Friday, December 7, 2007

Media ethics in news media

I believe that the most important reason to have a code of ethics in news media is so that fabricated stories do not make their way into out homes. People like to make sure that their news is coming from a reliable source, and that it is fact. No one likes to be put on false terms, or be lied to, so it is important that out news be the truth. Media ethics in news media have list of guidelines that are important to follow. Identifying and linking to sources whenever feasible is important so people know that they have a reliable source for his or her news. People want reliable sources for their news so he or she knows that it is the truth. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability. Also, it is important to give proper quotations, headlines, photos and all other content do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context. Never distort the content of photos without disclosing what has been changed. Image enhancement is only acceptable for technical purposes, such as clarity. Most importantly, in news media, never announce information that is known to be inaccurate -- and if publishing questionable information, make it clear it's in doubt. In order to make sure that these types of problems to not occur, employees of the news team need to distinguish between advocacy, commentary and factual information. Even advocacy writing and commentary should not misrepresent fact or context.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

News Gathering and Protection of Rights in Media

The main blog topic that will be explained is the Protection of Rights in Media law, and more importantly, news- gathering rights. Newsgathering institutions have the trusted responsibility of creating a fair, balanced, honest and accurate product. The overall product, in this case the news, not only reflects the integrity of the employees but the news organization, as well.
The Newspaper Guild Communications Workers of America promote three important principles that describe a news companies mission. The first important principle being that employees working for any news company or corporation is guaranteed freedom of speech and beliefs in the workplace. The second guideline that is associated with news gathering rights in media includes employees being treated fairly and equal and that his or her position in the company is respected by fellow employees and peers. The third and final important guideline dealing with news gathering is that news organizations have to adhere to the same high standards of fairness and integrity that they demand of their employees.
I believe that the most important guideline is the news companies having to treat their employees with respect and integrity. Just like anything, it is extremely important for individuals to be happy where at the workplace. If the employee is unhappy and treated unfairly, the output in work production will certainly drop.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Cultivation Theory-

Cultivation Theory- Is the idea that the media shapes how people view the world.

George Gerbner stands as the creator and pioneer of the cultivation theory. It is a theory that basically stands for fairness and equality, and that with heavy exposure to cultural imagery, one may try to act out. The action or actions that many people worry about are violent crimes. Many parents think that there is way too much violence on Television and that video games are too realistic and violent. One might argue that too much exposure too any one of these things can be dangerous, potentially causing an individual to act out. Furthermore, the main argument that goes along with the cultivation theory is that everyone has a brain and can choose to do whatever he or she wants. This means that every individual has the power to make a right or wrong decision, and deal with either the positive or negative consequence. I agree with both of these different viewpoints on this theiry. For instance, I think it is totally possible for a young person to carry out a "Columbine" sized school shooting who plays very violent video games everyday. But the kicker is that there could just as easily be a mass school shooting by a young person that has never had a history of violence. This is why the cultivation theory, although very appropriate in many cases, cannot totally be proven.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

What and Why - Advertising

  • Name of Product- ACTIVON AND HEADON

  • Parent Company of the Product -Miralus Halthcare











  • Advertisement or Commercial

  • Year Ad Debuted- 2005

  • Ad Agency- Searched everywhere for ad agency and actually emailed Miralus Healthcare to try and find out the ad agency that helped produce this ad

  • T.V. Show the ad mostly runs- Wheel of Fortune on channel 5 (KSDK) mostly weeknights

Q & A-


I like these ads because they have a interesting way of reaching consumers. These commercials attract the attention of the viewers because they are so annoying. For example, these obnoxious commercials come on during favorite television shows and are repetitive, which can become extremely annoying. Although, they do reach their target market in a number of ways that are effective, I believe the most important reason why these ads reach their target market so effectively is because the ads are so repetitive, annoying, and really, in a sense, "memorable." I believe that the most important way for companies to reach the target market is by creating a product that not only works well and is reliable, but one that also can attract customers to itself. It is important for companies not only to be able to back the product, but also be able to market the product and kind of "embed" it in the customers mind. The truth is I have bought both of these products and they both are extremely helpful as a mild pain topical medication. I think that creative and reliable products along with innovative commercials will continue to improve business around the world.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Remembering the Golden Age

I interviewed my Grandma Verla May. She recently turned eight-two years old and was born in 1925 and had plenty of things to say about radio's Golden Age. For example, she told me that her father (my great grandpa) bought the families first radio when she was just twelve years of age. Growing up in Poplar Bluff, she explained that the family radio was not very good in quality and also had limited reception and frequency. She described that her family lived in "the hills.," or out in the middle of nowhere. The radio was a very important part of the family for many years. She told me that usually, right after dinner, the whole family would sit around the radio, and also they would listen to many radio prorgrams, sometimes until 10:00 in the evening. My grandma said that the radio was very family oriented back in the thirties and fourties, and that the family would walk about a quarter of a mile to a friends house to listen to the news. She remembers that her parents' friends got a much better radio and had better reception on the unit. My grandma told me that her favorite radio program was the Grand Ol' Opry, which first debuted in 1925 and remained on-air until 1960, making it the longest running radio show in American history. The show was purchased by NBC and syndicated many years later. She also told me that she enjoyed listening to the Bing Crosby show and how the music on the show had influence on her life. My grandma told me that the she would like the younger generations to realize that the radio really paved the way for television, and that the "golden era" of radio was an important time in American history.

I learned a couple of things from this assignment. For example, by interviewing my Grandma I realized just how important the radio really is, and how it made the invention of the television possible. Furthermore, during the interview, I realized that my grandma is a very knowledgeable person and that the knowledge of the older generation needs to be respected by young people.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

What and Why- Television




  • Title: 24
  • Network: Fox Broadcasting Company
  • Local Channel: Fox Channel 2 (KTVI)
  • When does the show Air?: Mondays normally at 8:00 p.m. central time. Season 7 premieres on Sunday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. central and is a two hour special.
  • Cable or Broadcast: 24 airs on FOX which is a broadcast channel
  • Show in Syndication?: Yes
  • Movie Studio involved in Production: 20th Century Fox
  • Movie Studios Parent Company: News Corporation
  • Year Show Began: 2001 - Present
  • Producers: Robert Cochran, Howard Gordan, Joel Surnow, Brian Grazer, Kiefer Sutherland
  • Directors: Jon Cassar, Brad Turner, Bryan Spicer
  • Writers: Robert Cochran, Joel Surnow, Howard Gordan
  • Stars: Kiefer Sutherland (Jack Bauer), Mary Lynn Rajskub (Chloe O'Brian), Carlos Bernard (Tony Almeida), Dennis Haysbert (President David Palmer)
Q and A:


It is California Presidential Primary Day in Los Angeles and the longest day of Federal Agent Jack Bauer's life is about to begin. Jack has just patched his family back together after a trying separation. Midnight finds Jack playing chess with his teenage daughter Kim. As she goes to bed, Jack gets a call from Nina Myers, his coworker at the Los Angeles Counter Terrorist Unit, telling him to come in for an emergency meeting. Jack has no choice but to report in, but he and his wife Teri learn that Kim has snuck out before he leaves. Kim and her friend Janet York drive to an empty furniture store where they party with a couple of college guys whom they recently met. Kim enjoys herself at first, but starts to become suspicious of the two men when they won't take her home. At CTU, Jack learns that an assassination attempt is being planned against Senator David Palmer; the first African-American presidential candidate with a serious shot at the White House. Jack's boss and friend, Richard Walsh, warns him that people in their own agency may be working with those who plan to kill Palmer. Jack shows how far he's willing to go to do his job when he blackmails District Director George Mason in the hopes of learning information about the Palmer hit. Teri receives a call from Janet's father, Alan York, and the two decide to go out looking for the girls. A European photographer makes pleasant conversation with a beautiful woman on a plane bound for LA. The two end up in a lustful encounter, but more sinister plans come to light that involve a stolen wallet and the destruction of the airplane.


I was introduced to this show around 2005. My parents were obsessed and watched it every week. They told me how amazing the show was, and sure enough, the first time watching was hooked. I have come to realize that the show is so addicting because it happens in real-time, which makes the plot very believable and the options for the show endless. Jack Bauer is a great character, and the show has great special effects. There really is nothing to dislike about the show, and I can't wait for the season seven premiere in early January. I would recommed this show to anyone because it is a great show. There is really no other way to describe it. If anyone out there would like to get involved in a great television show with great action, acting, and storyline, 24 is the show!

Season 7 Preview (E.C.)

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

What and Why- Music/Recordings

Artist: Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., Lil Wayne, a.k.a. lil weezy, a.k.a. da Carter, a.k.a. Birdman jr., a.k.a. Weezy f. Baby

Album Name: Tha Carter

Popular Songs: Where you at, Fireman, Shooter (ft. Robin Thicke), Hustler Musik, Bring it Back, Soldier, Get Something, Go D.J., Stuntin' Like my Daddy, Duffle Bag Boy

Record Label: Cash Money Records

Year "Tha Carter" was released: 2004

Genre: Rap

Artist Website/Bigraphy Page

Q and A:

I found this album when I was at Best Buy one day in 2004. I learned about this album because I heard Lil Wayne on the radio one morning. I like to listen to rap, and Lil Wayne can rap about anything and everything. He is very talented, and has been rapping since he was eleven years old. I also like the fact that he works with so many different artists and talks about real things that can happen in life. Granted our lives are in no comparison, although I can still relate to certain things he raps about. I would describe myself as a very musical person. I like to listen to all kinds of music, but my favorite music has to be hip hop and rap. Examples of artists I enjoy listening to include: Kanye West, 50 Cent, T- Pain, Akon, T.I., and Justin Timberlake. Unfortunately, I do not have a myspace page, but if I had to choose a favorite song by lil wayne it would be Stuntin' Like My Daddy. I chose this song because it is a song with an awesome beat, with interesting lyrics, and a sweet music video. I normally listen to my music on my IPOD, and download it using Limewire on my computer.