Most writers consider it fact that, in order to write well, you must read a lot. I encourage student journalists to read everything they can get their hands on. I figure the good writing they read will give them something to mirror. The bad writing serves as a warning and a great way to practice their editing skills. Journalists are mass … [Read more...]
It’s Normal to Feel Sad. Yes, Even for You.
Note: I decided to rerun this post because of this week's fatal storms in my home state. Please keep the residents, emergency workers and journalists in your thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourselves and each other. I am not a doctor. I don't even play one on TV. I am a social scientist. Most of you probably know or expect that since I'm a … [Read more...]
Capturing Trauma: The Ethics of News Photography
A man falling to his death from the World Trade Center. A starving child crawling to a feeding station as a vulture circles overhead. A weather-battered woman pleading for help as she digs through rubble, searching for her infant after an F-5 tornado leveled her hometown. These photos are the product of photographers' split-second … [Read more...]
Should We Expect Truth?
I have terrible news. Manti Te'o's girlfriend isn't real. Oh, and Beyonce´ lip synced at the presidential inauguration. And have you heard that Lance Armstrong really was doping? This is the worst one... wait for it... I overheard a conversation the other day about how House Hunters is all set up in advance. That's right. Reality … [Read more...]
Critics Target NRA After Shooting App Release
You've heard the old saying "timing is everything." While it may not be completely accurate in the media industry, timing certainly is important. The National Rifle Association recently provided a ripe example about the importance of timing in product release and public relations. The NRA released this week a target practice app geared toward … [Read more...]
Making a Distinction between Media and Journalism
This post is the combined efforts of myself and blogger and author Bruce Sallan. You can see Bruce's full bio below. I hope you enjoy the post and respond with your own views on media and/or journalism. Bruce Sallan: One of the many joys of Social Media is the incredible people we meet. Many of these “virtual” friends as I like to call them, … [Read more...]
Should Journalists Use the ‘i’ Word?
I bet I know what you're thinking. The "i" word? Which one is that? You're familiar with other words banned from "family" publications and public television, but this one is a little bit new. The "i" word is "illegal." Specifically, when used to describe an undocumented foreign worker. The Society of Professional Journalists, which arguably … [Read more...]