Don't Get Naked!

Citizens’ main requirement for journalist and the media is to be able to trust what they are being told. Too often as journalist we forget about our relationship with our readers. In The Elements of Journalism we learn, "The key element of credibility is the perceived motive of the journalist. People do not expect perfection. They do expect good intentions." We need to build a bond of trust with our readers. As long as we have this bond, our readers will stay true. How do we build this? According to Harvard's recent study on Blogging, Journalism, and Credibility (http://tinyurl.com/blbcvs) we must be completely transparent with what we aim to achieve in each article or story we right. Without transparency it is impossible to build that bridge.

The recession has scared many media companies into pursuing a path called sensational journalism. An example of this type of journalism is my title. Using grabbing titles, doing excessive reporting on scandals, turning from hard news to soft news. This type of journalism has become so in demand that, according to this New York Times Article (http://tinyurl.com/6u8as9l) journalist are putting personal ads in newspapers to find "exclusive, sensational news." Many newspapers or broadcast stations search for sensational news during times of financial uncertainty believing the exciting and guilty pleasure headlines will draw in more customers. While this may be true, the new readers will soon leave or the old readers will be disgusted with the sudden change and leave. Sticking with the original plan of the company and reporting on hard news will always be the best option. If your company is struggling, you can use tactics like the following found from the experts in the book:

"Find out what the community is doing... Once you get those answers you can design coverage that responds directly to the people you are trying to reach." -Butch Ward

"To rarely do people in news companies think about what citizens' needs are." - Valerie Crane

This is truly a simple answer. If you want people to read your newspaper or watch your television show, find out what the people need and give it to them. In my Student Development class this summer we discussed the issue of finding a way to make a living in this economy. My professor, Alberto Puertas reputedly told us that the best way to make a living was to, "Find a need in the community and fill it." I believe this statement is what we need to do with journalism. While this may mean not always doing hard-hitting stories, it will always mean serious journalism that will mean something to a reader out there.

In Morning Glory, the age old battle of sensational journalism verses hard news is the core issue of the story. Finding the mixture of the two eventually saves the company. Not an incredibly accurate film, but one worth watching for those who like journalism and production.