Week 13: Journalism 2001 April 24, 2006

Announcements Letter to the Editor: Today’s paper KBJR Tour: Congratulations, Mia Johnson! KBJR Tour: Waiting to hear from Promotions Director

Review of last week’s news Hard News: Major local stories Major national stories Major international stories Judith Miller in the news: Why?

Chapter 26: Ethics and Fairness: Responsibility to Society The Fairness Movement American Society of Newspaper Editors: Journalism Credibility Project Three-year, $1.2 million project: 1997-99 1998: Focusing on the problem Surveyed 3,000 Americans, 1,714 working journalists 1999: Developing and testing solutions

Journalism Credibility Project Six major reasons credibility is declining: Factual errors: spelling, grammar Inconsistent respect and knowledge of readers and their communities Journalist bias influences stories Sensational stories Newsroom values conflict with priorities Public who have experience with the news process are the most critical of media credibility

Key findings of 1999 tracking research Fundamental public perceptions of credibility haven’t changed Efforts to improve credibility are applauded. Errors can be forgiven, but confession is required. Absent explanation, motives will be presumed. For newspaper’s efforts to make any difference, they must show in the pages of the newspaper.

Best Practices for Newspaper Journalists* Newspapers are unfair when: They get the facts wrong They refuse to admit errors They won’t name names They have ignorant or incompetent reporters They prey on the weak They concentrate on bad news They lack diversity They allow editorial bias in news stories They can’t admit that sometimes there’s no story * Written by Robert Haiman, president emeritus and distinguished editor in residence at the Poynter Institute; Part of the The Freedom Forum Free Press/Fair Press Project

The Media and the Public Criticism of the press Media Critics Ombudsmen: “middle person” Objective newspaper employee who listens to complaint from readers and, when justified, passes them on to the appropriate reporters or editors. Organization of News Ombudsmen

Code of Ethics Associated Press Managing Editors Association American Society of Newspaper Editors Society of Professional Journalists Associated Press Sports Editors

Ethical Issues 150 daily editors surveyed on ethical issues Fairness and objectivity Misrepresentation by reporters Economic pressure Privacy versus the public’s right to know Conflicts of interest Anonymous sources Gifts Compassion versus policy Journalistic arrogance

Ethical dilemmas A reporter for a 15,000 circulation daily covers city and county government. Each day, she dutifully makes her rounds: the police department, the county sheriff’s office, the clerk of the court, the city engineer’s office, the city clerk’s office, etc. During the holidays, three of her regular sources give her gifts: a small box of chocolates, a novel and an inexpensive pen and pencil set. Should she accept the gifts?

The wife of the education reporter for a 25,000-circulation daily in a community of 40,000 decides to run for city council. The education reporter is not involved in coverage of city government issues or in coverage of the city council. The managing editor calls the reporter into his office. The managing editor tells the reporter that he has two choices: persuade his wife to drop out of the political race or resign his job because of a potential conflict of interest. Do you agree with the managing editor?

Minneapolis Star-Tribune Kate Perry: The Reader’s Rep

Washington Post New ombudsman with Minnesota ties

Upcoming stories Feature Story Assignment Final article due: May 1 Any challenges? Remember to list names/contact information for your sources Minimum of three sources Final eportfolio project: Due May 8 Any problems?

Bob Nygaard Guest Speaker: Today Email story of no more than 400 words to lkragnes@d.umn.edu by Wednesday, 4/26 Bob Nygaard Biographical Information: Duluth native Attended UMD from 1979-1982 Transferred to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he received his journalism degree in 1983. Began as Assistant Sports Information Director in UMD Athletics in fall of 1983. Three months later, he was promoted to Sports Information Director. 2005 recipient of the UMD Outstanding Service Award for Continuous Service.

Susan Latto Guest Speaker: 5/1 Due today: Write three questions and email them to: lkragnes@d.umn.edu Susan Latto Biographical Information: 1963 UMD graduate UMD Director of Public Relations, 1996-present Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Greater Downtown Council, Duluth, 1984-1995 Account Executive and Creative Advertising Writer, WAKX FM and KXTP AM Radio, Duluth, 1979-1984 Freelance television and radio on-air talent and writer, Duluth Private tutor and homebound instructor, Duluth Public Schools Secondary English and Speech Teacher/Debate Coach/Drama and Forensics Director, Duluth Public Schools and San Diego, California Public Schools

Portfolio Store academic information on your Electronic Portfolio. Each student has 100 mb of storage. Access Electronic Portfolio at: https://portfolio.umn.edu/portfolio/index.jsp

Egradebook Doublecheck assignments correct in egradebook: http://www.d.umn.edu/egradebook