Overview of Key News
Issues
1. The news is less than reality
i.
editing out of detail
ii.
missing or misunderstood
information
iii.
lack of access
2. The news is more than reality
i.
themes and
interpretations are added
ii.
order is created in
stories
iii.
source and commentator
influences
3. The news is different from reality (coding issues)
i.
dramatization factors
ii.
framing and context
4. The news is sometime adversarial (but not too often)
and that can be a problem. The
Critical/Objective role should be emphasized.
5. The news is less influential than we think in most
cases.
i.
not really partisan
ii.
reinforces views more
than changes (except for the totally new)
6. Bias is more subtle than we realize
Distressing trends (Peter
Kann)
o bluring lines between journalism and entertainment
(content and code)
o bluring lines between news and opinion
o pack journalism
o pessimism and cynicism
o suspect social orthodoxy – too little respect for the
public’s values
o short attention span -- of press & public
o fair use of media power requires
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accuracy
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fairness
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modesty (limit ego,
avoid crusader role, take pride in information giving)
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be decent to news subjects
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remember: the 1st
amendment is for all not just the press
last updated 4/18/2001
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