Bomb victims compared to zombies
Nov. 20, 2010 Several British newspapers used a quote inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video to describe the looks and actions of victims following the July 7, 2005 bombing of a London subway. The exact quote from a police officer on scene reads, “It was like Michael Jackson’s Thriller video. They were just covered in […]
A medal for fear
Nov. 4, 2010 On the days leading up to the “Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Keep Fear Alive” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Internet and media outlets were buzzing with anticipation. The rally, which was being thrown on Oct. 31 by Jon Stewart, host of “The Daily Show,” and Steven Colbert, host […]
Can you still be a watchdog when working for client?
Oct. 7, 2010 James Rainey of the Los Angeles Times ran a column on Wednesday about the route consumer watchdogs have taken in the past few years. Names that consumers trusted to protect them, such as David Horowitz and Alan Mendelson, have left their former positions and joined the public relations side of business. Horowitz […]
Can campaigning, commentating mix yet still be fair and balanced?
Oct. 7, 2010 As objectivity continues to be a concern and controversial issue among media outlets across the nation, Fox News has entered the center of the discussion. Fox News has formed a contract with four candidates that are potentially running for the presidential election. The problem for many is that the contract states that […]
CNN’s Sanchez runs his mouth, loses his job: Is that ethical?
October 5, 2010 CNN news anchor Rick Sanchez was fired on Friday after making some controversial comments about the network and comedian Jon Stewart, the New York Times reported. Appearing for an interview on Pete Dominick’s satellite radio show on Sept. 30, Sanchez said his network, like the rest of the media, was run by […]
Church, state, ads and ice cream
Sept. 15, 2010 The tagline on the ad for Antonio Federici ice cream’s says “Immaculately conceived.” But the image—of a pregnant nun—has the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority playing God. The authority banned the ad because it mocks Roman Catholic beliefs, according to the BBC. It’s not the first time the government banned this company’s ads; […]
Picking on an orphan?
Sept. 4, 2010 The Society of Professional Journalists states that one should show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage and that one should also be especially sensitive when associating with children and inexperienced sources. “To be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief,” […]
Why, Georgia: How far is too far?
Sept. 4, 2010 A journalist’s number one duty is to report a story with all the facts for the public to know. But is there a point where the reporter tells too much and you wonder if that was necessary, or better yet ethical to tell? Should a reporter ask themselves is this too embarrassing? […]
Telling the truth? Being sympathetic? Doing both?
Sept. 4, 2010 It’s true that reporters must write about unfortunate events such as murders, thefts and kidnappings. But where is the line of telling the truth and being sympathetic? The question is, can a reporter do both? In an article in The Buffalo News, it was reported that seven out of eight victims in […]