Week 7 - 'Truth and Objectivity"

Truth and Objectivity was the hot topic to discuss in this weeks tutorial. Our group consisting of myself, Martina and Andrew gave a presentation overview of the topic. Martina was the first speaker discussing truth and objectivity in journalism, Andrew identified a case study on Tibet in China and showed a u tube clip on CNN, and i gave an overview of truth and objectivity and its importance in journalism and i portrayed this through the importance of the enquiry system for journalists. Overall, our presentation demonstrated the need for truth and objectivity to achieve good journalism. We each raised a question to the class that developed sound discussion to conclude with. We tried not to rely heavily on powerpoint and basically just directed basic dot points of our individual discussions. The question based on truth and objectivity was a very interesting and engaging topic that allowed a vast variety of discussion and significant points to be raised in relation to the topic at hand.

Some commentators have argued that there us no place for truth and objectivity in journalism. John Swinton, former chief of executive staff for the New York Times stated, "The business for journalists is to destroy the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of a mammon, and to sell this country and his race for his daily bread. You know it and i know it our talents, our possibilities and our lives are all property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes". However, it is unquestionable that truth & objectivity are crucial components of good journalism.

I believe it is the job of a true journalist to check the truth of his stories, to investigate, to document. Journalists have an excuse, they have to make a living but dishonesty is still dishonesty and there is no place for dishonesty in good journalism. We as journalists need to be see seekers of the truth and only truth. Inaccurate journalism, is ineffective journalism, worse it is dangerous journalism. The Daily Miracle states," A story can be fair, it can be in the public interest, it can be true in every detail but that single error, however small can undo everything". It is frequently said that journalists are only as good as their sources, and journalists best sources of information are often their own powers of observation.

In a nutshell, journalists central functions are to seek the truths and to pass them on to their communities in ways which:
* Inform
* Educate
* Entertain.

The journalism readings by Leo Bowman and Stephen McIIwaine demonstrate the importance of enquiry for journalists. Schultz suggests that "There needs to be a cultural change that places investigation in a context where it is considered part of the day to day work of all journalists. Recognising that investigative journalism is something that all journalists can do is an important element of demystifying and broadening understanding of investigative reporters".

Mencher, Itule and Anderson identify several phases of story development. They illustrate that each stage requires different focus from journalists seeking to provide a truly comprehensive coverage. Journalists credibility as reporters and writers depends on their making that claim that their training allows them to 'know what to ask', enabling them to begin to present an authorative report to their auidence.

To meet audience needs, the news gathering process should encompass three levels of reporting. This can be identified as level 1 or reactive reporting, level 2 or analytical reporting and level 3 or reflective reporting. Journalists rely on people to tell them or show them things, they need people in authority or with special knowledge to supply them with the information that enables them to tell the audience whats happening. Reactive reporting concentrates on information that originates from the source and may be controlled by the source. Level 2 or analytical reporting is where journalists look for answers to how and why something happened. Journalists want to know such things as who was responsible for aspects of this event, who is to blame or be praised for their actions, before, during and afterwards. Finally journalists must move into level 3 or reflective reporting. This stage looks at more deep-seated societal trends and approaches that might have set the stage for particular news events.

It is important to note that an incomplete enquiry leads to a failure to explore a range of aspects of the story and things can remain hidden and important stories go unnoticed. The 5ws and Hws should be applied to every significant fact of each level of the enquiry process to enable clear, effective and accurate accounts of the story to be told.

It seems to me that journalists receive a lot of criticism, and are under constant scrutiny as to their methods and practices. Journalists are highly accountable in relation to their duty to report the truth.

When writing a story a journalist must strive to stay impartial and make sure that they represent all areas of the story. Therefore they are not influencing their audience's opinion and are giving them the opportunity to decide the outcome of the story themselves. By doing so, objectivity is achieved.

Nevertheless in order to try and understand the world, we cannot do so without assuming the possibility and value of objectivity. There is never one answer and it is important that journalists understand this and try to rise above this when reporting. They must strive forward in order to achieve objectivity within their coverage because this is what is important to the audience and by doing so is creating accurate and exciting journalism.

One could go on for minutes, hours, weeks, months and even years with discussing the importance of truth and objectivity in the journalism profession. It is very engaging and of significant importance to journalism and journalists. Christina asked us to each find a story that fits in with the criteria of the three system process of enquiry for journalists for next weeks lesson. The story must contain all three elements of reactive, analytical and reflective reporting.

Changes in technology and audience appear to be dictating a more accountable and more relevant for of journalism practice. The three level system of enquiry encourages journalists to seek and explore countless stories that await telling. Good journalism must evoke truthful accounts, be fair and honest in their delivery,inform, educate, engage and entertain their audience. There are a range of challenges conventional journalists must confront for it to survive. The importance of enquiry is paramount and integral for all good journalism. This enquiry process is very effective and accurate for a journalist to deliver the truth to its public. It is pivotal for journalists to establish the truth and discover it in stories. Overall, truth and objectivity are vital ingredients for good journalism!

The readings, "The whole truth and nothing but the truth", by Sharon Tickle conveys how journalists don't let the facts get in the way of a good story.The Australian journalists association the MEAA Code of Ethics opens with "respect for truth and the public's right to information are fundamental principles of journalism".

This chapter discusses case studies and challenges of opportunities for journalists. It is significant to note that you should not believe anything you hear or read until it has been verified by the most authorative sources possible. There are many sides to a story people will want to tell and there will always be someone who knows more about a story than you. Journalists ignore these at their peril.

I raised the question in my presentation: What would be the dangers for the journalism profession and consumers of journalism if there was no truth and objectivity in contemporary journalism? I believe that the journalism profession would have no credibility, the general public would be constantly misinformed, the general public wouldn't be able to tell what was true and false if it was common place for journalists to let bias govern their reporting. What do you think?

Overall the presentation went quite smooth everyone did a great job in presenting their section of the presentation question and knowing there information well and researching the topic thoroughly. Truth and objectivity are more important in journalism than some people may think they are everything, they are the tools needed for good journalism.

Thanks for reading this weeks coloum on truth and objectivity, stay tunned for the same time next week as i endulge into the topic of in the public interest: public v private.Should be a ripper! I'm Shanna Bull.