THE NEWS

Gatekeeping Of the millions of news “events” occurring each day – only a few will be reported Someone must decide which stories are reported, and which are not News editors, news producers, news directors make those decisions They are the gatekeepers

What opens the gate? “If it bleeds – it leads.” Compelling video The “second day,” the “second hour,” the “second minute” Newsworthiness

Controversy Unusual Proximity Interesting Timeliness Impact

Ethics Journalistic ethics should address some of the “danger zones” that journalists much watch out for: –unsubstantial or fluffy writing –sensationalism –off-the-record information –investigative reporting –photomanipulation

Privacy When should journalists protect the individual’s right to privacy? –Juveniles –Accident victim –Crime victim (certain crimes)

Dealing with sources Attribution Background Deep background Not for attribution Protecting sources –Shield Laws

History The “modern newspaper” was born in 1835 – The New York Herald –Not party-controlled –Independent journalism –Simple writing –Penny paper –Organized into bureaus

Civil War Wire services Inverted Pyramid style writing Photojournalism Objectivity

Early 20 th Century Yellow journalism –Named for “Hogan’s Alley” comic strip –Printed in yellow ink Came to mean sensationalism –Stunts –Sex –Scandals

Shifting Media Radio and then later TV usurped the dominance of newspapers as primary source for news CNN changed the way news is reported with its 24-hour news cycle In 2008, the Internet became the “primary source” for news for most Americans

Current problems News manipulation is easier with new technology Emphasis on celebrity crowds out issues Audiences unable to distinguish between fact and opinion

Specialized Journalism Sports Weather Economics Agriculture Business Etc.