Is this heading accurate or just “fake news?” This was the “great” discussion this week as it is apparently clear that reporting has changed in the digital age.
Today, we now have various levels of journalist, the traditional and now, the citizen journalist. Citizen journalist can be anyone with a cell phone who simply “reports” on a topic. The danger with this new trend of journalism is the notion that in the information age we are producing too much unchecked data. What an oxymoron!
Journalism values have tanked, been compromised or have simply changed and there are several contributing factors for this dip in ethics. The necessity for speed overruns the need for accuracy. It is virtually important that a platform be the “first” to report an event, regardless of truthfulness. Fast reporting leads to unchecked facts which produces rumors, hence, fake news. Additionally, everyone attempting to report the news do not have the training and high standards consistent with this profession.
In the wake of the opportunity the digital era has afforded the average individual, citizen journalism may be a welcome breathe of fresh air. These individuals are free from any obligation or commitment to advertisers or political figures; therefore their “information” has the ability to be pure and uncompromised.
However, everyone taking on the job of reporting the news should be subject to basic journalistic values. There is a definite need for media literacy. It should be the goal of anyone who wants to report the news that they build a trusting relationship with their readers/viewers. Consequently, all journalist whether traditional or citizen should adhere to the following:
Basic Journalistic Values
- Transparency – Truth is #1
- Neutral Observer
- Present Only the Facts – Accuracy is primary
- Ethical and Moral Conscious
- Accountability
- Credible and Verifiable Sources
- Have the Interest of the Public
Charlotte’s Wisdom 