Irish papers are always dominated, as one might expect, by home stories. But looking at other international papers, especially the London Times and Independent, we must ask ourselves ; why do we focus so much on ourselves when there are other huge stories to be discussed.
For example, so much time and column inches were dedicated to the Late Late sage (as mentioned in another blog entry) when hundreds of people were being killed in Sri Lanka. The reason for the minimal coverage of the Sri Lankan massacre stories is the age old news value of proximity. To put it callously 100 Sri Lankan deaths is equal to 1 Irish death.
However, we must look at the Irish Tabloids and see how much they've got their news worthiness ethics all wrong. The cruel and sudden death of Garda McCallion last April was shipped to page 12 of the Sun while the editors decided to publish slapstick photographs of Brian Cowen and Brian Lenihan. It seems that sensationalism of politics is more important to the Sun than the death of one of the country's Gardaí. It is sad to say but it seems money and personal finance is more important than the sacristy of human life.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Roy Collins Revolt
The vicious murder of the innocent Roy Collins in a gang related death brought the country to its knees once more. Shane Geoghean(mistaken identity) was callously murdered also by the notorious Limerick gang last year. It is fantastic to see how strongly a line the Irish papers have taken these brutal murders. Front page stories, continued coverage of Stephen Collins' (Roy's father) revolt against the gangs and sharp tongued editorials have created a whirlwind of popular support against the murderers.
It is fantastic to see that the paper industry itself is trying to quell the violence in Limerick. They could have reported on the story and that could have been that, but no. Continuous denunciation of these terror mongers have brought to the fore the brutality of Limerick's worsening gang problem.
The coverage of Mr. Collins' rally the other day was also well covered and it seems that the paper industry needs to increasingly show events like these if public opinion is to develop and therefore hopefully rid Limerick of its chequered past.
It is fantastic to see that the paper industry itself is trying to quell the violence in Limerick. They could have reported on the story and that could have been that, but no. Continuous denunciation of these terror mongers have brought to the fore the brutality of Limerick's worsening gang problem.
The coverage of Mr. Collins' rally the other day was also well covered and it seems that the paper industry needs to increasingly show events like these if public opinion is to develop and therefore hopefully rid Limerick of its chequered past.
The Late Late Show Horse Race
One of the lightest stories of the year that made it onto the front pages of our daily and Sunday papers this year so far is the biggest questions in Irish showbiz :who will succeed Pat Kenny as the host of The Late Late Show?
The hype regarding this particular story is phenomenal. Presenters like Ryan Tubridy, Miriam O'Callaghan, Gerry Ryan and even Dara O'Briain are all in the mix to become the new host. It's funny to see so much media attention being directed to this story. Maybe all the attention is to act a s a respite against the spiralling financial crisis. If this was the idea, then the Irish print media has indeed been successful. We forgot about all our fiscal woes or a while and focused on something light a fun instead.
All that we can presume is that this trend will continue until Pat Kenny's successor is announced. The after that we can all expect that our front pages will continue to be dominated by the Two Brians. Well at least all this Late Late talk took our minds off things, even if it was only or a month or so!
The hype regarding this particular story is phenomenal. Presenters like Ryan Tubridy, Miriam O'Callaghan, Gerry Ryan and even Dara O'Briain are all in the mix to become the new host. It's funny to see so much media attention being directed to this story. Maybe all the attention is to act a s a respite against the spiralling financial crisis. If this was the idea, then the Irish print media has indeed been successful. We forgot about all our fiscal woes or a while and focused on something light a fun instead.
All that we can presume is that this trend will continue until Pat Kenny's successor is announced. The after that we can all expect that our front pages will continue to be dominated by the Two Brians. Well at least all this Late Late talk took our minds off things, even if it was only or a month or so!
Tribune Writer not giving up sources
Suzanne Breen, the Sunday Tribune writer who rose to prominence on her coverage of Republican paramilitary organisations has stood firm over a PSNI order that she give up all her sources, notebooks and recorded telephone calls with paramilitary personnel. She has, as a right thinking journalists, vehemently refused to give up her sources. This is a fantastic example of the ethical codes that journalist adhere to.
Even in the face of 5 years imprisonment, she values her profession as sacrosanct and feels that if she was to give up her sources, then all the work that she has done may be devalued and she would also most likely be excommunicated from the print industry.
Ms Breen has received overwhelming support from her colleagues on this case and it seems that i the British Government force her to reveal her sources then the whole journalism industry could be brought into disrepute and as a consequence be greatly undermined.
We must ,as journalists, not allow to be pushed around by any Government in situations like these. We must stand firm and in the context of this story proclaim ; JOURNALISTS SAY NO!
Even in the face of 5 years imprisonment, she values her profession as sacrosanct and feels that if she was to give up her sources, then all the work that she has done may be devalued and she would also most likely be excommunicated from the print industry.
Ms Breen has received overwhelming support from her colleagues on this case and it seems that i the British Government force her to reveal her sources then the whole journalism industry could be brought into disrepute and as a consequence be greatly undermined.
We must ,as journalists, not allow to be pushed around by any Government in situations like these. We must stand firm and in the context of this story proclaim ; JOURNALISTS SAY NO!
Iranian Journalist Scandal
Roxana Saberi, an American-Iranian journalist was arrested and imprisoned in Tehran, Iran for acting as a spy and disclosing national secrets to the world. She has worked for the BBC, CBS and other international radio and television news media organisations. Her imprisonment has been denounced by all free thinking nations and her incarceration is further proof of Iran's disrespect of the freedom of expression.
I was very disappointed on how the Irish print media covered the jailing of one of their journalistic colleagues. The Irish Times and Irish Independent ran the story of her imprisonment in their World News sections. However, that was to be all. No editorial comment, no further coverage and even when Ms Saberi went on hunger strike there was only a mere couple of column inches given to her plight. This is a disgrace in my opinion. If papers wish to eradicate the iron grip the many countries have over their press then more coverage is needed to highlight the problem.
It seems that the Irish media completely disregarded Roxana Saberi's traumatic and illegal incarceration and ,in situations like these, every news institution must stand firm and denounce the acts of the Iranian government if we ,as journalists, are to succeed in our respective fields.
I was very disappointed on how the Irish print media covered the jailing of one of their journalistic colleagues. The Irish Times and Irish Independent ran the story of her imprisonment in their World News sections. However, that was to be all. No editorial comment, no further coverage and even when Ms Saberi went on hunger strike there was only a mere couple of column inches given to her plight. This is a disgrace in my opinion. If papers wish to eradicate the iron grip the many countries have over their press then more coverage is needed to highlight the problem.
It seems that the Irish media completely disregarded Roxana Saberi's traumatic and illegal incarceration and ,in situations like these, every news institution must stand firm and denounce the acts of the Iranian government if we ,as journalists, are to succeed in our respective fields.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Columnists: The Lighter Side of Broadsheet Journlalism
First and fore mostly, I know that there are a vast amount of broadsheet columnists who deal with their jobs in a very serious and informative manner. Fair dues. However, in papers like the Irish Independent and The Observer, there seems to be a new trend emerging: that of comedic yet insightful columnists who ticks all the boxes of the news agenda but who also tickles our funny bones.
Ian O'Doherty, a regular feature writer for his column ISpy. This man deals with the wacky in a wonderful way. Sub-editing his own copy with headlines like 'Death to All Hippies' will keep readers with a sense of humour coming back for more. Every funny little thing you might find in daily life is reported on in a very comedic way. In the Observer you have funnyman David Mitchell. Combining his quickfire wit, his extensive knowledge of global politics, history and finance, he alone is able to target a younger generation of Observer reader. Appearing in his own sitcom Peep Show as well as being a guest on a variety of satirical panel shows like Mock the Week, David Mitchell is a household name which draws the Observer a large readership.
It seems that now this turbulent time for print media more and more celebrity columnists will pop up trying to entice more people to read their publication. Hopefully Dustin the Turkey, regular columnist for The Irish Sun, won't be seen on the masthead of The Irish Times any time soon!
Ian O'Doherty, a regular feature writer for his column ISpy. This man deals with the wacky in a wonderful way. Sub-editing his own copy with headlines like 'Death to All Hippies' will keep readers with a sense of humour coming back for more. Every funny little thing you might find in daily life is reported on in a very comedic way. In the Observer you have funnyman David Mitchell. Combining his quickfire wit, his extensive knowledge of global politics, history and finance, he alone is able to target a younger generation of Observer reader. Appearing in his own sitcom Peep Show as well as being a guest on a variety of satirical panel shows like Mock the Week, David Mitchell is a household name which draws the Observer a large readership.
It seems that now this turbulent time for print media more and more celebrity columnists will pop up trying to entice more people to read their publication. Hopefully Dustin the Turkey, regular columnist for The Irish Sun, won't be seen on the masthead of The Irish Times any time soon!
George Lee and the Press Involvement.
Ever since George Lee was announced as the Fine Gael candidate for the By-Election for Dublin South, the press have been quick to jump on the bandwagon and launch a scathing attack on o0ne of their colleagues. Every person involved in media was thinking one thing at the time of Mr Lee's announcement as candidate: was there an ulterior motive to Mr Lee's coverage of the Government's failings in the political world on RTE News?
Was his time on air less than objective? And even his documentary "How We Blew the Boom", which was given ample advertising before it was shown, is it feasible that the whole agenda of this piece was biased against Fianna Fáil and pro Fine Gael? I believe it is impossible to think that George Lee wasn't' favouring Fine Gael and that both his documentaries and RTÉ News coverage were completely subjective anti-Governmental propaganda.
It is important that, as journalists, we do not have this sort of incident reoccurring. Mr. Lee should have made his political intentions known to the big wigs at our national news organisation and I believe that, if he fails to fill the late Séamus Brennan's seat in the upcoming by-election, then RTÉ cannot reappoint him as the editor of a very controversial sector of news, a place where objectivity is paramount. It would be a disgrace to the profession of journalism if he were to return.
Was his time on air less than objective? And even his documentary "How We Blew the Boom", which was given ample advertising before it was shown, is it feasible that the whole agenda of this piece was biased against Fianna Fáil and pro Fine Gael? I believe it is impossible to think that George Lee wasn't' favouring Fine Gael and that both his documentaries and RTÉ News coverage were completely subjective anti-Governmental propaganda.
It is important that, as journalists, we do not have this sort of incident reoccurring. Mr. Lee should have made his political intentions known to the big wigs at our national news organisation and I believe that, if he fails to fill the late Séamus Brennan's seat in the upcoming by-election, then RTÉ cannot reappoint him as the editor of a very controversial sector of news, a place where objectivity is paramount. It would be a disgrace to the profession of journalism if he were to return.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Return Of The Ra!
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) in all their prevalent splinter forms decided to don arms over the past couple of months. The killings of two British Army soldiers at the Massarreene Barracks in Co.Antrim and then the murder of the Catholic PSNI man Stephen Carroll sent a clear and concise message tot he people of the world and Gerry Adams was right: They're not gone away you know!
For decades hardened journalists became accustomed to reporting sectarian murders and bombs and all sorts of other guerrilla warfare orientated attacks. But now it seems the new and inexperienced journalists don't have much of a grasp on things.
For example on Sky News as the barracks shootings were breaking, Sky News thought it on themselves to have the words "Sinn Fein attacks barracks" on its little yellow ticker. Their are 2 sides to this : maybe it was a seasoned journalist having a probing jab at the former political wing of the Provos or maybe it was an inexperienced journalists thinking both the RIRA and the CIRA fall under the orders of Sinn Fein. I fear it may be the latter.
People , especially journalists, must wise up the on going political situation in Northern Ireland. Naivety may cause lives. Silly slanderous regards about ' legitimate' political parties must not be tolerated. People must read again and this develop their own solid factual knowledge of the situation up North.
Most editorials in both Irish and British newspapers read along the lines of 'let's not delve back into those dark, dark days. But there has never really been a light at the end of that proverbial sectarian trouble. The least a journalist can do is get his facts right and not get lost within his or her own uneducated analysis of a turbulent semi-state!
For decades hardened journalists became accustomed to reporting sectarian murders and bombs and all sorts of other guerrilla warfare orientated attacks. But now it seems the new and inexperienced journalists don't have much of a grasp on things.
For example on Sky News as the barracks shootings were breaking, Sky News thought it on themselves to have the words "Sinn Fein attacks barracks" on its little yellow ticker. Their are 2 sides to this : maybe it was a seasoned journalist having a probing jab at the former political wing of the Provos or maybe it was an inexperienced journalists thinking both the RIRA and the CIRA fall under the orders of Sinn Fein. I fear it may be the latter.
People , especially journalists, must wise up the on going political situation in Northern Ireland. Naivety may cause lives. Silly slanderous regards about ' legitimate' political parties must not be tolerated. People must read again and this develop their own solid factual knowledge of the situation up North.
Most editorials in both Irish and British newspapers read along the lines of 'let's not delve back into those dark, dark days. But there has never really been a light at the end of that proverbial sectarian trouble. The least a journalist can do is get his facts right and not get lost within his or her own uneducated analysis of a turbulent semi-state!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Press and Jade Goody
When Jade Goody was first diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer, the printed media's coverage was less than objective. Here was a woman who had sold her personal life for money ever since she made her moronic mark in Big Brother years previously.
Although Ms. Goody's diagnosis was terrible and her prognosis even worse, I felt somewhat ashamed to be part of such a fickle industry.
The British press, especially the 'red tops' were treating Ms.Goody as the 'People's Princess', some working class hero who stood up in the face of adversity and took on her illness. The reality star's courage and bravery is not in question here. No, rather it is the similarities to Princess Diana that were made which completely appalled me. This woman was not half the woman the Princess of Wales was. FULL STOP. This point is not open to argument.
The sub-editors of papers like the News of the World should be ashamed of themselves. 'Goodbye Princess' their headline the day after her funeral. Only a week previously had one of their columnists lambasted the fickle nature of the printed media for the overly-sympathetic display towards a woman to whom most people regarded as somebody with no discernible talents.
My heart goes out to her family and especially children, but the press needs to look at itself closely and do the professional thing: objectivity is the cornerstone of journalism.
Although Ms. Goody's diagnosis was terrible and her prognosis even worse, I felt somewhat ashamed to be part of such a fickle industry.
The British press, especially the 'red tops' were treating Ms.Goody as the 'People's Princess', some working class hero who stood up in the face of adversity and took on her illness. The reality star's courage and bravery is not in question here. No, rather it is the similarities to Princess Diana that were made which completely appalled me. This woman was not half the woman the Princess of Wales was. FULL STOP. This point is not open to argument.
The sub-editors of papers like the News of the World should be ashamed of themselves. 'Goodbye Princess' their headline the day after her funeral. Only a week previously had one of their columnists lambasted the fickle nature of the printed media for the overly-sympathetic display towards a woman to whom most people regarded as somebody with no discernible talents.
My heart goes out to her family and especially children, but the press needs to look at itself closely and do the professional thing: objectivity is the cornerstone of journalism.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Values and Ethics in Reporting
The field of journalism is awash with various codes of conducts and standard practices to which most professionals adhere. However, some take advantage of the system for personal gain. Look at the use of confidential sources. If "off the record", a source may never be revealed. Controversies like "Jimmy's World" ( a running serial about an 8 year old boy hooked on heroine) deceived the modern press when it turned out that "Jimmy" did not exist. The writer (Janet Cooke) deceived common practice to further her own career.
The use of photos is also a contentious issue. Should editors post pictures of dead bodies? For example, there were pictures available of Princess Diana in her fatal car crash, but night editors thought against the use of these photos as they were deemed to be unacceptable and against the recognised codes of conduct within mainstream print journalism.
Sensationalism within the popular press has been deemed ,by some, as unethical behaviour. In some circles, tabloid media's supposed exaggeration of stories is in breach of journalistic values. However, it can be argued that certain 'sensationalised' pieces have not actually altered the truth, rather the writers have put an exciting spin on stories which were once drab and colourless.
The use of photos is also a contentious issue. Should editors post pictures of dead bodies? For example, there were pictures available of Princess Diana in her fatal car crash, but night editors thought against the use of these photos as they were deemed to be unacceptable and against the recognised codes of conduct within mainstream print journalism.
Sensationalism within the popular press has been deemed ,by some, as unethical behaviour. In some circles, tabloid media's supposed exaggeration of stories is in breach of journalistic values. However, it can be argued that certain 'sensationalised' pieces have not actually altered the truth, rather the writers have put an exciting spin on stories which were once drab and colourless.
Coverage of Court Stories
The Courts are always places of drama and excitement. However journalists must always be careful about how they cover their stories in regard to who they can name, the crime that's been committed etc.
Sexual offences are generally kept out of the public's knowledge as the story may infringe on the victim's right to anonymity. Rape, molestation and other deviant crimes being heard in court may be known to some journalists but until they receive confirmation that the victim wishes to give up their right to anonymity and only then can they publish the court proceedings.
An example of such behaviour is the recent incest case in the West of Ireland. The mother was never named because her identity would of course lead to the victims of her terrible crimes. However there are some cases, like that of gangland crime, which are encouraged by the public to be printed. It is a case of "name and shame" and most journalists are only too happy to oblige. Ever since the public outcry after the murder of Veronica Guerin, most gangland bosses are afraid to kill off journalists seeking to uncover the truth. In this way the field of journalism not only reports news but can sometimes keep the perpetrators of crime at bay.
Sexual offences are generally kept out of the public's knowledge as the story may infringe on the victim's right to anonymity. Rape, molestation and other deviant crimes being heard in court may be known to some journalists but until they receive confirmation that the victim wishes to give up their right to anonymity and only then can they publish the court proceedings.
An example of such behaviour is the recent incest case in the West of Ireland. The mother was never named because her identity would of course lead to the victims of her terrible crimes. However there are some cases, like that of gangland crime, which are encouraged by the public to be printed. It is a case of "name and shame" and most journalists are only too happy to oblige. Ever since the public outcry after the murder of Veronica Guerin, most gangland bosses are afraid to kill off journalists seeking to uncover the truth. In this way the field of journalism not only reports news but can sometimes keep the perpetrators of crime at bay.
Two Different Styles!
Each and every single paper has its own style! Each paper writes in a way which grabs its own selective audience. Although there are times when the styles of certain papers lands them in hot water! The two papers that I have decided to compare and contrast are The Sun and the Irish Independent.
The Irish Sun is undoubtedly the cause of much controversy within the industry of printed media in Ireland. Regardless of the page 3 girls, the Sun seem to use more colloquialisms and damning vocabulary than their broadsheet counterparts. For example, the infamous "Fritzl" case. The Indo ran a very removed but factual and formal view of the controversy. However The Sun ran stories containing words like beast and sicko. Although it is hard to hold back your disgust in the case of the Austrian child rapist, one can assume that there is no place in supposed objective print media for such subjective vocab as beast or sicko.
However one must admit that The Sun uses language like this to draw in their audience. The popular press can be regarded in some circles merely as a form of entertainment and, by jazzing up their stories and sensationalising their pieces with evocative language, they ensure a high circulation while consolidating loyal readership. The Indo, on the other hand, ensures their loyal leadership by straight talking, factual representation of important events.
The Irish Sun is undoubtedly the cause of much controversy within the industry of printed media in Ireland. Regardless of the page 3 girls, the Sun seem to use more colloquialisms and damning vocabulary than their broadsheet counterparts. For example, the infamous "Fritzl" case. The Indo ran a very removed but factual and formal view of the controversy. However The Sun ran stories containing words like beast and sicko. Although it is hard to hold back your disgust in the case of the Austrian child rapist, one can assume that there is no place in supposed objective print media for such subjective vocab as beast or sicko.
However one must admit that The Sun uses language like this to draw in their audience. The popular press can be regarded in some circles merely as a form of entertainment and, by jazzing up their stories and sensationalising their pieces with evocative language, they ensure a high circulation while consolidating loyal readership. The Indo, on the other hand, ensures their loyal leadership by straight talking, factual representation of important events.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Analysis of use of photographs in printed media.
The use of photograps in papers has been around ever since the camera has been around. Photographs are not placed there to fill up space (but sometimes are during a slow day), but rather to give the reader a sense of what it was like to be somewhere, or to give the reader first hand imagery of a war zone or a joyous occassion.
However pictures can also raise an ethical eyebrow. What is acceptable? Should you use a picture for sole gain irrespective of who you may hurt. Examples of situations like these include pictures of people who have been murdered, most recently in gangland crime. Pictures of gunshot victims have been available to a lot of editors, but most have refused to print them because of the people they may hurt.
Pictures also hold somewhat political power over the government. For example, the student marches attracted record numbers nearing 15000. These pictures show the public the extent to which the students are willing to fight. It was the same situation for the over 70s "grey army" walking down Kildare Street. Without appropriate pictures, much of the occassion might have been lost on your typical newspaper reader.
However pictures can also raise an ethical eyebrow. What is acceptable? Should you use a picture for sole gain irrespective of who you may hurt. Examples of situations like these include pictures of people who have been murdered, most recently in gangland crime. Pictures of gunshot victims have been available to a lot of editors, but most have refused to print them because of the people they may hurt.
Pictures also hold somewhat political power over the government. For example, the student marches attracted record numbers nearing 15000. These pictures show the public the extent to which the students are willing to fight. It was the same situation for the over 70s "grey army" walking down Kildare Street. Without appropriate pictures, much of the occassion might have been lost on your typical newspaper reader.
Friday, November 14, 2008
U.S. Presidential Elections-Power of Television
So what can I say about the US Presedential Elections? It was a seemingly neverending saga. It all began with with the votes in the caucauses and the primaries the year before. The press seemed to make the elections a tournament based procedure. First there was the semi-finals: Barack Obama versus Hilary Clinton. On the other side there was John McCain and Mike Huckabee. Of course that's when the squabbling started, especaily within the press. Rumours of unrest and internal spats within both Republican and Democratic campaigns were the ideal way of fattening the inside of papers on this two year journey to the White House.
I found the television to be the best form of communicating the election to the public. Of the channels available, I found that Sky News was by far the best channel to watch. It had very good displays in studio detailing where the election would be won and lost. It showed very clearly how the electoral college vote system works, it forecasted how both sides were competing in the swing states and live reporters at the scene added to the huge spectacle. Radio also competed very well during the election campaign and to a lesser extent so did the papers. Yet neither o these 2 mediums could hold a candle to television. Nevertheless channels like Sky News could , nearly in real time, bring you live feeds of where all the drama was unfolding. It was great to watch it all going on in front of your eyes, even if that meant staying awake through the night.
It seems clear to me that the power of the television media was put on full show and the professionalism of a channel like Sky One shone through with fantastic indications of competent and interesting news reports.
I found the television to be the best form of communicating the election to the public. Of the channels available, I found that Sky News was by far the best channel to watch. It had very good displays in studio detailing where the election would be won and lost. It showed very clearly how the electoral college vote system works, it forecasted how both sides were competing in the swing states and live reporters at the scene added to the huge spectacle. Radio also competed very well during the election campaign and to a lesser extent so did the papers. Yet neither o these 2 mediums could hold a candle to television. Nevertheless channels like Sky News could , nearly in real time, bring you live feeds of where all the drama was unfolding. It was great to watch it all going on in front of your eyes, even if that meant staying awake through the night.
It seems clear to me that the power of the television media was put on full show and the professionalism of a channel like Sky One shone through with fantastic indications of competent and interesting news reports.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Biggest Drug Bust in the State's History! Online Vs Printed Media!
This week I decided to look at the multi-million Euro cocaine haul caught off the south coast of Ireland. Instead of looking just how the papers dealt with it i decided to look at the Internet media as well.
In "Operation Seabight", which involved Gardaí, Customs and the Naval Service, the LE Niamh detained the 18m (60ft) yacht, Dances with Wolves , 257km (160 miles) west of Mizen Head.
A boarding party from the LE Niamh carried out a search of the yacht in an operation late at night and found a large number of packets of cocaine.
Initial estimates suggest that the haul exceeds the 1.5 million tonnes of drugs, worth €440 million, recovered last year from Dunlough Bay near Mizen Head in west Cork.
In "Operation Seabight", which involved Gardaí, Customs and the Naval Service, the LE Niamh detained the 18m (60ft) yacht, Dances with Wolves , 257km (160 miles) west of Mizen Head.
A boarding party from the LE Niamh carried out a search of the yacht in an operation late at night and found a large number of packets of cocaine.
Initial estimates suggest that the haul exceeds the 1.5 million tonnes of drugs, worth €440 million, recovered last year from Dunlough Bay near Mizen Head in west Cork.
I believe the papers did a very good job showing the extent of the drugs haul. There were diagrams and tables of facts relating to the haul to be found. These included a map showing where the drugs were sourced and where they were intended to go. It is fair to say that the printed media is limited. Whatever is on the paper is there. There are no other sources of information. This is the complete antithesis to the internet. The internet, especially sites like sky news and the irish times online, offer a myriad of alternate links to further your knowledge in what you are reading. This is the inherent problem with the paper industry and a key factor in the argument that the medium is dying. There always will be more information available online than in the papers. Bring this together with the rise of online "citizen journalists" and it really looks like it's the beginning of the end for the printed media.
Log onto theirishtimes.com and it is clear to see. Breaking news more often than not supplied by AP or Reuters fizzles through onto your computer screens faster than it can be printed. There really is no chance of catching the online industry. Papers have now been forced to promote promote and promote some more to stimulate flagging circulation, becoming more like an advertising Mecca rather than a from of much needed communication.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Week 4: Interview!
This week we were told to do our journals on an interview we liked! This time it was simple to choose a certain interview I liked!
The interview I have chosen was taken after the resignation of the Fianna Fail TD Joe Behan over the medical card fiasco! I think my family ties with Mr.Behan made this substantial resignation important to me, not just on a political level, but on a personal one also.
Joe Behan appeared on both the 6:01 and the 9 0'clock news on Friday the 17th of October. He gave a heartfelt and apologetic interview to the experienced Brian Dobson. But I liked the way Mr.Dobson went about his interviewing technique. He asked direct questions, kept it clear and concise and never ever was vague in the way he approached Mr.Behan's responses. He mad Joe give a straight answer. I thought this was unusual as you usually get the back and forth roundabouty answers from top ranking TDs and Seanad representatives. For example: " Did u buy bread today Taoiseach?" Answer: Well that all comes down to the dough maker's manifesto of forecasted retail opportunities. What we must do now, in the cause of a fiscal society is to revoke all bread cards for the terminally hungry." He could have just said yes, batch bread it was and it was gorgeous.
Anyway back to the interview. I believe that this was a very well conducted interview. Most importantly everybody was calm. In the light of the medical card fiasco after Mr.Lenihan's contentious budget was released, the media were everywhere and the situation had reached fever pitch. It was imperative that everybody stayed cool and, more importantly, stayed true to themselves and do what they thought best for themselves and indeed the country in the long run. Mr. Behan said he felt insulted by comments yesterday by Tánaiste Mary Coughlan that TDs should not criticise Budget decisions. Mr Behan said he baulked at anyone telling him he could not speak his mind.
It was a one-on one interview. It wasn't a Questions and Answers based barrage of question after question. Mr. Behan had an opportunity to tell his side of the story without being hounded by different panelists over the fact that his vacation of post had led to the undermining of the Fianna Fáil Party.
Although it was simple for me to choose this interview, I believe it gives a great insight into the workings of an interview, no matter what subject matter it concerned. You can read Joe Behan's full resignation letter to An Taoiseach by clicking this link:http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1017/behanj.html
The interview I have chosen was taken after the resignation of the Fianna Fail TD Joe Behan over the medical card fiasco! I think my family ties with Mr.Behan made this substantial resignation important to me, not just on a political level, but on a personal one also.
Joe Behan appeared on both the 6:01 and the 9 0'clock news on Friday the 17th of October. He gave a heartfelt and apologetic interview to the experienced Brian Dobson. But I liked the way Mr.Dobson went about his interviewing technique. He asked direct questions, kept it clear and concise and never ever was vague in the way he approached Mr.Behan's responses. He mad Joe give a straight answer. I thought this was unusual as you usually get the back and forth roundabouty answers from top ranking TDs and Seanad representatives. For example: " Did u buy bread today Taoiseach?" Answer: Well that all comes down to the dough maker's manifesto of forecasted retail opportunities. What we must do now, in the cause of a fiscal society is to revoke all bread cards for the terminally hungry." He could have just said yes, batch bread it was and it was gorgeous.
Anyway back to the interview. I believe that this was a very well conducted interview. Most importantly everybody was calm. In the light of the medical card fiasco after Mr.Lenihan's contentious budget was released, the media were everywhere and the situation had reached fever pitch. It was imperative that everybody stayed cool and, more importantly, stayed true to themselves and do what they thought best for themselves and indeed the country in the long run. Mr. Behan said he felt insulted by comments yesterday by Tánaiste Mary Coughlan that TDs should not criticise Budget decisions. Mr Behan said he baulked at anyone telling him he could not speak his mind.
It was a one-on one interview. It wasn't a Questions and Answers based barrage of question after question. Mr. Behan had an opportunity to tell his side of the story without being hounded by different panelists over the fact that his vacation of post had led to the undermining of the Fianna Fáil Party.
Although it was simple for me to choose this interview, I believe it gives a great insight into the workings of an interview, no matter what subject matter it concerned. You can read Joe Behan's full resignation letter to An Taoiseach by clicking this link:http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1017/behanj.html
Monday, October 13, 2008
Week 3 Journal: Paper Intro!
This week i decided to use the Irish Independent from Friday, October 10th to talk about the introductions various journalists use when they are beginning their news stories.
Page 5 deals with the fatal stabbing of Paul Howe outside Supervalu, moments after he had committed an armed robbery there. Shane Phelan uses a bullet introduction here and covers the main point quickly in his one sentence, 25 word first paragraph. The 'who' and the 'what' are covered in this brief introduction. I liked this intro as it doesn't mess about! It gives you the main thrust of the story, keeps us informed and ignites our interest in what is to follow.
The who what and how are covered directly after in another one sentence paragraph.I once again enjoyed this style of writing . It gives us more and more and teases us to read on, which I did.
From then on Mr.Phelan gives us a lot of reported speech, particularly from Gardai which adds colour to the story. He uses a couple of quotes from aghast residents of the usually subdued Killester area who wish to defend their town from bad press. Leading members of the community, including senators, also gave their two cents.
All in all I liked the introduction. As i said before it kept the reader wanting more from every paragraph. It was an amalgamation of various types of introduction, ranging from the bullet intro to the single element intro.
Page 5 deals with the fatal stabbing of Paul Howe outside Supervalu, moments after he had committed an armed robbery there. Shane Phelan uses a bullet introduction here and covers the main point quickly in his one sentence, 25 word first paragraph. The 'who' and the 'what' are covered in this brief introduction. I liked this intro as it doesn't mess about! It gives you the main thrust of the story, keeps us informed and ignites our interest in what is to follow.
The who what and how are covered directly after in another one sentence paragraph.I once again enjoyed this style of writing . It gives us more and more and teases us to read on, which I did.
From then on Mr.Phelan gives us a lot of reported speech, particularly from Gardai which adds colour to the story. He uses a couple of quotes from aghast residents of the usually subdued Killester area who wish to defend their town from bad press. Leading members of the community, including senators, also gave their two cents.
All in all I liked the introduction. As i said before it kept the reader wanting more from every paragraph. It was an amalgamation of various types of introduction, ranging from the bullet intro to the single element intro.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Week 2 -Sep 29th- 0ct 5th
This week I worked on the Irish Independent from two differnent dates (Oct2nd +3rd). I had decided to investigate the same paper twice to see whether i could guesstimate if the same sources are used in the ongoing soap opera that is Ireland's financial crisis. Also the usual mastheads and content shall be dissected.
First I have to talk about the financial crisis as it as on the tip of every single Irish person's tongue at the moment. 400bn euro has been swept aside for our floundering financial institutions for those rainy days of the Irish economy, days that were never in the minds of those whipping
the Celtic Tiger forward with relentless over-investment in the construction and housing sectors. It seems to me that the stories from the Irish Independent came form a variety of sources. For example in the 2nd of September's edition the source for Shane Phelan's piece unveiling the bank backing deal to rescue foolish developers came from the head of the UCD Economic Department Colm McCarthy. Of course the main story concerning the bank backing itself was sourced directly from the horse's mouth. Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan came to speak to journalists giving them there much needed quotes and the full 'scah' (if u will) on the emptying of our public coffers to the banking sectors. As the soap opera turned another corner we found Brian Cowen addressing a CBI-IBEC dinner in Trinity College. Once again our source was straight from those apple cruching mouths of our politicians, stabling themselves in the Dail bar till the early hours of the morning.
I have to get away from the financial crisis because, to be honest, it's just depressing me. Now trying to get to talk about page layout I find myself once again bombarded by our dwindling economy. The 2nd of October's masthead is given directly to Brendan Keenan and his opinion on the crisis. But alas, some respite on the top of the paper for Friday morning. Finally we are gifted by the presence of an exclusive interview with Noel Gallagher and a slightly ironic(in my opinion) advertisment for the Indo's Property Plus magazine. But hey, I'm not complaining! It's a change....of sorts.
I found that in both papers that sources can come from everywhere. Educational conferences ,for example, like the one from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) shed light on racism in the form of bullying within the classroom. After sifting through both the papers, I came to the conclusion that the reporters' sources primarily came from press officers of groups, committees etc, press conferences (and releases), eye witness reports and from in-depth interviews.
First I have to talk about the financial crisis as it as on the tip of every single Irish person's tongue at the moment. 400bn euro has been swept aside for our floundering financial institutions for those rainy days of the Irish economy, days that were never in the minds of those whipping
the Celtic Tiger forward with relentless over-investment in the construction and housing sectors. It seems to me that the stories from the Irish Independent came form a variety of sources. For example in the 2nd of September's edition the source for Shane Phelan's piece unveiling the bank backing deal to rescue foolish developers came from the head of the UCD Economic Department Colm McCarthy. Of course the main story concerning the bank backing itself was sourced directly from the horse's mouth. Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan came to speak to journalists giving them there much needed quotes and the full 'scah' (if u will) on the emptying of our public coffers to the banking sectors. As the soap opera turned another corner we found Brian Cowen addressing a CBI-IBEC dinner in Trinity College. Once again our source was straight from those apple cruching mouths of our politicians, stabling themselves in the Dail bar till the early hours of the morning.
I have to get away from the financial crisis because, to be honest, it's just depressing me. Now trying to get to talk about page layout I find myself once again bombarded by our dwindling economy. The 2nd of October's masthead is given directly to Brendan Keenan and his opinion on the crisis. But alas, some respite on the top of the paper for Friday morning. Finally we are gifted by the presence of an exclusive interview with Noel Gallagher and a slightly ironic(in my opinion) advertisment for the Indo's Property Plus magazine. But hey, I'm not complaining! It's a change....of sorts.
I found that in both papers that sources can come from everywhere. Educational conferences ,for example, like the one from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) shed light on racism in the form of bullying within the classroom. After sifting through both the papers, I came to the conclusion that the reporters' sources primarily came from press officers of groups, committees etc, press conferences (and releases), eye witness reports and from in-depth interviews.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Week 1 September (22nd-28th)
This week I decided to compare and contrast two papers from two different jurisdictions: the Irish Daily Mail(Republic of Ireland) and The Irish News(Northern Ireland). Having reviewed these papers over a period of time I came to some conclusions: the style and/or the political mindset of any paper, be it to the left of a hammer and sickle or to the right of a swastika, are inconsequential. Each and every single front page on every newstand throughout the entire island has but one initial goal: to attract the readers attention and consequently boost sometimes flagging circulation and of course revenue.
Overall I recognised that each paper has its own style, be it fonts or takes on particular current affairs(most notably the Lisbon Treaty saga). They deal with political and social upheaval while bringing the frivoulous and the notoriously humorous to the fore of our reading experience. Indeed even their writing habits differ. For example, I found the tone of the Irish News to be somewhat more high-brow if you will, whereas the Mail, although its reputable status taken into account, take a more laid back approach to their writing, more informal yet still accurate and precise. All in all both papers did what were asked off them in their own self-styled and competent manner!!
Overall I recognised that each paper has its own style, be it fonts or takes on particular current affairs(most notably the Lisbon Treaty saga). They deal with political and social upheaval while bringing the frivoulous and the notoriously humorous to the fore of our reading experience. Indeed even their writing habits differ. For example, I found the tone of the Irish News to be somewhat more high-brow if you will, whereas the Mail, although its reputable status taken into account, take a more laid back approach to their writing, more informal yet still accurate and precise. All in all both papers did what were asked off them in their own self-styled and competent manner!!
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