For this week’s class, we had a substitute professor, Professor Walton. I really enjoyed this class, as Professor Walton seemed to summarize everything we had learned and gave us advice pertaining to real-life application. First, we discussed the rights and responsibilities that citizens have in relation to journalism, as outlined in our book. They are as follows:
1) Truthfulness
1) Truthfulness
2) Loyalty to citizens
3) Independence
4) Monitoring of power
5) A public forum, and
6) Proportionality and engagement
Walton discussed some issues that we will face as journalists. For example, there may be a difference in our view of what is important to cover as a journalist, and what the audience feels is important for us to cover. Events such as social occurrences with celebrities may seem pertinent to a large portion of the audience, but less important to the journalist community. I found more about this at this website: http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=CBA5B462B837E8A6A0EA16F91B66A47D.inst1_3a?docId=5002500348. To be good journalists, we have to balance this difference in perception – giving the audience the information they desire, while maintaining the respect and dignity we hold as journalists.
Finally, Professor Walton gave us a few tips on how to be a good journalist. First, we need to care about our audience. We will be able to work hard and work well most efficiently for an audience we care for. Going along with this point, we need to understand the gap between ourselves and our audience and listen. I found some really good insight on this point at http://www.audiencescapes.org/development-organizations-and-journalists-tips-getting-along-women-deliver-media-development-population-reference-bureau. Finally, like all things in life, Walton told us to rely on inspiration of the Spirit in the work force. I think that these three tips can help members of many professions.
I definitely agreed with what Sister Walton said concerning listening to our audience. Of course, we are not a pizza delivery service, people don't call in tell us the news they want and wait for us to deliver it; however we do need to be aware of their interests. Our very existence can sometimes make us biased, being BYU students, LDS church members, sports lovers, etc. etc. We will naturally view different things as relevant and will choose to report on those things. However, if we know that our audience is concerned about what is going on with the local music scene, new restaurants, art museums, etc. we will make sure to stay up to date on those things rather than indulge in our own self interests, for those are the things we will naturally see as news. I also really liked what Sister Walton said about being guided by the Spirit. I think as LDS members, in any career we pursue we must be sure to remain sensitive to the Spirit for it is through the Spirit that we will realize something doesn't make sense in our story, or the facts don't quite line up. I like to think of the Spirit as a second form of verification. Our entirely well being depends on the Lord and we need to be sure to thank Him much and often for the blessings He has given us. Part of our duty will always be to remain close to the spirit.
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