Fake News
False stories that appear to be news, spread on the internet or using other forms of media. Usually created to influence political views or as a joke, but can also be unintentional by accidentally spreading false or exaggerated information.
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities.
Several burglars broke into the DNC office at the Watergate hotel. They were attempting to steal documents and wiretap phone lines to support then-president Richard Nixon. His involvement was exposed by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who uncovered details and reported of the scandal. The two later wrote a book, All the President's Men, giving details.
Consequences: unforeseen reactions from audience, both intended audiences and unintended. Are the photos exploitative of those involved?
Fake news can create distrust towards factual news.
People believing false information, leading to unintended consequences wh en people take action based off what they read.
Broadcast journalism . Investigative journalism Photojournalism. Sports journalism. Social media Public Relations. Yellow Journalism (irresponsible reporting).
The Pentagon Papers were top secret documents regarding US involvement in the Vietnam War; information showing the contradiction and lies the US government was giving the public versus what it was actually doing. Military analyst Daniel Ellsberg photocopied the document and gave it to New York Times reporter Neil Sheehan. The US Government demanded the Times cease printing, and when it refused, it lead to the famous New York Times vs the United States court case, which resulted in a 6-3 vote in favor of the Times, stating the printing was doing no harm and protected under the first amendment. In 2011, the US Government published the papers in its entirety, in honor to the 40th anniversary.
Non-partisan: not taking any sides and stating facts with no opinion attached. Opinion, even not intentional, comes out through word choices. “Murderer vs. Alleged Suspect.” Using words “racist, homophobic, sexist,” etc. that contain an accusatory tone.
Bipartisan: try to see if you can find the flaws and great aspects of both sides.
Know when which is appropriate
In short, journalism is to inform the public about their society and others, whether if it’s through the use of entertainment or research. Journalism is vital to the functionality of society, as it is important to know what is happening, and why it is happening. Journalism is a basic right for people to stay informed about their communities, so they can make well-sounded decisions about their lives.
Does the photography and reporting actually mention/include the central place/location? What is the possible information that may come from another place? Is there any? Why or why not?
Use a more conversational tone is favorable among our audience for debunking articles. Mention the existence of a hoax, and repeat the false claim with the declaration that there is a hoax at the end of it (the declaration). Avoid stating the full claim, which can reinforce the incorrect information in the reader’s mind. Note that the more conversational tone, tends to work more on social media than in print. Some recommendation on writing the debunking article is to promote the evidence and questions against the false claim. Provide a counter narrative. Do not simply throw information at the audience, as this can be overwhelming.
Look into reverse image search with photos. Be wary into hyperbole. Review the stories with big news organizations (CNN, Fox News, etc. although these places can have biases themselves.) Seek credible quotes/citations. Review suspicious things through snopes.com
Journalism first began in 1690 with the publishing of “Publick Occurrences both Foreighn and Domestick” by Benjamin Harris in the colonies. The first newspapers were extremely partisan, attacking the British government.
Hungarian immigrant who purchased the failing New York World. Later introduced penny presses, and a purveyor for yellow journalism alongside William Randolph Hearst. The highest honor and award in journalism is named after him.