CNN: The Simplification of the News

My mother seems to always have the cable news network CNN on the television. As a journalism major and a political science minor, I'm interested in current events; so I'll watch it with her sometimes or at least take a glance over every now and then. However, I've come to realize that I cannot stand CNN's coverage (even in comparison with other cable news channels), and I think CNN's style represents a dangerous trend in broadcast journalism.

The obsession to appear objective drives CNN to present two sides to every story. Now,  there is nothing inherently wrong with neutrality, but there is something wrong with bringing in two "experts" or pundits to argue with each other about every major story. CNN turns a news story into a constant argument between liberals and conservatives, union leaders and business leaders, and pro-this versus anti-that. The only way to objectively cover a story is to consider the truth. Sometimes, the truth favors on side of the argument, and the public should know the facts. Instead, CNN would lead us to believe that every conflict is a 50-50 battle where both arguments have equal validity.

CNN's political coverage is perhaps even partly responsible for the ideological polarization gripping America today. You're either a liberal Democrat or a conservative Republican like their pundits. This dichotomy allows for simplification of complex issues like healthcare, tax reform, social programs, foreign policy, etc.. The moderate view is usually absent from their analysis, and their analysis is rarely ever in-depth.

John Stewart routinely criticizes CNN for similiar reasons. Below is a recent video where he mocks the obsession of CNN anchors with whether a story is "a good thing or a bad thing." Stewart appropriately calls the network out for trying to dumb down the news.

The Truth Behind the Burn

 

The New York Times' "Retro Report" attempts to uncover the real story behind the woman who won a lawsuit against McDonald's after she spilled hot coffee on herself in 1992. Although the trial became a punching bag for late-night television hosts and conservative politicians, this mini-documentary revisits this story from the perspective of Stella Liebeck (the burn victim) and her family.

 

Even those born after 1992--like me--have heard of the McDonald's-hot-coffee case. It's become the trademark for frivolous lawsuits; and I have always assumed the plaintiff just wanted an excuse to extract a few million from a giant corporation. This video uses the details of the case along with intimate interviews with some of the key players involved to perhaps change the public's perception of Liebeck and McDonald's. It definitely made me rethink my stance on the issue.

 

The "Retro Report" is a new weekly video series from The Times which provides updates to controversial and/or complicated stories from the past to examine the truth. It is a very interesting model. And, judging by the over 1.3 million views of the McDonald's video on YouTube since it was posted ten days ago, the "Retro Report" could prove to be very lucrative and popular for The Times.

 

 

 

 

The Podcast: A New Media Tool

The podcast is an innovative and growing new form of communication. Unlike the radio, listeners can enjoy podcasts when they want, and usually with few, if any, commercials. Podcasters also have the freedom to delve into specific and complicated issues which are not covered by television, which has become more entertainment-oriented.

 Many listeners enjoy their favorite shows while on the move--whether exercising, driving, or riding public transportation. In an world where people have increasingly less free time, podcasts are certainly the form of media for the busy.

One can find a podcast about almost anything: sports, politics, religion, history, news, comedy, etc. Furthermore, podcasts are not restricted by a set amount air time; so podcasters have liberty to discuss any issue in far more detail than conventional media sources.

While the podcast may not be considered state-of-the-art in the fast-paced world of cyberspace, research shows that its popularity is increasing. This is in spite of the fact that podcasting didn't quite live up to its billing the first time around. Perhaps the reason for this sudden increase is the disillusionment with traditional media outlets, which are mainly controlled by a few major conglomerates. The "podsphere" is by contrast extremely meritocratic. Well-known media companies directly compete with independent producers who earn their fans through quality content.

A favorite podcast of this blogger is called "Stuff You Should Know." This informational show uncovers urban myths and explains the histories and methods of such things as diplomatic immunity and handwriting analysis.

It seems as if everybody wants to access media on-demand and while multitasking. Likewise, many people have distinct interests and are eager to listen to others with similar inclinations. At a time when television, newspapers, and radio are struggling to satisfy these demands, the podcast should continue to grow as a media tool.  

Photo Scavenger Hunt

1.  A Philadelphian At Work

PPA officer Toya Williamson checks meters in Center City.

2. Luke Tomczuk at Three Different Levels


Eye-level

Above

Below
 

3. Street Performer

Dance Group Project Positive perform at Love Park

 

4. Audience for Project Positive

Onlookers marvel at the acrobatic moves at Love Park.

5. Representation of Philadelphia



City Hall is a shining beacon in the very heart of Philadelphia. It is a crossroads. Tourists, urban commuters, rich business men, poor beggars, black, white, Hispanic, etc.--all interact in and around this architecturally significant building.
 

 6. Street Art

An image on an abandoned property near Front and Susquehanna in Kensington perhaps reflects the poverty and crime of the area. The artist's name is SORTA.

7. Fashion at Temple University

Black sneakers of this design are popular around campus. Pictured is Noe Garcia.

Avory Brookins rocks a unique haircut.

Logan Krum sports a colorful and interesting bracelet.

 8. Philadelphia's History



Pictured is the retro façade of Suburban Station on Market Street. The Pennsylvania Railroad, now defunct, was once one of the largest and most powerful companies in the nation. In the midst of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, many neglect Philadelphia's past industrial glory


 9. Framing

Under "the El" along Frankford Avenue near Margaret-Orthodox station. This centipede-like structure frames the entire commercial corridor. There are literally places where the sun never shines.





Photo Gallery: Daily Life in Syria's Civil War

Freelance photojournalist Lynsey Addario traveled to the Syrian province of Aleppo and refugee camps in Turkey and Lebanon to document the lives normal people who have been affected by the Syrian civil war. Her photo gallery, which is featured on the New York Times' website, shows viewers a different side of the Syrian conflict.

Instead of depicting the violent clashes between the Syrian government and rebels, Addario has given us a glimpse into the daily life of families. Some have fled to unsanitary refugee camps while others have tried to continue life inside Syria.

Perhaps the most striking image of the set is the 15th and last image. Addario photographs a mother, Om Mustafa, with three of her children outside a camp in Lebanon. The weather appears to be cold as Mustafa stares desperately into the distance in front of her shanty town of tents. "Life was better under Assad," she told Addario. The quote, which is included in the caption, paints a very different picture of Assad's regime than the story that has been presented to the American public.

Addario's work for the New York Times helps illustrate and inform those outside Syria of the conditions of regular people. This gallery is a wonderful piece of photojournalism.

Media Ethics and the Case of Liane Membis

Liane Membis, an intern for the Wall Street Journal, was let go by the paper in 2012 after a few of her articles were found to be fabricated. The WSJ could not verify quotes gathered by Membis, and was forced to remove one story and two stories had to be edited.  And just like that, the reputation of a promising young journalist was ruined.

Ethical standards are incredibly important for journalists. Once the public or your media outlet learn of a ethical violation, it's extremely hard--in many cases impossible--to gain that trust back.

Fabrication is one of the worst offences because it undermines the credibility of the news. At a time when only 6% of the public view the media as very trustworthy, instances of farbrication will be thrusted under the microscrope and damage the perception of the whole industry.

From NPR: "50 Years After The Bombing, Birmingham Still Subtly Divided"

Sunday was the 50th anniversary of the Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama that killed four African American girls. Those involved reflected on the mood at the time and the lessons taken from such a tragic incident.

"I think that, in the black community, the 16th street bombing will always remain a testament of not to fully trust white folks," Jeff Drew, a classmate of three of the victims, said.

Others looked at the event as a turning point. "I think that the world began to change with the shedding of the innocent blood of these innocent girls," Carolyn McKinstry, who was at the church on the day of the attack.

Introduction

Who is Jack Tomczuk?

I'm sophomore studying journalism at Temple University with a minor in political science. I live in Northeast Philadelphia and work as a part-time cashier at a pharmacy near my house. Non-fiction writing has been my passion for several years. I started my first blog ("Philly Sports 101") when I was still in middle school and kept it running for a few years. Currently, I occasionally write for the popular soccer blog World Soccer Talk. Sports writing was my first love, but now I've diversified my interests. I'm willing to write about anything, and among my favorite topics are politics, economics, and local Philadelphia news.

What is the purpose of this blog?

The posts on this blog are intended for my Audio-Visual Newsgathering course: JOU 1113. Although I've always preferred print or online writing, I'm eager to learn about a different and equally important aspect of journalism. My hope is that I can learn to utilize new technologies and add more skills to my journalism arsenal. From what I've heard, modern journalists cannot specialize in one medium anymore; we need to become the Swiss Army knives of the media world.

In regards to posting: My assignment is to post weekly on various topics relevant to the course. Though I'm no newcomer to the blogosphere, I'm looking forward to delving into subjects ranging from media ethics to interesting audio and visual news stories. I hope you see my contributions as a good use of your time.