Zackinabox’s Weblog

“We know there is a vast morass of information out there that our audiences want us to try to make sense of. The danger consists in trying to leap above it, not by getting more dramatic or salient or verifiable facts, but by analyzing, speculating, predicting, interpreting – by drawing definitive conclusions while the bodies are still warm.” Paul Knox, The Globe and Mail

This statement located above could not be more true. Paul makes it clear that as journalists we should try our best to be factual. This shouldn’t be a surprise as this is what our professors have been teaching us since the first day of college. If you are not factual you may run into trouble with one of your sources or a clever audience member. When you are setting up a story you must be sure to find a reliable contact, and make sure they are telling the truth. When you are interviewing them, you want to make sure you record them as it happens so you do not miss anything so that you will not feel the urge to dishonestly edit it or input false statements. If you do this you could be charged and severe penalties could occur.

The article is also saying that journalists are aware of what the people today want to hear, and learn about. Journalists do there best to dig, investigate and find this information while being clear and concise in the delivery. As we may not always be able to predict exactly what the people want we do our best to interpret the information we find in a conversational and unique manner that will keep our audience asking for more.

Paul Knox writes for The Globe and Mail has seen a lot in his day, and since he is an accomplished write being part of one of the biggest papers and all his statement above is a good guideline for aspiring/young journalists out there. Every young journalist should be sure to follow this, it will make their life much easier. Here is a site that will help with research techniques: http://comm.gmu.edu/academics/minor_ej.shtml

In conclusion I strongly agree with this statement, and think it makes perfect sense to the journalism world. Don’t worry about getting more dramatic facts, but worry about analyzing, and speculating the subject and most importantly make sure you interpret it factually.

By,

Zack Tiessen