The line between funder and journalist is tough to honour, writes Stephen J.A. Ward. But the right policies could make non-profit networks pioneers in media accountability.
Year: 2009
The Rise of the Networks
Brant Houston is the Knight Chair in Investigative Reporting, University of Illinois As newspapers and other journalism institutions falter, networks of investigative and alternative newsrooms are rising up, sharing resources and finding ways to more …
Covering Tragedy: Do Journalists Exploit Suicide?
Suicides are often more than newsworthy, writes Stephen J.A. Ward, they challenge journalists to explore economic and social issues in their community. “Minimize harm” is the proper principle, not “do no harm.”
Guidelines for Guidelines: Social Media Policies Spark Debate
Since everyone is on Twitter, we have to let journalists tweet away, unrestrained, writes Stephen J.A. Ward. But as newsrooms start to create editorial policies for social media, we need sober, nuanced, ethical thinking that takes the long view, not emotional arguments from social media enthusiasts.
Covering Suicide: Do Journalists Exploit Tragedy?
Suicides are often more than newsworthy, writes Stephen J.A. Ward, they challenge journalists to explore economic and social issues in their community. “Minimize harm” is the proper principle, not “do no harm.” Reporters and their …
Dubai’s Radio: A quiet revolution (of sorts) for openness and change
Walking down the old port in Dubai, one still sees remnants of the former Emirates: a slice of the Arabian Gulf coast, a sleepy settlement of palm-fronted wind-towered houses, and Bedouin encampments – its few …
Journalism in the Entrepreneurial Age
Funding experiments are welcome and there’s nothing wrong with journalists looking for new ways to pay for reporting, writes Stephen J.A. Ward. But why assume funding from a foundation is any less fraught with potential conflicts than advertising from Zellers?
News 2.0: The Future of News in an Age of Social Media
The way news is collected and transmitted is undergoing fundamental change in an era of social media where the values of immediacy and speed dominate. Basen argues that a turning point has been reached. Newsgathering …
Turning dreams to shame: Susan Boyle’s Les Miz
But the tigers come at night With their voices soft as thunder As they tear your hope apart And they turn your dream to shame. – I Dreamed a Dream, Les Miserables The media have described …
Let the Public Help Guide Journalism Ethics
For too long, journalists have indulged in cant about how their standards meet the expectations of the public, and how they seek public input on ethical issues.
Even textbooks make the public an important player. The sub-title of the popular The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel is: What Newspeople Should Know and The Public Should Expect