He offers a larger prominence news value to that of the mayor. Even though the mayor's speech is much more valid and credible, there is no denying that Prince Charles would evoke much more public scrutiny of the subject than running the mayor story.
4. Any piece of information that people did not know before
5. No, they should not be assigned equal value. Different stories rely on different news values, "the five Ws and H can appear in multiple combinations and in different order of importance in any particular story". (Conley & Lamble, p. 83). However, each of them should be should be listed as close to the beginning of a story as possible.
--------------------------------------------------
More Australian survivors arrive home for treatment
Posted Fri Dec 31, 2004 9:11pm AEDT
A 58-year old man has been transported to hospital after being flown home to Australia from tsunami affected Sri Lanka.
Ambulance officers met a specially-charted plane from Colombo and picked up the man who had multiple wounds and lacerations.
He is currently in a stable condition in St George hospital in Sydney.
Also on the flight was Anya Rowlands who is still coming to terms with the extent of the damage along coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
"I was shocked when I saw the news reportage on the TV because when you are actually in something I don't think it's nearly, it doesn't feel like it is when you are there so we've just sort of been helping tourists and things and some local people get connected with their families," she said.
Ninth Australian confirmed dead in tsunami
Posted Wed Dec 29, 2004 11:16pm AEDT
A ninth Australian has been confirmed dead as a result of the tsunami disaster, with many more still missing.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has identified the ninth Australian victim as 61-year-old Canberra woman Magdalene Balachandra.
Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Bruce Billson says concerns are held for the wellbeing of nine other missing Australians.
"There are 27 Australians in hospital at the moment," he said.
"I am pleased that we've confirmed the safety and whereabouts of 3,121 citizens and we're also working through the almost 5,000 possible Australians who may also be in the region."
The other Australian victims include a 6-month-old baby and an 81-year-old woman from Western Australia, three men in their 50s from Queensland, a 16-year-old boy from Victoria, a 3-year-old girl from New South Wales and a 39-year-old man who is a permanent resident of Australia.
Authorities say it may take days and in some cases weeks to identify victims due to the fact some bodies are in a very bad state.
Ninth Australian Confirmed Dead In Tsunami
Melbourne tsunami victim's parents arrive home
Posted Thu Dec 30, 2004 6:49pm AEDT
The parents of 16-year-old Melbourne boy Paul Giardina, who was killed in the tsunami, have flown home from Thailand.
Paul's body will be returned to Melbourne tonight.
His uncle, Vince Parisi, says it was very difficult for Paul's parents to return without their son.
"You know they've had a terrible three days, or four days, you know, the cuts and bruises mean absolutely nothing, it's certainly emotional trauma that they're suffering," he said.
Melbourne tsunami victim's partents arrive home
More than 720 dead from quake, tsunamis in Indonesia
Posted Sun Dec 26, 2004 11:06pm AEDT
A total of 721 people have been confirmed dead in Indonesia from a powerful earthquake and tsunamis that struck the northern tip of Sumatra island today but the toll is expected to rise.
First sergeant Suwarno, a police spokesman in the Sumatran region of Aceh, said in his district there were 378 dead, while other parts of the province reported updated fatality figures.
"The search is continuing and it is believed that there are still more than 100 others killed as many people are still missing," said First sergeant Suwarno, whose office covers the North Aceh region.
Doctor Fadli Hanafiah, director of the Cut Mutia hospital in the Lhokseumawe area of Sumtra's Aceh province, added that 83 fatalities had arrived so far.
"Bodies continue to arrive from various areas," he said
An officer on duty in east Aceh district who declined to identify himself said that 29 people were found dead in his area.
Earlier tolls from local officials in the Aceh district of Bireuen confirmed 95 dead, while in the neighbouring province of North
Sumatra, the fatality figure was put at 54.
More than 720 dead from quake, tsunamis in Indonesia
Earthquake, tsunamis kill thousands in Asia
Posted Sun Dec 26, 2004 11:06pm AEDT Updated Mon Dec 27, 2004 3:07am AEDT
•
The world's fifth-largest quake in a century hit southern Asia on Sunday, unleashing a tsunami that crashed into Sri Lanka and India, drowning thousands and swamping tourist isles in Thailand and the Maldives.
Exact death tolls throughout the region have been difficult to confirm but reports suggest over 6,000 people have been killed.
The worst hit areas appear to be Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia.
A wall of water up to 10 metres high triggered by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake swept into Indonesia, over the coast of Sri Lanka and India and across southern Thai tourist islands.
Sri Lanka, where officials put the death toll at 3,225, appealed for emergency international assistance, President Chandrika Kumaratunga's office said.
Around 1,600 people have been wounded and 1 million people, or 5 per cent of the population, were affected, Sri Lankan officials said.
"The President has declared a state of national disaster due to the seriousness of the situation," her office said.
The death toll in India has been put at about 2,000 and in Indonesia over 1,800.
The earthquake of magnitude 8.9 as measured by the US Geological Survey first struck at 7:59am local time off the coast of the northern Indonesian island of Sumatra and swung north with multiple tremors into the Andaman islands.
The earthquake was the world's biggest since 1964, said Julie Martinez, geophysicist at the US Geological Survey in Golden, Colorado. "It is multiple earthquakes along the same faultline."
It was the fifth-largest earthquake since 1900, she said.
"These big earthquakes, when they occur in shallow water... basically slosh the ocean floor... and it's as if you're rocking water in the bathtub and that wave can travel basically throughout the ocean," USGS geophysicist Bruce Presgrave told the BBC.
In Sri Lanka, thousands fled the worst tsunami in living memory, scrambling to higher ground for fear of another wave.
"The Army and the Navy have sent rescue teams; we have deployed over four choppers and half the Navy's eastern fleet to look for survivors," said military spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake.
The worst-hit area appeared to be the tourist region of the south and east where beach hotels were inundated or swept away.
"Our naval base in Trincomalee is underwater and right now we are trying to manage the situation there while rescuing people," said Navy spokesman Jayantha Perera.
At least 1,800 people have been killed in Indonesia after the powerful earthquake and tidal waves hit the island of Sumatra.
A spokesman for the ministry's Centre for Emergency Preparedness said most of the casualties were in Sumatra's northern Aceh province, with about 1,400 dead around the main city of Banda Aceh.
Medics and police around Aceh said they expect tolls to keep rising with the full extent of the devastation caused by the quake not yet known.
Communications with the remote province have been hampered by downed power and telephone lines.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has declared the area a national disaster.
Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands, lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire where plate boundaries intersect and volcanoes regularly erupt.
To the north in Thailand, officials reported one wave 5 to 10 metres high hit hotel-lined beaches on Phuket.
At least 257 people had been killed and more than 1,000 injured, officials said.
"It happened in cycles. There would be a surge and then it would retreat and then there would be a next surge which was
more violent and it went on like that," Paul Ramsbottom, a Briton on holiday in a Phuket beach bungalow, told BBC World TV.
"Then there was this one almighty surge. I mean literally this was the one which was picking up pickup trucks and motorcycles and throwing them around in front of us," he added.
One foreigner was known to be among the dead in Krabi.
Thai television showed scenes of devastation on one Phuket beach.
Store fronts were damaged and cars and motorcycles were strewn around after being tossed about by the powerful waves.
A Thai man carried one elderly Western man in swimming trunks to safety on his back, ITV showed.
Officials said more than 600 tourists and locals were being evacuated by air and sea from Ko Phi Phi, the tiny island made famous by the 2000 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Thai government ordered the evacuation of stricken coastal areas, which included popular beach resorts on the islands of Phuket and Krabi.
There are now reports of around 2,000 people being killed along the southern Indian coast and rescuers were searching for hundreds of fishermen missing, government officials said.
In the state of Tamil Nadu, a government official said at least 1,600 had been killed.
About 100 people had died in Madras, the city's police commissioner, K Natarajan, told reporters.
"The bodies in the hospital are mostly young women and children."
Fifteen people, including a British man, have been reported dead in the Maldives.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was to declare a national disaster in the archipelago whose coral atolls are a magnet for tourists from around the world, said chief government spokesman Ahmed Shaheed.
"The damage is considerable," Mr Shaheed said. "The island is only about three feet (one metre) above sea level and a wave of water four feet (1.3 metres) high swept over us."
The international airport was unusable, he said.
"It is a very bad situation. It is terrible," Mr Shaheed said.
"As you know it is the peak tourist season. We are trying to get reports from those areas. The whole of the Maldives is a tourist area so we are just hoping and praying."
The world's worst tsunami in recent history struck on July 17, 1998, when three waves ripped through Papua New Guinea's northwest coast, killing 2,500.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has set up a special hotline for people with relatives in South-East Asia and south Asia.
The number is 1 800 00 22 14.
Earthquake, tsunamis kill thousands in Asia
----------------------------------------------------
5. The Indian Ocean tsunami was a terrible tragedy. The press gave the tsunami proximity in two ways. The first way was to indicate the tourist factor of the areas effected, most notably in Indonesia which was highly popular around this time of year. "The worst-hit area appeared to be the tourist region of the south and east where beach hotels were inundated or swept away", This gives huge proximity to the tsunami, and articles definitely reflected the, "cultural bias within the media and the community" (Conely & Lamble, p. 91).
The second way the tsunami was given proximity was to focus on Australian's that had been killed or badly injured. Examples of these are above with "Ninth Australian Confirmed Dead In Tsunami" and "Melbourne Tsunami Victim's Parents Arrive Home". These articles are very confronting, and the tsunami becomes highly relevant to us.
These articles, spanning their focus from Australia to China and Indonesia, show just how huge the impact was, as it effected so many countries and people. This video clip shows some of the devastation caused by the natural disaster.
1. This has been posted after question 5.
2. If I was writing this article I would focus on the value of currency. The issues surrounding this woman are vast with a huge amount of controversy. Immigration and detention in Australia are serious issues . "Media must determine the strength and relevance of any new comment or circumstance and assess what, if anything, it adds to the debate. Does it add a new dimension?" - when concerning this case I would think it definitely would. Issues of protest would be raised concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, and much debate would be raised.
The second value I would choose is Human interest. This is definitely a story which would "interest humans". Although this is a news value that is sometimes linked with entertainment, I believe serious issues have there place under this heading. They can "inspire empathy or arouse community concern".
My third news value would be conflict. This issue would spark much debate within society, and have a heightened public interest. There would be issues sparked not only among society in general, but between politicians and various community groups. Running stories concerning conflict encourage individuals to develop their own opinions.
3. I would run the story on Prince Charles. He offers a larger prominence news value to that of the mayor. Even though the mayor's speech is much more valid and credible, there is no denying that Prince Charles would evoke much more public scrutiny of the subject than running the mayor story.
4. Any piece of information that people did not know before
5. No, they should not be assigned equal value. Different stories rely on different news values, "the five Ws and H can appear in multiple combinations and in different order of importance in any particular story". (Conley & Lamble, p. 83). However, each of them should be should be listed as close to the beginning of a story as possible.
--------------------------------------------------
More Australian survivors arrive home for treatment
Posted Fri Dec 31, 2004 9:11pm AEDT
A 58-year old man has been transported to hospital after being flown home to Australia from tsunami affected Sri Lanka.
Ambulance officers met a specially-charted plane from Colombo and picked up the man who had multiple wounds and lacerations.
He is currently in a stable condition in St George hospital in Sydney.
Also on the flight was Anya Rowlands who is still coming to terms with the extent of the damage along coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
"I was shocked when I saw the news reportage on the TV because when you are actually in something I don't think it's nearly, it doesn't feel like it is when you are there so we've just sort of been helping tourists and things and some local people get connected with their families," she said.
Ninth Australian confirmed dead in tsunami
Posted Wed Dec 29, 2004 11:16pm AEDT
A ninth Australian has been confirmed dead as a result of the tsunami disaster, with many more still missing.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has identified the ninth Australian victim as 61-year-old Canberra woman Magdalene Balachandra.
Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Bruce Billson says concerns are held for the wellbeing of nine other missing Australians.
"There are 27 Australians in hospital at the moment," he said.
"I am pleased that we've confirmed the safety and whereabouts of 3,121 citizens and we're also working through the almost 5,000 possible Australians who may also be in the region."
The other Australian victims include a 6-month-old baby and an 81-year-old woman from Western Australia, three men in their 50s from Queensland, a 16-year-old boy from Victoria, a 3-year-old girl from New South Wales and a 39-year-old man who is a permanent resident of Australia.
Authorities say it may take days and in some cases weeks to identify victims due to the fact some bodies are in a very bad state.
Ninth Australian Confirmed Dead In Tsunami
Melbourne tsunami victim's parents arrive home
Posted Thu Dec 30, 2004 6:49pm AEDT
The parents of 16-year-old Melbourne boy Paul Giardina, who was killed in the tsunami, have flown home from Thailand.
Paul's body will be returned to Melbourne tonight.
His uncle, Vince Parisi, says it was very difficult for Paul's parents to return without their son.
"You know they've had a terrible three days, or four days, you know, the cuts and bruises mean absolutely nothing, it's certainly emotional trauma that they're suffering," he said.
Melbourne tsunami victim's partents arrive home
More than 720 dead from quake, tsunamis in Indonesia
Posted Sun Dec 26, 2004 11:06pm AEDT
A total of 721 people have been confirmed dead in Indonesia from a powerful earthquake and tsunamis that struck the northern tip of Sumatra island today but the toll is expected to rise.
First sergeant Suwarno, a police spokesman in the Sumatran region of Aceh, said in his district there were 378 dead, while other parts of the province reported updated fatality figures.
"The search is continuing and it is believed that there are still more than 100 others killed as many people are still missing," said First sergeant Suwarno, whose office covers the North Aceh region.
Doctor Fadli Hanafiah, director of the Cut Mutia hospital in the Lhokseumawe area of Sumtra's Aceh province, added that 83 fatalities had arrived so far.
"Bodies continue to arrive from various areas," he said
An officer on duty in east Aceh district who declined to identify himself said that 29 people were found dead in his area.
Earlier tolls from local officials in the Aceh district of Bireuen confirmed 95 dead, while in the neighbouring province of North
Sumatra, the fatality figure was put at 54.
More than 720 dead from quake, tsunamis in Indonesia
Earthquake, tsunamis kill thousands in Asia
Posted Sun Dec 26, 2004 11:06pm AEDT Updated Mon Dec 27, 2004 3:07am AEDT
•
The world's fifth-largest quake in a century hit southern Asia on Sunday, unleashing a tsunami that crashed into Sri Lanka and India, drowning thousands and swamping tourist isles in Thailand and the Maldives.
Exact death tolls throughout the region have been difficult to confirm but reports suggest over 6,000 people have been killed.
The worst hit areas appear to be Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia.
A wall of water up to 10 metres high triggered by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake swept into Indonesia, over the coast of Sri Lanka and India and across southern Thai tourist islands.
Sri Lanka, where officials put the death toll at 3,225, appealed for emergency international assistance, President Chandrika Kumaratunga's office said.
Around 1,600 people have been wounded and 1 million people, or 5 per cent of the population, were affected, Sri Lankan officials said.
"The President has declared a state of national disaster due to the seriousness of the situation," her office said.
The death toll in India has been put at about 2,000 and in Indonesia over 1,800.
The earthquake of magnitude 8.9 as measured by the US Geological Survey first struck at 7:59am local time off the coast of the northern Indonesian island of Sumatra and swung north with multiple tremors into the Andaman islands.
The earthquake was the world's biggest since 1964, said Julie Martinez, geophysicist at the US Geological Survey in Golden, Colorado. "It is multiple earthquakes along the same faultline."
It was the fifth-largest earthquake since 1900, she said.
"These big earthquakes, when they occur in shallow water... basically slosh the ocean floor... and it's as if you're rocking water in the bathtub and that wave can travel basically throughout the ocean," USGS geophysicist Bruce Presgrave told the BBC.
In Sri Lanka, thousands fled the worst tsunami in living memory, scrambling to higher ground for fear of another wave.
"The Army and the Navy have sent rescue teams; we have deployed over four choppers and half the Navy's eastern fleet to look for survivors," said military spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake.
The worst-hit area appeared to be the tourist region of the south and east where beach hotels were inundated or swept away.
"Our naval base in Trincomalee is underwater and right now we are trying to manage the situation there while rescuing people," said Navy spokesman Jayantha Perera.
At least 1,800 people have been killed in Indonesia after the powerful earthquake and tidal waves hit the island of Sumatra.
A spokesman for the ministry's Centre for Emergency Preparedness said most of the casualties were in Sumatra's northern Aceh province, with about 1,400 dead around the main city of Banda Aceh.
Medics and police around Aceh said they expect tolls to keep rising with the full extent of the devastation caused by the quake not yet known.
Communications with the remote province have been hampered by downed power and telephone lines.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has declared the area a national disaster.
Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands, lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire where plate boundaries intersect and volcanoes regularly erupt.
To the north in Thailand, officials reported one wave 5 to 10 metres high hit hotel-lined beaches on Phuket.
At least 257 people had been killed and more than 1,000 injured, officials said.
"It happened in cycles. There would be a surge and then it would retreat and then there would be a next surge which was
more violent and it went on like that," Paul Ramsbottom, a Briton on holiday in a Phuket beach bungalow, told BBC World TV.
"Then there was this one almighty surge. I mean literally this was the one which was picking up pickup trucks and motorcycles and throwing them around in front of us," he added.
One foreigner was known to be among the dead in Krabi.
Thai television showed scenes of devastation on one Phuket beach.
Store fronts were damaged and cars and motorcycles were strewn around after being tossed about by the powerful waves.
A Thai man carried one elderly Western man in swimming trunks to safety on his back, ITV showed.
Officials said more than 600 tourists and locals were being evacuated by air and sea from Ko Phi Phi, the tiny island made famous by the 2000 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Thai government ordered the evacuation of stricken coastal areas, which included popular beach resorts on the islands of Phuket and Krabi.
There are now reports of around 2,000 people being killed along the southern Indian coast and rescuers were searching for hundreds of fishermen missing, government officials said.
In the state of Tamil Nadu, a government official said at least 1,600 had been killed.
About 100 people had died in Madras, the city's police commissioner, K Natarajan, told reporters.
"The bodies in the hospital are mostly young women and children."
Fifteen people, including a British man, have been reported dead in the Maldives.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was to declare a national disaster in the archipelago whose coral atolls are a magnet for tourists from around the world, said chief government spokesman Ahmed Shaheed.
"The damage is considerable," Mr Shaheed said. "The island is only about three feet (one metre) above sea level and a wave of water four feet (1.3 metres) high swept over us."
The international airport was unusable, he said.
"It is a very bad situation. It is terrible," Mr Shaheed said.
"As you know it is the peak tourist season. We are trying to get reports from those areas. The whole of the Maldives is a tourist area so we are just hoping and praying."
The world's worst tsunami in recent history struck on July 17, 1998, when three waves ripped through Papua New Guinea's northwest coast, killing 2,500.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has set up a special hotline for people with relatives in South-East Asia and south Asia.
The number is 1 800 00 22 14.
Earthquake, tsunamis kill thousands in Asia
----------------------------------------------------
5. The Indian Ocean tsunami was a terrible tragedy. The press gave the tsunami proximity in two ways. The first way was to indicate the tourist factor of the areas effected, most notably in Indonesia which was highly popular around this time of year. "The worst-hit area appeared to be the tourist region of the south and east where beach hotels were inundated or swept away", This gives huge proximity to the tsunami, and articles definitely reflected the, "cultural bias within the media and the community" (Conely & Lamble, p. 91).
The second way the tsunami was given proximity was to focus on Australian's that had been killed or badly injured. Examples of these are above with "Ninth Australian Confirmed Dead In Tsunami" and "Melbourne Tsunami Victim's Parents Arrive Home". These articles are very confronting, and the tsunami becomes highly relevant to us.
These articles, spanning their focus from Australia to China and Indonesia, show just how huge the impact was, as it effected so many countries and people. This video clip shows some of the devastation caused by the natural disaster.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Week 3 - Agents of Power
Discussion Questions
1. I think the most important media function is to inform. This is the whole reason for the media's existance. To educate and to entertain are communication functions, but are not quite as relevant.
"Respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principes of journalism" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 30). This highlights that 'to inform' is of paramount importance. "74% of journalists belive the role of getting information to the public quickly to be important ... 71% to provide analysis and interpretation ... 28% to provide entertainment and relaxation" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 31).
Journalists may be the only bridge in which society can become aware of certain issues or events going on in the community or in the world.
However, this can be used against society, or to enhance certain private interests. Those with political, legal and financial advantage may yield more power or control of the media. Therefore journalists must use their power wisely as they can have a huge influence on the rest of society. They should act in the public interest, not to please shareholders or decision-makers.
2. A journalist should only be concerned about the profitability of their employer to a certain extent. A journalist should feel secure in their job, and should not have to worry about losing it. However, a journalist should not exploit their position and write biased articles simply to reflect their organisation's alliances. A journalist should always act in the public interest, and not in private interests.
3. No, I do not think it is reasonable for the owner of a media outlet to direct the editorial or to make editorial decisions on political and other issues. This is up to the editor and chief of staff. These people are not trained journalist and should therefore stay out of public interest debates. Although, this is probably very rare. I assume that many owners of media outlets would have a hand at making decisions such as these. I can only hope that they arn't too radical or biased.
4. Investigatory journalism is extremely important. Investigatory journalists uncover hidden information, and can have huge effects on issues. However, most news rooms are driven by day to day expenses, and the comparative cost of investigatory reporting is high. If a reporter has enough time and effort to conduct an investigatory report, the results can be astounding. Investigatory pieces can offer new sets of information that a daily newspaper cannot achieve.
----------------------------------------------------
Richie opts for same jail as Hilton
Posted Mon Aug 6, 2007 12:08pm AEST Updated Mon Aug 6, 2007 1:14pm AEST
Best friends and co-stars Paris Hilton (L) and Nicole Richie (file photo). (Getty Images: Kevin Winter)
Celebrity socialite and mother-to-be Nicole Richie has opted to serve her jail time for driving under the influence of drugs at the same detention centre that TV sidekick Paris Hilton called home for about three weeks.
"Her attorney has contacted us and indicated that Ms Richie wants to do her sentence in the LA County jail," Steve Whitmore, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, said.
Richie, 25, pleaded guilty last week to a misdemeanor DUI charge and was sentenced to four days in jail, with the option of serving her time in a sprawling county lockup for women or in a "pay-to-stay" program operated by a nearby municipality, like Burbank.
Although county jails are considered tougher than city jails, county inmates are often eligible for early release on good behaviour because of overcrowding at those facilities.
Mr Whitmore declined to comment on whether Richie would be eligible for such a release, but presumably she will be.
Hilton, who co-stars with Richie on The Simple Life, was sentenced earlier this year to 45 days in county jail for violating her probation in a drink-driving case.
She ended up serving 22 days, most of that at the Century Regional Detention Facility for women in suburban Lynwood.
Richie's guilty plea stems from a traffic stop in December in which police said she was driving the wrong way on a Los Angeles-area freeway.
Police said Richie failed a field sobriety test and told officers she had smoked marijuana and taken the painkiller Vicodin.
Pregnancy confirmed
Interest in Richie's case intensified over the last few months because of speculation she is pregnant with her first child.
Richie and her boyfriend Joel Madden, lead singer of the rock band Good Charlotte, confirmed she was expecting a baby in an interview that aired on Thursday (local time) with ABC America's Diane Sawyer.
In the interview, a contrite Richie said she recognised the seriousness of her mistakes and looked forward to a healthier and more responsible future.
In his first comments since she was sentenced, Richie's father, pop singer Lionel Richie, told Us Weekly magazine that he tried to teach his daughter the importance of accepting the consequences of her actions.
"She has not blamed others for her problems and is growing up very quickly, albeit in the heat of the media spotlight," he said.
"Her pregnancy has given her a new perspective on life in general."
Richie has until September 28 to begin serving her sentence.
It was not immediately known when she would surrender to authorities.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Discussion
Well, it seems these two just can't keep away from the media spotlight. It saddens me to say this, but I do enjoy reading about their bizarre lives!
The first point that comes to my mind concerning this story is the headline, "Richie opts for same jail as Hilton", which is technically true, yet the story goes on to say that her lawyer indicated she would like to go there, and most probably because
she will get an early release because they are so crowded. This is very sneaky on the part of the writer who very much knows an attention grabbing headline. Although, after reading this article, I felt a little bit cheated, as stated in the text book as something to avoid as a journalist. Yet, the journalist has entirely told the truth.
I noticed that the reporter has also included quotes from father Lionel Richie and boyfriend Joel Madden, who are both highly newsworthy on their own. They fall under the "prominence" news value.
One thing that I always think about when I read about the Paris/Nicole/Lohan girls of the world, is why they don't either pay for a driver (they obviously have the money) or maybe even a taxi? Is it more a case of them having no regard to the law and the rest of society or is it just stupidity? Or maybe it is a case of being too intoxicated to know.
I wonder if pregnant women can actually go to jail? This struck me as another interesting point. Perhaps one that requires further research.
Nicole Richie's Mugshot
1. I think the most important media function is to inform. This is the whole reason for the media's existance. To educate and to entertain are communication functions, but are not quite as relevant.
"Respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principes of journalism" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 30). This highlights that 'to inform' is of paramount importance. "74% of journalists belive the role of getting information to the public quickly to be important ... 71% to provide analysis and interpretation ... 28% to provide entertainment and relaxation" (Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 31).
Journalists may be the only bridge in which society can become aware of certain issues or events going on in the community or in the world.
However, this can be used against society, or to enhance certain private interests. Those with political, legal and financial advantage may yield more power or control of the media. Therefore journalists must use their power wisely as they can have a huge influence on the rest of society. They should act in the public interest, not to please shareholders or decision-makers.
2. A journalist should only be concerned about the profitability of their employer to a certain extent. A journalist should feel secure in their job, and should not have to worry about losing it. However, a journalist should not exploit their position and write biased articles simply to reflect their organisation's alliances. A journalist should always act in the public interest, and not in private interests.
3. No, I do not think it is reasonable for the owner of a media outlet to direct the editorial or to make editorial decisions on political and other issues. This is up to the editor and chief of staff. These people are not trained journalist and should therefore stay out of public interest debates. Although, this is probably very rare. I assume that many owners of media outlets would have a hand at making decisions such as these. I can only hope that they arn't too radical or biased.
4. Investigatory journalism is extremely important. Investigatory journalists uncover hidden information, and can have huge effects on issues. However, most news rooms are driven by day to day expenses, and the comparative cost of investigatory reporting is high. If a reporter has enough time and effort to conduct an investigatory report, the results can be astounding. Investigatory pieces can offer new sets of information that a daily newspaper cannot achieve.
----------------------------------------------------
Richie opts for same jail as Hilton
Posted Mon Aug 6, 2007 12:08pm AEST Updated Mon Aug 6, 2007 1:14pm AEST
Best friends and co-stars Paris Hilton (L) and Nicole Richie (file photo). (Getty Images: Kevin Winter)
Celebrity socialite and mother-to-be Nicole Richie has opted to serve her jail time for driving under the influence of drugs at the same detention centre that TV sidekick Paris Hilton called home for about three weeks.
"Her attorney has contacted us and indicated that Ms Richie wants to do her sentence in the LA County jail," Steve Whitmore, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, said.
Richie, 25, pleaded guilty last week to a misdemeanor DUI charge and was sentenced to four days in jail, with the option of serving her time in a sprawling county lockup for women or in a "pay-to-stay" program operated by a nearby municipality, like Burbank.
Although county jails are considered tougher than city jails, county inmates are often eligible for early release on good behaviour because of overcrowding at those facilities.
Mr Whitmore declined to comment on whether Richie would be eligible for such a release, but presumably she will be.
Hilton, who co-stars with Richie on The Simple Life, was sentenced earlier this year to 45 days in county jail for violating her probation in a drink-driving case.
She ended up serving 22 days, most of that at the Century Regional Detention Facility for women in suburban Lynwood.
Richie's guilty plea stems from a traffic stop in December in which police said she was driving the wrong way on a Los Angeles-area freeway.
Police said Richie failed a field sobriety test and told officers she had smoked marijuana and taken the painkiller Vicodin.
Pregnancy confirmed
Interest in Richie's case intensified over the last few months because of speculation she is pregnant with her first child.
Richie and her boyfriend Joel Madden, lead singer of the rock band Good Charlotte, confirmed she was expecting a baby in an interview that aired on Thursday (local time) with ABC America's Diane Sawyer.
In the interview, a contrite Richie said she recognised the seriousness of her mistakes and looked forward to a healthier and more responsible future.
In his first comments since she was sentenced, Richie's father, pop singer Lionel Richie, told Us Weekly magazine that he tried to teach his daughter the importance of accepting the consequences of her actions.
"She has not blamed others for her problems and is growing up very quickly, albeit in the heat of the media spotlight," he said.
"Her pregnancy has given her a new perspective on life in general."
Richie has until September 28 to begin serving her sentence.
It was not immediately known when she would surrender to authorities.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Discussion
Well, it seems these two just can't keep away from the media spotlight. It saddens me to say this, but I do enjoy reading about their bizarre lives!
The first point that comes to my mind concerning this story is the headline, "Richie opts for same jail as Hilton", which is technically true, yet the story goes on to say that her lawyer indicated she would like to go there, and most probably because
she will get an early release because they are so crowded. This is very sneaky on the part of the writer who very much knows an attention grabbing headline. Although, after reading this article, I felt a little bit cheated, as stated in the text book as something to avoid as a journalist. Yet, the journalist has entirely told the truth.
I noticed that the reporter has also included quotes from father Lionel Richie and boyfriend Joel Madden, who are both highly newsworthy on their own. They fall under the "prominence" news value.
One thing that I always think about when I read about the Paris/Nicole/Lohan girls of the world, is why they don't either pay for a driver (they obviously have the money) or maybe even a taxi? Is it more a case of them having no regard to the law and the rest of society or is it just stupidity? Or maybe it is a case of being too intoxicated to know.
I wonder if pregnant women can actually go to jail? This struck me as another interesting point. Perhaps one that requires further research.
Nicole Richie's Mugshot
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