Tag Archives: Journalism

The Good News: Civic Journalism and Building the Community

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civic JournalismAn American Journalist and Humorist once wrote, “The Job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. (Steele, 2002, Para. 1). In this view, the role of the reporter is two- faceted: 1) the reporter must shake up those who are comfortable, and 2) the reporter must comfort those who need it by offering a helping hand, or at least educate their public by bringing in new information to those in need of it. According to Executive Director, Pew Center for Civic Journalism there are two key things to know concerning Civic Journalism which says” when the media does its job differently, citizens do their jobs differently, and when you seed innovation into newsrooms you get new ideas”. (Schaffer, 2014). Hence, if reporting today is not bringing affliction and/ or comfort then it is not good news. What can be done about it? Schaffer (2014) makes mention that there a few things to be done which could go beyond diagnosing the problem. Therefore, diagnose the cause but move on and actually change that which has already been diagnosed. Conversely, one would have to see clearly the picture that journalism has portrayed to the masses which means going back to review what the public sees and why they see it that way. Hence, making changes which should be of first priority. Once a problem is identified there should be efforts made which bring improvement and understanding to public thinking that change the relation of the media as a ‘lap dog,’ of the media as an ‘attack dog,’ and ultimately change the media as a ‘watch dog’ to something other than a farce. Essentially, American media must be seen as the “guide dog’ which educates the public on their role to help their own communities and beyond.

A survey conducted by the Pew Center for Civic Journalism reflects journalists’ view of the First Amendment saying that some journalists hold their rights to freedom of press in high regard more than the public did. On the contrary, citizens feel differently toward the media and label the press arrogant, insensitive, biased, inaccurate and sometimes filled with sensationalism. Conversely, “fifty-three percent respondents said they believe the press has too much freedom, forty-five percent respondents said they believe media protects democracy, and thirty-eight percent of the respondents said the media actually hurt democracy.” Additionally, there were people who disapproved of reporting political candidates, hidden cameras, and publishing governmental secrets. (Schaffer, 2014, p.9-10. Para. 7). Consequently, this data might be surprising for some, however, it shows that America citizens are divided in their opinion of the media, and also shows what journalist think of their work is totally off base. Especially, in regards to news gathering as it pertains to truth of how citizens really feel about the news and those who report it which causes resentment for citizens who feel they are unheard.

On April 15, 2014, an accident on Interstate NE Loop 820 shook a community leaving two dead people and others injured in Fort Worth, Texas. (Read: Two Killed in Crash Along East Loop 820). The neighborhood was shaken, not only from the force of the impact, but from the force of the ideal. People witness to the accident or nearby could be seen running from their homes and motorists stopping to help. It is the case that a community came together but was left to pick up these pieces alone, but this has become the norm there. The crash involving three vehicles was the worst incident to happen in the Stop Six community since the notorious “Birthday Party” shootings in 2008 which left a five year old child dead on her birthday; along with, her paternal grandmother, and several other innocent children and adults in attendance. (Read more: 2 dead in birthday party shooting in Fort Worth). In both of the events, the reporters, helicopters could be seen coming from miles around, hovering over people’s homes to gather their stories and taking interviews from witnesses. Notably, once the initial reports were broadcast the neighborhoods were forgotten which leaves one to ask what about the neighborhood? There has not been any attention since for media coverage for the community though there has been plenty newsworthy material such as council meetings where neighbors meet with officials from time to time to discuss issues which have not been met or that need attention. However, these type meetings are generally campaign ventures and sparse. It is the case that the only reports in certain neighborhoods are of a negative undertone, a killing, a domestic issue when someone is killed, a child kills their parent, a sexual offender nearby and so on. Notably, though that type news is necessary people already know that their neighborhoods are not the best and that most are unsafe. Therefore, good news would bring with it an appeal for public support and someone who can report that appeal accurately is needed. To date, there is still no follow up interviews for the families in attendance of the birthday party to know how they fare and this is where media responsibility to update the public is a needed for any mass tragedy of this magnitude. Moreover, there seems to be a drive through type reporting as far as media is concerned. Additionally, though these incidents might seem small concerning the accident and the birthday party this is the type reporting seen in the neighborhoods where reportedly violence is common. Therefore, however common whether an accident or murder no other news seems newsworthy material. Where are the caring journalists to tell the story?
One of the reasons the lack of report might seem difficult in certain communities would be a lack of journalist support and lack of journalistic staff. Typically, one might see minority commentators, anchors and reporters here and there, however, why are they so scare? Concerning BBC and black journalist, Meikle (2014) wrote “A senior black journalist has accused the BBC of” institutional myopia or inertia “over its employment of ethnic minority staff” (Para.1). In this instance, one might wonder what this has to do with the general public and reporting. The problem is confusion in the work place where many journalists find themselves clamoring for rank instead of clamoring to get stories that matter. Hence, instead there are stories of hometown heroes and those deemed fitting for community efforts, but no reports of how to solve eminent or impeding problems. It is the case that with few journalists to work stories, or who find interest to report stories are pushed to quit such organizations as BBC. Of course, BBC being global is a far cry from everyday life in a community; however, one should ask does this type behavior occur everywhere? Therefore, the type of behavior as found in drive by reporting styles may prove a huge factor lacking in community building efforts.
In the article, “The Last Days of Journalism” Nip (2008) employed at a least 6 different ways media could change audience view or to offer a helping hand:
• Listening to the public to help shape the news agenda
• Giving ordinary people a voice
• Covering storing in a way which facilitates public understanding and stimulates citizen deliberation of problems behind the stories
• Presenting news to make it more accessible and easier for people to engage in the issues
• Engaging the community in problem solving
• Maximizing the impact of coverage in the community
Listening to the public is almost non-existent when it comes to some communities. Hence, a great idea would be to gather ideas developed from mingling with people in their communities in times separate from campaigning. Notably, politicians always have a say about certain issues, but what about the communities these bills and policies affect most? It is the case, then, that the only time some citizens have an opportunity to speak is in tragedy, or an election year and those meetings handpicked. Nip (2008) adds, “Listening techniques include conducting polls, surveys, town hall meetings, focus groups, readers’ panels, and organizing intimate living room or kitchen conversations.” (p. 180). Therefore, giving a voice to ordinary people would make a world of difference when people’s input seems important. Thames (2014) wrote “Unlike journalists who earn a living covering politics, voters have a lot of other things competing for their attention — at home and at work. We’ve been quick to misjudge their unfocused nature as ambivalence. Most take their role quite seriously. Times Mirror found last year that 66% of Americans “completely agree” it is their duty to always vote, up from 46% in 1987.” (Line 7). It is the case that the media might take for granted that people casting votes have a voice. For example, one should ask how is it that with all the lines formed during an election is anyone not heard from, except politicians. During campaigning Wendy Williams advocated women’s health issues which included a right to choose and single parenting support. It would have been a great add if during the campaign there were voices heard on the other side of those issues; as like, women who have had abortions to balance out information and give the people an informed decision. Conversely, attack ads make people distrustful and mean spirited which is another reason why the media is not well liked.
Radio is great for community discussions and forums and though good sources of information one should ask are there solutions to come from these? Rudy Vee is on the air and has been a full time Professional Announcer for the COX MEDIA GROUP in Jacksonville, Florida for 22 years. Rudy was asked what issues of a public concern he believed needed the most help from media. He wrote, “Public safety. Especially for women. We, as announcers, are here to educate and inform. That premise has long fallen by the wayside to commercialism. Now, there are insignificant Sunday morning programs to comply to FCC regulations regarding this. Don’t get me wrong, the music IS the star; but radio could be doing so much more. There are a couple of cats, Gregg Street in Atlanta and Jamming Jimmy Olsen in Tyler that are using their shifts for the greater purpose of super-serving the community and kids. But very few are allowed to do this anymore? Also, we could a heck of a lot more in supporting the local artists in the market. But, once again, if it ain’t chartin,’ chances are it won’t get played. we also need to be doing more for the classic artist of our time that are still putting out art. The Con-Funk-Shun’s, the Lakeside’s, the Will Downing’s, the Glenn Jones’, the Howard Hewett’s. The cats are still putting out quality classic art – but to no avail.” (Vee, 2014). Ultimately, more broadcasts and reports need to reflect Mr. Vee’s thinking that the communities need more help from the media. Mr. Vee also added input concerning journalism and good reporters. He was asked, “What is the current state of the radio ‘talent pool?’ Is good Journalism being shelved along with good pay? His response, “WOW! Umph…No comment (Sorry)” That says it all.
Journalist engagement with the community in problem solving is a big issue for some, and education is a key ingredient. In the aforementioned Stop Six area as well as other areas of the city homeowners have found their property taken in  pay arrangements where the city offers one year of payment with balances due at the end of a year. In this, there is no education about the home owner’s right to acquire counsel from an attorney who would give them adequate information about property tax law and their ability to get a longer arrangement. Consequently, without that help many people have faced eviction. It is the case that anyone can find this information in any public record if they knew to look. Therefore, news coverage would benefit the community if those concerned could have their stories told. As a watch dog to government, journalists have a duty to be honest and fair in their reports of government officials concerning corruption. In that regard, Steel (2002) wrote, “Cole Campbell, editor of the Virginian-Pilot, has put into practice various elements of civic journalism. He believes that news organizations must create a different sort of relationship with the public, one that reexamines the journalist’s role to sources and to readers. Campbell (1995) says newspapers must reframe the questions and change conventions about what is news and how it is covered. He says journalism must “cover tension not just conflict, ambivalence not just certainty.” (Para. 6).
CSPAN guest Ed Fouhy (1997) outlines the plight of journalism and community saying, “Civic Journalism needs to be in reformed. One definition of a reformed civic journalism would be to tell the truth so the people can be informed and remain sovereign and gives maximum freedom of choice.” In essence, Mr. Fouhy proclaims that the media should be a guiding force to the people, but instead have become arrogant and have First Amendment Reflex Syndrome where the excuse is always given for freedom of speech. Fouhy adds to that to say, “ Journalist often are inconsiderate to the personal hurt caused by to people and the person through invasion of privacy, and devalue the damage done by media while overvaluing the good that might come from reports.” (Paraphrased). The plight of some communities; or rather individuals broadcast on television is disparaging, because of bias reporting. Last year, in news there were  a string of unfair trials publicized where people were literally getting away with murder. One in particular was a young Caucasian boy of sixteen years who was drunk behind the wheel of a car and ran into and killed people on the side of the road. His psychiatrist labelled him as suffering from so called ‘affluenza’. Conversely, affluenza reportedly, is a dis-ease of the affluent which says a youth’s inability to tell right from wrong is imbalanced. Hence, the punishment for the inebriated lad was ten years’ probation. In that same vain, this year an inebriated black man was drunk and drove his car into a crowd of people. The media coverage had a field day with that and for weeks after followed up with the funerals, the victims and the like. The icing on the cake came when an interview with a deceased teen’s girlfriend said that she wanted the accused dead, and this said with malice against someone of her own race. The media never showed anything afterwards concerning the other drunken individual mentioned, except to say that his parents were settling suits for those families who lost loved ones too. It is bias, because here are two drunks who killed but two totally different reports concerning them. Steel (2002) wrote, “Bill Woo (1995) does not shine a solid red light on public journalism. He raises cautions in the spirit of a yellow light. Woo likes the connections to improving democracy, and he says he is “intrigued by what may lie down that road, beyond the bend.” But he also urges all of us in journalism to listen to what he calls the “old bells ringing for objectivity, detachment, independence, for the courage to print stories that are unpopular and for which there is no consensus. “I hope we listen for them again,” Woo says, “before we grow so old and so wise that they no longer matter.” (Para, 30). One has to question whether the stories reported are objective, detached, and independent when one sided reporting is the case. Additionally, good news would have made at least one of the reports into an angle story, whereabouts; the issue of driving drunk would have been displayed with information to educate and teach. Hence, the guidance factor in journalism would have been at the forefront for youth today to discourage drinking endeavors; but sadly, the message presented was if one is white and affluent one can get away with murder which is surely a form of bias at its peak.
Troubling is the fact that good news has been traded for internet stories and social media scandal done in a rush. It is the case that gone are the days of intimacy where a good newspaper read was a family affair, comics and all. Paula A. Sanford, Currently resides in Galesburg, IL USA and is a Certified Television Producer with Chicago Access Network TV, (CAN TV) 2007-2010 – Produced written copy & public service announcements for the Cook County, Chicago, IL area. Paula also is a Community Relations Coordinator/Public Relations Director: Prayer & Faith Outreach Ministries, Chicago, IL – 2004 – 2010: Made community relations news available to the Chicago & surrounding suburbs, concerning upcoming and ongoing events occurring in the church and community. Paula was asked to give her view concerning the fail of some newspapers and their readership: “Does the decline of newspapers even matter? Could this actually be a blessing in disguise? Her response: Yes, I think it matters that there is a decline of newspapers. To me, it is as imperative to some people to have newspapers, because some baby boomers (and others) may never adapt to social media.” (Sanford, 2014). It is the case that some people would rather read than turn on the television or listen to the radio. Hence, Civic Journalism must be multifaceted in its quest to guide.
In closing, journalism has three approaches to the community, that is the lap dog, the attack dog, the watch dog, and to remove negative stigma every public journalist should take responsibility for seeing the goal of becoming a guide dog to the communities brought forth. In these, there should be different outlooks stemming from the individual journalist who might see their job as a race to higher status and paycheck rather than seeing a community of hope developed. Journalist across the board must re-engage with the community not just entertain communities, because as it is with the homeowner’s plight so it is as Fouhy (1997) points out that “People want to know where the good schools are and how to improve those where they live; as well as learning how their tax dollars are spent. In turn, reports should be a balance between positive and negative where there is ongoing reporting; not just drive by reports. Certainly, there is a need to re-direct the focus of what good news is, because good news shakes up the comfortable and comforts the afflicted. Subsequently, becoming the ‘guide dog’ it was meant to be.

ILLITERACY A CONDITION OF POVERTY

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blacks and literacyAccording to Ian Golden, the commentator at TED.com, income has increased and illiteracy has decreased. However, that menu can be multifaceted, because either the rich are making more money or the poor are getting up to actually learn how to come out of their poverty. It is the case that being illiterate is a paralysis as like being blind without help to get up.

I notice that Mr. Golden also stated during his presentation that with some areas of global concern people can feel left out, or either do not participate. There is good information provided there because one should note that illiteracy does allow some to be left out. Conversely, being on that same end of the spectrum would allow that people not participate, because a common cause of mal-information is illiteracy. In the article, “Digital Technology and Teaching American Culture,” Robert Batchelor writes, “Calculations of the total worldwide Internet growth has increased om an estimate of 445 percent over the last 10 years.” (Batchelor, 2011, p. 49).

I add,  the increase, though commendable, do not include everyone. It is the case; the audience for the internet is not all inclusive. For example, some people over 60, black, in poverty, and illiterate would not be on the internet because their mode of information is most likely television, and print news; such as newspapers. I am being generous when I give the age 60 because some even some people my age and up do not want to be bothered, or just feel too old to learn anything new so these people are mal-informed, have been mis-educated as many of the black race, and self defeated in some instances. I believe that many people left out of the age of technology have, perhaps, fallen for the so called American Dream where instead of gathering information to make them more profitable or prosperous they feel if they can just hit the lotto, or if they work hard enough then their dream might come true. This thinking is wrought in part by leaders promising better things to come lessor taxes and more economic freedom.

Concerning this thinking Batchelor adds, “In an increasingly chaotic world global citizens are losing faith in their leadersto provide security, serenity, and opportunity”. (Batchelor, 2011.p.52).

One cannot participate or know what the leaders are up to if they have not the means to participate or the knowledge to climb aboard.

Source: Batchelor, B. (2011, March). Digital technology and teaching American culture.

Watch: Navigating the Future

Your Sunday Bread: Rebellion in the Church

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English: I took photo of First Baptist Church ...

English: I took photo of First Baptist Church in Rockdale, TX, with Canon camera. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, there are churches popping up on every corner. As far as the eye can see and beyond there is a church house (literally houses) being converted to churches on every other block and every other corner? I wonder why, because what we also see today is people church hopping; going from one church to the next never able to find roots. Hop, Hop, Hop they go on and on and on, and for whatever reason they can never settle down. There are many answers given for these occurrences, and some make sense while others do not.

The big thing today is that some churches split, because someone doesn’t like this or that; or, someone feels that they can do a better job of the pastor ship than the current pastor.

This is what happened in heaven; Satan wanting to be like Elohim and convinced some others to side with him so they could take over heaven which started a war in heaven. (Revelations 12:7-10).

In times pass we could blame this behavior on the individuals, because we had churches with supposedly, sound doctrines, and so called seasoned pastors to lead us. Everything was stable, and if you were Baptist each week we could count on the following:

  1. Sunday School
  2. Morning Worship
  3. 3 o’clock service
  4. BTU at 6 p.m.
  5. 7:00 evening worship
  6. Wednesday night /Bible study prayer meeting (not sure cause I never quite got a good grasp of the word of God of how prayer helped, but people prayed).

We expected to be fed at church or either would grab a bite in between those times. I did not hear any griping, people just followed instructions and did what they were told, and things seemed to work. I really had some good times at church and I thank God today for my beginnings, because I was able to remember some of my earlier teachings which in turn brought me to a place of surrender in my mind later on.

Ironically, there are some churches that had those same ideals but are no longer in existence today, and others split because the members, for whatever reason rebel against the Shepard of the house and gather together other members to ban with them against authority, and, either are kicked out or leave to start other churches. (i.e., Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church/Greater Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church).

I was considering why people strike out on their own, and I wonder is it to fulfill the great commission, or that they are in an act of rebellion because some people do not like the way the church is running. Consequently,  are good reasons for some when we see leaders of the flock falling to sin, being caught in compromising positions and the members are leaving the churches. Also, the members are not working together where people are gossiping, and people are arguing over positions and people are acting (for all purposes) like people on the street while others who look on wonder what is going on?

In the article, “What is the cause of church splits? How can healing occurs after a church split?” the author conveys and ideal consequence, “Divisions that lead to church splits are a sad and all-too-common occurrence in the body of Christ. The effects of a church split, regardless of the cause, can be devastating. Church splits distress and dismay mature believers, disillusion new believers, cause havoc in the lives of pastors and their families, and bring reproach upon the name of Christ.”(Got Questions, 2012).

No one ever addresses these critical scenarios, because all we hear of these splits is there was an argument and depending on the people; either another church is started or those people move their membership to another establishment. Similarly, when speaking of people moving their membership to the new “church plant”…do they forget, are they ever counseled about the fight that led them to the new place?

We cannot continue to walk away from problems leaving unresolved issues in our wake, because “weeds” choke, and “seeds” planted come back to haunt.

The article states further, “Churches are like hospitals, full of wounded and sick people, but in the church the sickness is sin and the wounds are those we inflict upon ourselves and one another because of sin. One sin that causes multiple problems is a lack of forgiveness. No Christian is perfect, and no pastor or elder or deacon is perfect. When all these imperfect people get together, disagreements, hurt feelings and misunderstandings are inevitable. If our expectations of others are too high, disappointment is inevitable and can cause further feelings of hurt and resentment. Our response to one another should be to forgive one another in kindness and compassion (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13) and in Christian love, which covers a multitude of sins, followed by an increased commitment to serve one another (1 Peter 4:8-11). Once we are committed to forgiving, loving, and serving one another, we will see each other’s differences in a new light. But if we react to differences of opinion by taking sides and gossiping, the split will widen, more harm will be done to the church members, and our message to the world will be further compromised.” (Got Questions, 2012). This is the jest that we must always see our part in the situation and realize that everyone has their own opinions, but everyone must see the need of others more than themselves. There is too much mess in the churches of today residue from life’s woes and ills left unchecked.

Why do churches split? The article states, “A church split may happen when someone seeks to manipulate people and/or events for his own ends. It may be that there is pride in rule-keeping, and those who do not keep the same rules are ill-treated. It may be that a pet interpretation of doctrine is emphasized and used as a litmus test for belonging to the “in” group. Or, it could be that someone wants to wrest leadership from the pastor or elders and rallies a group of people around himself to accomplish a coup d’état. Sadly, difference of opinion regarding music and worship style is also a frequent cause of division in the church. The excuses for the conflict are numerous, but they all stem from the same root cause—pride and selfishness. James 4:1-3 says, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (Got Questions, 2012).

Ultimately, the church has to get a clue; that is, the war in heaven (the spiritual) is being played out now (the natural) and the church is the stage. What is the world seeing when it comes to Kingdom business, because they can look at the soap operas on television; that is, Jane sleeping with Jake, and Alexis owning a new Benz. What else has the kingdom to offer, they wonder? Good question, are they seeing God or the devil there.

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Better Safe than Sorry

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Somewhere in the back of my mind I can hear a broadcast about a journalist being killed by friendly fire during a time when America was at war, and for me I thought absolutely nothing, I felt nothing.

It was another murder, a shooting; so what? Murders happen every day here in America. I feel ashamed of that and feel somehow I should have been more compassionate; and, paid more attention.  I see that I am uninformed.

After seeing the number of murders in other countries, I say it is very unsafe to send out journalists. These people are hostile and there is a difference when someone who fights a war and someone who is reporting, because soldiers are armed and have very little protection for even themselves; however, they are trained in war, journalists are not.

According to statistical data for journalists murdered found on the Committee to Protect Journalists site; the continent of Africa has more danger than any other country with 58 people who died. Furthermore, the beats covered show higher episodes in the political arena. All over the country a murder has taken place which says that no foreign country should send their reporters there.

We know that there are wars all over the world taking place because of people’s attempts to overthrow oppressive governments. The question; then, is why send in American or any other journalists to cover another countries problems?

Imagine this:  we are in the middle of a war zone with bullets flying everywhere, low to no visibility with shouts and deafening noise to escalate the pounding of your heart; and all I have is a camera, a pen, a recorder, and a notebook, and maybe a helmet. Does that really make sense?

One reporter gives an account of an argument with a soldier brandishing a gun; a scene where, she was almost shot, because she wanted to help a man who had been injured. She writes, “So I argued so badly—telling this soldier, who probably could not read and write, about the Geneva Convention, the rights of man, and Christian compassion. His patience was turning to rage when another journalist pulled me into our taxi and said, “This is Africa, what the hell were you thinking?”(Janine di Giovanni, (2002).

I wonder the same thing.

 

 

Sources:

Committee to Protect Journalists. Defending Journalists Worldwide

 International news reporting: Frontlines and deadlines. Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ISBN: ISBN: 9781405160391

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Journalism: A Call to Duty

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Official photographic portrait of US President...

Official photographic portrait of US President Barack Obama (born 4 August 1961; assumed office 20 January 2009) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whether a story involves the local Congressman making his rounds on the way to senate, the President of the United States out kissing babies for the next election or even if the event contains scandal; the thinking of the Journalism student is proved a bit presumptuous.

Whatever the dream state of the journalist in bloom, in its depths are scenes of a naïve mind which is ignorant of the goings out; or the comings in of those who choose to live life as a truth-seeker.

Experience teaches that the lives of those who choose this path are placed in jeopardy; albeit, some stories unawares. Barriers are faced and are seen in victims of war, of murder, the most heinous of crimes such as rape, kidnappings, beatings to uncover corruption, of seeking justice and are the price paid for truth in some cases; certainly the cost is great.

Professional journalists and editors have this thing about bloggers reports and writing being not as factual as they would like. However, with the rise of the cellular phone and video cameras the citizens of the world are speaking out like never before. Furthermore, it is not the case that professional journalists or even editors can be everywhere, at every time; those who write blogs can.

Private citizens live in our neighborhoods, walk the streets of  life; attend church, school and are out there contending with business; no matter the countries we live. Conversely, bloggers tell the truth, uncensored. What this means for news is that the truth will be told as they see it; rather than a watered version with replaced words and ill found truths.

In America corruption is faced in the political and governmental arenas, and corruption  happens  in other areas as well. For example, in Russia the fight to stop corruption has become a plea for help, according to the Neiman report “Russian Journalists Need help in Exposing Corruption”. Concerning the dangers of reporting events by bloggers, Navalny notes, “Exposing corruption in countries where the rule of law has not been established is always a heavily one-sided affair. Independent media and the internet are the tools that  citizens have to fight against it while the ruling elite retain the power of the state’s resources and command the loyalty of those who enforce punishment on those who interfere.”

Today in Russia journalist need help in their fight against corruption. “We don’t want intrusive assistance, but rather moral and professional support from our international colleagues (journalism and bloggers) along with attentiveness on the part of international investor, ” says Navalny.

However, bloggers in America can write without limits about any topic they find suitable and even if not suitable within limits of lawful guidelines when compared with Russian reporters and citizen journalists who face punishment for reporting corruption in the government. On the other hand, the United States citizens are free to curse the President and nothing is done about it.

Journalists are taken hostage for reporting and gathering stories. The Committee to Protect Journalist is programmed to take action involving these and many other dangers to those who write the news. In their article “Japanese releases Chinese journalist—China’s up next.” Reportedly, even they need the assistance for helping people who have been kidnapped. Earp writes, “It’s not often we at CPJ find ourselves calling on other countries to release Chinese journalists from detention. But that’s just what happened yesterday. Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV contacted us to say that two of their journalists were among a group of 14 arrested by Japanese authorities over a disputed territory in the East China Sea. For once, we found ourselves in accordance with Chinese authorities, who called for the “unconditional and immediate release” of all 14, according to Reuters.”: (Earp, 2012).

In the midst of this horror, the articles says that Japan has sent journalists back to their prospective countries; as they covered a story on protestors who were posting the Chinese flag on an island. This says to the world that there is low tolerance for those who interfere in government affairs. The coverage of the protests is heavily controlled. Earp notes, because of the communist party, and restrictions to internet which thwart criticisms of any kind.

Moreover, rapes are a reality according to one journalist, Natasha Smith, experienced the horror first hand. In the article “Please God. Please make it stop! She notes, that while in a foreign country to cover a story; and, while being accompanied by two male companions she was  accosted by a mob of males during a festival. She adds that something so jovial and full of fun was good for her and states that she thought it a time to regroup. “She said: ‘Just as I realized I had reached the end of the bridge, I noticed the crowd became thicker, and decided immediately to turn around to avoid Tahrir Square. ‘My friends and I tried to leave. I tried to put my camera back in my rucksack. But in a split second, everything changed. ‘She adds further, that she was helped by some Muslim women who told her the reason for her attack. “She added: ‘The women told me the attack was motivated by rumors spread by trouble-making thugs that I was a foreign spy. ‘But if that was the cause, it was only really used as a pretext, an excuse, to molest and violate a blonde young Western girl.’” (As cited by Staff Reporter, 2012).

She is not the last to suffer such violation.

Conversely,  just as appalling and unthinkable are the number of journalist killed while investigating stories. In the article “70 journalists killed in six months” the writer conveys the horror of the journalist’s plight while on assignment in other countries, and proclaims this critical message: “Journalists are more than ever in the cross-hairs of the enemies of freedom,” said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. He adds,  “Despite some encouraging international political moves to halt the murder, the gun and the bomb remain the favored method of censorship in far too many countries. “Each and every killing chokes the free flow of information without which free societies cannot function.” (ISNI, ( n.d,).

The numbers are astounding and tell just how frequent death by murder is wrought.

The writer states, “Fifteen were confirmed dead in Syria alone between January and June, according to the biannual Killing The Messenger survey of news media casualties produced for the International News Safety Institute (INSI) by the Cardiff school of journalism. The next worst countries were Nigeria, where seven unidentified newspaper staff were killed by a bomb, Brazil, Somalia, Indonesia, where five journalists died in a plane crash, and Mexico. The toll compares with 124 for the whole of 2011 and 56 for the first seven months of last year. And 70 may be a conservative figure as INSI has recorded the deaths of an additional 30 news people where it was unclear whether the killings were related to their work.” (ISNI, ( n.d,).

Beatings are also a reality for the journalist even in the United States where two men were beaten recently, according to the article  “TWO WHITE REPORTERS ASSAULTED BY BLACK MOB IN NORFOLK, VIRGINIA”.  The writer gives this account: “Wave after wave of young men surged forward to take turns punching and kicking their victim. The victim’s friend, a young woman, tried to pull him back into his car. Attackers came after her, pulling her hair, punching her head, and causing a bloody scratch to the surface of her eye. She called 911. A recording told her all lines were busy. She called again. Busy. On her third try, she got through and, hysterical, could scream only their location. Church and Brambleton. Church and Brambleton. Church and Brambleton. It happened four blocks from where they work, here at The Virginian-Pilot.” (The View from the Right, (n.d ). There is concern that these beating did not get the attention that people thought concerning covering of the event since they are journalist. The response to the inquiry is that the beating was not considered high priority. The conclusion may be that people’s jobs or occupation do not take precedence over that of severity.

Hence, if the person had been at some important eye catching event then this would be newsworthy. Imagine: the pair are covering an event where black Muslims are promoting black equality and two white journalists come to cover the beat, and in the middle of the event someone knocks one of the white reporter’s camera down because they are angry at them for being there. The reporter asks why and immediately the crowd of 100 blacks begins to beat them. That’s news the other is not, because gang members beat someone up every day.

Lastly, it is apparent the chosen career path of the journalist is seen as nothing special. Truth or in this case, truth gathering is in the eye of the beholder and even further apparent is the truth that people go to desperate measure to keep their dark deeds secret. Journalists are faced with this gruesome truth as well; that being, the full reality that if people are going to kill they will whether a journalist are not. Therefore, journalists should be careful in the assignments they choose.

Someone coined journalists as “society’s watch dog”. I agree with the name, but a good rule of thumb is to know that just as the law enforcement officer suits up to go to work, along with the firemen, and the other people whose work present a public service they should precede with caution, with their mind fixed on preserving their life to make it home safely. People kill every day, and those who choose to face these barriers against them; whether, beatings, war, rapes, corruption, and the like, do so with the mind that it is all a call to duty.

English: Phoenix TV and Hong Kong Cable Televi...

English: Phoenix TV and Hong Kong Cable Television news interview at the main door outside of the Central Police Station on 29-June-2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)