synthesis

Synthesis

Part 1: Media Law: What was a new concept? How will I think about it differently as a journalist?

                    While learning about media law I came across a lot of concepts and rules I knew nothing about. For example, I knew that there were most likely laws against using false statements, but I did not know there was a difference between the written and spoken form. I also didn't know they had official names like Libel and Slander. Another law that I found interesting was Obscenity. Now, yes, I knew what it was and how it worked. For the most part. However, the biggest shocker was the fact that in a way, obscenity can be implied. When we went over the case that involved the Bethal School District and that student gave his speech about candidates in their school, it surprised me. Not only was I wondering, "Why the heck would he say that in front of the entire school?" but I was also thinking how they could charge him with obscenity if he didn't really say anything obscene. The obscene image he was creating had to be implied. I do understand that the students intentions were not pure, but I wonder if there are cases where things have been interpenetrated as obscene but were not actually meant to be.
                    Although these points are interesting, what I found fascinating was the Shield Law. Ever since I've been in school all teachers have wanted us to do is cite sources and make claims using evidence from credible people, but now I am learning that not all people want credit for their work or their words. There are thousands of things that have been quoted and left without a name because the Shield Law protects journalists from having to expose their sources. I believe that it is a very good idea, however there are downsides too. Having to be in the position that decides whether or not to protect someones anonymity when they have seen or done wrong seems stressful. What if your source is a really close friend? Or maybe a person with a lot of power and you have to expose what they said to the public because it contained incriminating evidence or illegal information? The weight of the law is immeasurable.
                    Going into my journalism career I think this will affect a lot of the things I do. As I write a story or report I need to make sure my content is clear and makes sense in the way I want it to. Also I need to remember when quoting someone who asks to be kept anonymous, I have to respect their anonymity and cannot share their name what-so-ever. 

Part 2: Fake News: What was a new concept? How will I think about it differently as a journalist?

                    Fake news has always been something I have been aware of. Being an active member on social media sites like Instagram and Snapchat, my eye for fake news has gotten much better. However, stories like Stephan Glass' are absolutely mind boggling. To be honest, I don't think there is any story like his. How can a person be so devoted to a story? How can they be so determined to please the public to go as far as creating a fake website? Or setting up phony voicemail boxes? Making business cards? Having your family play as a character in one of your stories? It is so manipulative and just abstract. I really can't find the words to describe the whole situation. To think the only reason why he wasnt caught was because he was well liked. It makes me wonder if things like this still happen in our news outlets today.

                     Another thing I found fascinating was conspiracy theories. I knew what they were, I have listened to Youtube videos talking about them and my dad and I have read many, mostly on aliens. Personally, I have believed and come up with many on my own or with my friends. But I think mine were more of a joke, not something I really wanted to share or wanted people to believe and support. I think it's interesting to see how far skeptics will go for the public to believe in their insane theories. 

                    What I am taking away from our fake news research is you can never be too careful. No matter how many times you fact check or follow up with people on their stories not everything will be 100% true; which is unfortunate. Going forward as a journalist and a reporter I hope to change that. I plan to be truthful in my writing and share facts, not some bogus made up news story.