“We know there is a vast morass of information out there that our audiences want us to try to make sense of. The danger consists in trying to leap above it, not by getting more dramatic or salient or verifiable facts, but by analyzing, speculating, predicting, interpreting – by drawing definitive conclusions while the bodies are still warm.” – Paul Knox, The Globe and Mail
As a journalist, the amount of information and the availability of that information is vast. It is becoming easier and easier for anyone to be able to track down information, on virtually any subject matter. And the effort is minimal: Is it difficult to type a few words in a search engine, click your mouse a few times, and find exactly what you’re looking for?
But as journalists, it is up to us to always be analyzing, always thinking beyond the surface and not to “judge the book by it’s cover”. The public depends on the journalist to take this information and make it understandable and let them know how the information directly effects them and their community.
When Paul Knox refers to not getting too dramatic, he is referring to the fact that journalists have a responsibility to recognize what matters to the people. Writing and reporting needs to be filled with the hard facts and conclusions about those facts, with no frills. It is not necessary to go over small details that don’t pertain to anyone. The news values should always be considered when developing a story.
I feel it is important for me to practice my natural curiosity. It is important to always recognize what is going on around me, but it is equally important to take time to question what I am seeing.
I’ve read this entry.
d.