Mood of the Newsroom: Letters from Three Journalists

Grok Headline matches for Mood of the Newsroom: Letters from Three Journalists

Epson Corporate: Newsroom

Epson Corporate: Newsroom 08/20/2004 04:22 AM
Man, doesn't this look like fun! .. Micro flying robot .. fly a helicopter .. pressrelease .. epson.co.jp

epson.co.jp/e/newsroom/news_2004_08_18.htm
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Do Wikis Have a Place in the Newsroom?

Do Wikis Have a Place in the Newsroom? 09/08/2004 09:48 PM
Mark Glaser, in the Online Journalism Review asks a very big question: Do Wikis Have a Place in the Newsroom? He covers the latest tests to Wikipedia authority, the Wemedia Project and gets comment on public wikis: "Most user-generated content...

Reports rap USA Today newsroom culture

Reports rap USA Today newsroom culture 04/22/2004 09:07 AM

Newsroom codes of ethics: Let's pretend
our reporters don't think at all!

Newsroom codes of ethics: Let's pretend
our reporters don't think at all! 08/31/2004 01:04 AM
What are we to make of the absurdity emerging from the Miami Herald, where an editor has apparently told his staff that they'd better not purchase tickets to political benefit concerts, because such activities will taint the sanctity of their news-gathering enterprise?

I've never understood the sort of journalistic code of ethics -- now prevalent in many American newsrooms, particularly those owned by big corporate chains -- that requires newspeople to pretend that they are not human beings with brains and beliefs and emotions and lives. The logic of these rules -- that, for instance, forbid reporters from participating in political rallies or contributing to campaigns or otherwise behaving like normal, politically engaged citizens -- seems to stem from fear. The editors and publishers who promulgate them are worried that, if critics of their institutions get hold of factual evidence that reporters actually hold their own opinions and beliefs, those critics will be able to argue that their news reports are biased. This is the sort of fear that drives executives insane, since -- despite decades of effort -- no American corporation has yet figured out how to find that ideal Employee With No Mind of His Own, and a newsroom is the last place you'd want to hire him, anyway.

This issue, of course, leads one deep into the swamp of the hoary debate over "journalistic objectivity." Me, I can't imagine how any thinking journalist or reader in 2004 can imagine that it's possible for a reporter to so thoroughly suppress his individuality and experiences that he can provide an account of events that's unshaped by who he is -- or that, were it possible, such an account would be desirable. But others disagree, and in fact I hear the "lack of objectivity" charge today less often from journalists than from consumers of journalism, who have -- sadly but understandably -- taken the profession's traditional avowal of objectivity at face value, and then become outraged at its failure to achieve that pristine state.

For clarity here, let's distinguish between the unattainable standard of objectivity -- a scientific absolute poised as subjectivity's opposite -- and the entirely attainable, and laudable, standards of fairness and accuracy and honesty and transparency that any journalist of good mind and heart will subscribe to. Fairness: If you're presenting one side of a story, you owe it to your readers, your subjects and yourself to weigh the other side's case. Accuracy: Observation should always trump preconception, and you just don't publish something that you know is untrue, even if it helps make an argument you cherish. Honesty: You do your best to present the truth as you have witnessed it and understand it, knowing that your witness and understanding are shaped by who you are, yet also knowing that honesty will sometimes require you to report things that make you uncomfortable or call your own beliefs into question. Transparency: You do your best to avoid financial conflicts of interest, and where you have an unavoidable interest in a story you're covering, you reveal it up front.

These principles seem so simple and obvious to me after a quarter century of writing and editing that when I read something like these words from the Miami Herald memo, my eyes roll: "As you know and understand, it is improper for independent journalists -- which we are -- to engage in partisan politics or to advocate for political causes. In this case, buying a ticket to any of these events is tantamount to making a political contribution, which is prohibited by the newsroom's Guidelines on Ethics."

Where to begin here? Note how the newspaper has revised the concept of conflict of interest -- which should apply to situations where an individual can improperly gain material benefit in the course of pursuing her professional responsibilities -- and turned it into a stricture demanding that all reporters neuter their civic selves.

Sure, any "Guideline on Ethics" ought to forbid journalists accepting contributions (i.e., bribes) from politicians -- that's a conflict of interest! But if you accept the logic that a reporter contributing to a political campaign constitutes a conflict of interest, you really can't avoid insisting that the reporter, um, not vote, either.

If you believe that a reporter who contributes to a political campaign can't write about politics, you've set an all-consuming trap for the entire journalistic enterprise. Your rule will keep widening its net: If buying a ticket to a political benefit is verboten, since the money from the benefit will end up in a campaign's coffers, then the reporter should carefully refrain as well from buying a movie ticket from any studio that has used its profits to make any sort of political contribution. For that matter, better stay away from buying any product from any corporation that has chosen to give dough to any candidate. If you pay taxes, you'd better think twice about writing about any arm of the government to which you've contributed. And so on.

It's hopeless; the Herald's staff might as well take vows of poverty, chastity and silence -- and leave their paper's columns blank. (Meanwhile, of course, these corporate codes of ethics never seem to apply any strictures to the folks who own the papers -- and who have far more substantial interests that tend to be far more conflicted.)

Alternately, American journalism's managerial class could accept that reporters are people with lives -- and that their best bet at salvaging their profession is to start from that point, rather than desperately run from it. The vitality of the blogosphere offers one hopeful sign: here's a model of journalism that rests on a foundation of openness, individuality and participation. But the Miami Herald's code of ethics probably bans blogging, too.

Bias Critics: Meet Newsroom Joe,
Apolitical Man

Bias Critics: Meet Newsroom Joe,
Apolitical Man 08/03/2004 11:10 AM
Journalists who call themselves "moderates" in surveys are trying to agree with conservatives by declaring: "My political attachments should be irrelevant." And yet this self-report is jeered at, as if it had no significance. I think it does have significance, especially because there's another theory out there: political leanings shoud be transparent. This column ran in Editor & Publisher last week.

Deep Throat, J-School and Newsroom
Religion

Deep Throat, J-School and Newsroom
Religion 06/05/2005 11:17 PM
Watergate is the great redemptive story believers learn to tell about the press and what it can do for the American people. Whether the story can continue to claim enough believers--and connect the humble to the heroic in journalism--is a big question. Whether it should is another question.

"EO Newsroom: New Images - Massive Solar
Flare"

"EO Newsroom: New Images - Massive Solar
Flare" 10/29/2003 09:21 PM

EO Newsroom: New Images - Massive Solar
Flare

EO Newsroom: New Images - Massive Solar
Flare 10/29/2003 03:52 PM
caughtfor posterity on its way to Earth .. massive solar flare .. hi-rez photos

earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_ id=16345
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“If You Harbor Terrorists, You Are a
Terrorist”: Newsroom: The Independent
Institute

“If You Harbor Terrorists, You Are a
Terrorist”: Newsroom: The Independent
Institute 09/23/2004 03:09 AM
"If You Harbor Terrorists, You Are a Terrorist": Newsroom: The Independent Institute

independent.org/newsroom/article.asp?id=1364
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Poynter Online - New Year's Resolutions
for Newsroom Leaders

Poynter Online - New Year's Resolutions
for Newsroom Leaders 12/31/2004 05:18 AM
New Year's Resolutions for Newsroom Leaders

poynter.org/column.asp?id=34&aid=76271
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The New York Times > Magazine > The War
Inside the Arab Newsroom

The New York Times > Magazine > The War
Inside the Arab Newsroom 01/03/2005 02:47 AM

nytimes.com/2005/01/02/magazine/02ARAB.html
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Improve your mood

Improve your mood 04/08/2005 04:48 AM
CNN Apr 8 2005 6:15AM GMT

"It's how to change the mood if someone
is mean."

"It's how to change the mood if someone
is mean." 03/23/2005 07:47 PM
Ca n you never think of the right thing to say? Tr ouble relating in social circumstances? Maybe Taxi1010 can help. This guide to verbal self-defense is extensive, detailed, and quite clearly the work of a troubled mind. Start here, or search by insult on the "sunporch", key/codeword in the "kitchen", bridge in the "wine cellar", or response in the "nursery." Examine one of the many, many stargates(use this handy map, organized by stage of psychological development)... read one of the many, many essays... wherever you go it is an explosion of advice, comebacks, hypothetical situations, and who knows how many MSPaint masterpieces. Spend a minute, spend a day, spend your life trying to figure this site out.

PC that can sense a user's mood

PC that can sense a user's mood 02/10/2004 09:02 AM
Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society Feb 10 2004 1:16PM GMT

Get In the Mood To Talk Money

Get In the Mood To Talk Money 07/12/2004 10:57 AM
The more you discuss finances with your sweetheart, the richer you'll be.

Phelps in upbeat mood

Phelps in upbeat mood 08/17/2004 02:22 AM
Michael Phelps refuses to be disappointed despite finishing only third in the men's 200m freestyle final.

Moody's in a Good Mood

Moody's in a Good Mood 04/28/2004 02:34 PM
The rating agency reports strong first-quarter earnings.

Quieter mood for Microsoft's CEO summit

Quieter mood for Microsoft's CEO summit 05/19/2004 04:31 AM
Seattle Times May 19 2004 8:54AM GMT

Is the mood changing towards the
legitimate use of P2P networks?

Is the mood changing towards the
legitimate use of P2P networks? 02/10/2004 02:48 AM
Analysis Smells like Teen Zeitgeist

Kelly set to test teachers' mood

Kelly set to test teachers' mood 03/23/2005 05:11 AM
The education secretary will address teachers, following her recent frosty reception by a heads' union.

Stocks Are Seen in a Cautious Mood at
Open (AP)

Stocks Are Seen in a Cautious Mood at
Open (AP) 09/15/2004 06:11 AM
AP - U.S. stocks are seen in a cautious mood at the open as investors count the cost of oil's latest push north and await OPEC meeting outcome in Vienna.

Internet advertising in festive mood

Internet advertising in festive mood 12/17/2003 05:00 AM
Guardian Unlimited Dec 17 2003 4:11AM ET

Stocks to Be in a Cautious Mood at Open
(AP)

Stocks to Be in a Cautious Mood at Open
(AP) 08/17/2004 07:25 AM
AP - U.S. stocks are seen in a cautious mood at the open Tuesday as investors weigh up the merits of Monday's oil-inspired rally.

Football: Eriksson in upbeat mood

Football: Eriksson in upbeat mood 06/06/2004 04:57 AM
Sven-Goran Eriksson says England are in better shape for Euro 2004 than for the last World Cup.

Will Apple Market Mood Rings?

Will Apple Market Mood Rings? 08/19/2004 12:57 PM
The computer maker files a patent application for a "chameleon computing device."

Oracle is in a buying mood, its
president says

Oracle is in a buying mood, its
president says 09/07/2004 08:31 AM
LONDON -- As Oracle Corp. pushes forward with its hostile bid to acquire rival enterprise software maker PeopleSoft Inc. for $7.7 billion, it is also sizing up further acquisition options, according to Oracle President, Charles Phillips.

Smart playlists that truly follow your
mood

Smart playlists that truly follow your
mood 05/06/2004 10:14 AM
With thousands of tunes in your iTunes library or in your iPod, it's high time to consider using it as the radio you've always looked for: the one that delivers only tunes you like, and that fit your mood in a unheard of way....

The aggregated mood of LiveJournal, over
time

The aggregated mood of LiveJournal, over
time 12/21/2003 07:19 AM
Who's bored?

projects.si.umich.edu/~handel/lj/?r
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Oracle in a buying mood, president says

Oracle in a buying mood, president says 09/07/2004 05:49 PM
A consolidating market and an economic recovery during the past year have made future acquisition deals in the near term more likely for Oracle, according to company President Charles Phillips.

Well, You're in a Good Mood Today,
Officer... (Reuters)

Well, You're in a Good Mood Today,
Officer... (Reuters) 01/23/2004 02:22 PM
Reuters - Israeli police had to close an entire floor of their station because the pungent scent of tons of confiscated marijuana was making them high, an Israeli newspaper said Friday.

Techmark movers: Mood dampened by Cisco

Techmark movers: Mood dampened by Cisco 08/11/2004 01:53 PM
ShareCast Aug 11 2004 5:39PM GMT

Mena's Corner: Current Mood: Optimistic

Mena's Corner: Current Mood: Optimistic 01/06/2005 11:55 AM
Mena's Corner: Current Mood: Optimistic .. mena says so .. already is

sixapart.com/corner/archives/2005/01/current_mood_op.shtml
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With Festive Mood, Gay Weddings Begin in
Massachusetts

With Festive Mood, Gay Weddings Begin in
Massachusetts 05/17/2004 12:02 PM
Against a backdrop of cheers and a party that spilled onto Cambridge's streets, couples began filling out applications.

Somber Mood as U.S. Forces and Allies
Mark 9/11

Somber Mood as U.S. Forces and Allies
Mark 9/11 09/11/2004 01:11 PM
Reuters via Wired News Sep 11 2004 4:43PM GMT

"Mena's Corner: Current Mood:
Optimistic"

"Mena's Corner: Current Mood:
Optimistic" 01/06/2005 11:50 PM

Sticker Puts Connecticut Man in Foul
Mood (AP)

Sticker Puts Connecticut Man in Foul
Mood (AP) 04/09/2004 04:13 PM
AP - Election day left its mark on one local man and he's not happy about it.

Tech mood swing is a healthy sign

Tech mood swing is a healthy sign 12/08/2003 11:43 AM
globetechnology.com Dec 8 2003 11:13AM ET

Comedians Lighten Mood at Jackson Trial
(AP)

Comedians Lighten Mood at Jackson Trial
(AP) 04/02/2005 03:20 PM
AP - The unfamiliar sound of laughter has punctuated Michael Jackson's child molestation trial with the recent witness stand appearances of three comedians and a comedy club owner whose wisecracks have reminded everyone that this is still a show business case.

Somber Mood as U.S. Forces and Allies
Mark 9/11 (Reuters)

Somber Mood as U.S. Forces and Allies
Mark 9/11 (Reuters) 09/11/2004 04:05 PM
Reuters - U.S. forces and their allies marked the third anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in somber mood on Saturday, a spate of recent attacks a reminder that their war on terror will be long.
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Mood of the Newsroom: Letters from Three Journalists

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