Letters to the Editor
Issue date: 10/16/09 Section: Opinion
I was disappointed with the recent story, "Campuses Duel For Funding," appearing in the Oct. 14 issue of the Western Courier. Much of story, with the exception of the information that was provided to the reporter, is written more in an editorial style than a fact-based news story. And even a good editorial should be balanced and backed by facts and attribution.
For example, who are the "some" referred to in the fourth paragraph who "fear that the budget used for the QC campus renovations and upgrades may have a negative effect on the Macomb campus ..."? One of the first topics taught in a Journalism 101 class is to attribute quotes and information to your sources. This can save apologies - and your skin - later. Without attribution, it is simply editorializing.
Note the attribution in the following:
In the article, "Journalism 101: 16 Things You Learn In J-School," by Jeremy Porter, from Porter's blog, "Journalistics" (blog.journalistics.com/2009/journalism_101_16_things_you_learn_in_j_school/), Porter lists 16 lessons learned in journalism school. The very first lesson listed by Porter: "1. Name Your Sources - he said, she said. When you name sources, you lend credibility to your story and demonstrate your savvy as a reporter. Only use anonymous sources when divulging their identity would put them at risk of retribution or harm."
Porter's third lesson: "3. Be Objective - journalism should be void of opinion. It's hard to find content these days that is truly objective, but when you do, readers appreciate it more. Keep opinions for the Op-Ed section."
In addition, the reporter's student source quoted in this story is a source close to the reporter (a roommate). While those certainly could have been the student's view, a story loses credibility when a source close to the reporter, such as a roommate, spouse or co-worker, is quoted. A random student should have been selected from a class or across campus ("Man on the street") to give an unbiased viewpoint or who might simply have stated "I don't understand this issue." Again, as mentioned above, who are the "few other students" who have "similar" ideas as the student quoted? Attribution is essential; but attribution of a source that does not have a personal tie with the reporter makes for a more credible - and responsible - story.
For example, who are the "some" referred to in the fourth paragraph who "fear that the budget used for the QC campus renovations and upgrades may have a negative effect on the Macomb campus ..."? One of the first topics taught in a Journalism 101 class is to attribute quotes and information to your sources. This can save apologies - and your skin - later. Without attribution, it is simply editorializing.
Note the attribution in the following:
In the article, "Journalism 101: 16 Things You Learn In J-School," by Jeremy Porter, from Porter's blog, "Journalistics" (blog.journalistics.com/2009/journalism_101_16_things_you_learn_in_j_school/), Porter lists 16 lessons learned in journalism school. The very first lesson listed by Porter: "1. Name Your Sources - he said, she said. When you name sources, you lend credibility to your story and demonstrate your savvy as a reporter. Only use anonymous sources when divulging their identity would put them at risk of retribution or harm."
Porter's third lesson: "3. Be Objective - journalism should be void of opinion. It's hard to find content these days that is truly objective, but when you do, readers appreciate it more. Keep opinions for the Op-Ed section."
In addition, the reporter's student source quoted in this story is a source close to the reporter (a roommate). While those certainly could have been the student's view, a story loses credibility when a source close to the reporter, such as a roommate, spouse or co-worker, is quoted. A random student should have been selected from a class or across campus ("Man on the street") to give an unbiased viewpoint or who might simply have stated "I don't understand this issue." Again, as mentioned above, who are the "few other students" who have "similar" ideas as the student quoted? Attribution is essential; but attribution of a source that does not have a personal tie with the reporter makes for a more credible - and responsible - story.
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