Friday, May 19, 2006
Don't be giving away y'alls' biases
Whether or not a newspaper should allow its reporters to utilize blogs is a difficult question. On one hand, the almost casual interaction between reporter and audience is welcoming – it can help build a more personal relationship that will lead to greater trust. This can be a very good situation for both parties. More insight into the reporting practice will lead to a more understanding audience when mistakes are made. Reporters can back stories up with background information that couldn't fit into the news story. The reporter's extra work will be appreciated by the readership.
But there's a fine line that the reporter-blogger must walk. He or she must be careful not to use the blog as a soapbox if these personal feelings could possibly alienate readers. A political correspondent, unlike a columnist, should never give away party affiliations or candidacy support. A sports reporter or entertainment writer probably shouldn't do it either. Such issues are too personal and volatile these days for the audience to overlook inherent biases even if the reporter does his or her best to be impartial.
Reporters' blogs are extremely beneficial when the reporter is careful not to alienate the readership. Educating the public about reporting techniques and ethical dilemmas is one way to connect with readers but, more importantly, a blog can allow far better coverage than the daily newspaper could ever imagine. There's no deadline for a reporter to file a blog post in order for the readers to find all available information at once. There's no limit to the amount of additions the reporter can make, often directly connected to responses from readers. Readers can debate among themselves, with the reporter acting as the moderator and fact-checker.
In order for this interaction to peacefully occur, reporters, as blog writers, must censor themselves. There is no room for political bickering and judging in the newspaper blog world and it's up to the reporter to ensure a peaceful blogosphere for the newspaper's beloved, but often outspoken, audience.
But there's a fine line that the reporter-blogger must walk. He or she must be careful not to use the blog as a soapbox if these personal feelings could possibly alienate readers. A political correspondent, unlike a columnist, should never give away party affiliations or candidacy support. A sports reporter or entertainment writer probably shouldn't do it either. Such issues are too personal and volatile these days for the audience to overlook inherent biases even if the reporter does his or her best to be impartial.
Reporters' blogs are extremely beneficial when the reporter is careful not to alienate the readership. Educating the public about reporting techniques and ethical dilemmas is one way to connect with readers but, more importantly, a blog can allow far better coverage than the daily newspaper could ever imagine. There's no deadline for a reporter to file a blog post in order for the readers to find all available information at once. There's no limit to the amount of additions the reporter can make, often directly connected to responses from readers. Readers can debate among themselves, with the reporter acting as the moderator and fact-checker.
In order for this interaction to peacefully occur, reporters, as blog writers, must censor themselves. There is no room for political bickering and judging in the newspaper blog world and it's up to the reporter to ensure a peaceful blogosphere for the newspaper's beloved, but often outspoken, audience.
# posted by PASStheTEA_B @ 1:09 PM 
Comments:
<< Home
I agree with the responsible mediation. Media provides a safe forum for fighting, much safer than a dark alley or even a bar. Like children fighting in the safety of their own home, they know mom and dad will stop them before someone has to go to the hospital. I agree that journalists probably shouldn't reveal to the public the sick and twisted individuals they are, but when an opinion is thoughfully explained it can further validate that person's integrity. It could even make fighting productive. Maybe if we "use our words" effectively there will be less fighting with words and more hugging with words.
Post a Comment
<< Home
