Chp 14 Discussion Questions

1. Objectivity- Objectivity is the idea that journalists rely on/only publish facts that are observable while not putting their own opinions into the story. Objectivity can be acquired by having a proper balance of both sides of a story in addition to providing a proper backstory. It can also be gained by not promoting the views of one entity at the loss of an opposing view. It can also be implemented by requiring journalists to double check the accuracy of their sources
2. Thoroughness- Thoroughness is the idea that journalists will fully investigate all aspects of a story, including cross checking facts, sources, and providing the most helpful information. It can be gained by giving the reader as much background information on the story as possible. Having journalists take the extra time to re-check all of the notes they have taken on a story can ensure thoroughness. Finally, a detailed observation of the subject of a story will help ensure thoroughness
3. Accuracy- Accuracy is the idea that all facts and sources connected with a story have been checked multiple times for reliability and truth. Accuracy can be ensured by proofreading articles before publication. It can also be ensured by proper testing and checking of all sources used. Websites that are used to track an article's truth are ways to ensure the article is accurate
4. Fairness- Fairness is the idea that all sides of a story have been represented without bias,and represented fairly. Fairness can be achieved by carefully studying leads/tips to ensure they lead to a real story. It can also be made by explicitly acknowledging both sides of a story, despite the view of the article. Fairness can be gotten by giving all sides of an issue relatively equal amounts of exposure in the article.
5. Transparency- Transparency is the idea that journalists gain public trust by being honest about their stories,their biases, and even the mistakes they've made in a story. Transparency can be gotten by providing links to a story for confirmation, having a writer acknowledge their sources, problems, and reasons for writing an story present in the article. A final way transparency can be achieved is by having journalists openly admit their mistakes to the public instead of sweeping it under the rug and having it come out later in a nasty light.