We've got a mystery!

When trying to decide how I could best explain Watchdog Journalism, I brilliantly thought to myself, "Let the experts do the talking!"

So I will. This clip explains how a journalist can perfect his watchdog journalism skills. This is the Associated Press Washington bureau chief Ron Fournier and Accountability Editor Jim Drinkard.

Now that we know how to do watchdog journalism, we should expound on the deeper question of why. Rex Smith of the Times Union said, " I’m convinced that a focus on watchdog journalism is not only the right thing to do journalistic, but also a smart business strategy." To read his whole article, click here : (http://tinyurl.com/3umeu6m) Investigative reporting builds trust with the readers. When you become an activist, reformer, and and exposer, your readers will have faith that you are trying to get the truth out the best you can.

I was impressed when the presenters in my class last week talked about D. Todd Christofferson and his role in the Watergate scandal. In a speech to Duke University, Elder Christofferson talked about Sirca's decision on the case,“Nobody knew how that was going to turn out, [Sirica] could have been a goat as well as a hero and had his head handed to him on a platter by the Supreme Court. But he said ‘This is right,’ and he signed the order.”(Emphasis added)(http://tinyurl.com/3jbcve5)
This is what watchdog journalism is all about, telling the truth. Who better to teach BYU students this lesson than an apostle of God? We need to do the right thing to give our readers the freedom to decide for themselves what to do in any situation. We must give them the correct information, despite the retributions that may occur. It reminds me of when I was little, watching the detective Mary Kate and Ashley Videos, they searched for the truth and told it no matter what the cost!