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Annotated Bibliography

1: Peer Reviewed Journal article

Robinson, S. & DeShano, C (2011) 'Anyone can know': Citizen journalism and the interpretive community of the mainstream press Sage Journals Online, Volume 12- 963 (p964- 966) DOI: 10.1177/146488491141597

This article reviews a new phenomenon in the world of journalism, Citizen journalists, and what it means for the industry. While many have questioned the ability of citizen journalists to establish their own value system, an integral part of credible journalistic practices, studies have shown that bloggers and other citizen writers are forming their own networks which include the framing of a set of ‘goals, values and norms’ thus making them a credible source of new information and creating a new competitor in the already cutthroat world of journalism. The article outlines the similarities and differences between the two media sources and what this means for the standards and ideologies of journalism.

The frequent use of citations and reference to recent studies adds credibility to an already reliable source. The presentation of information as an article in a published online journal also leads a reader to believe that the facts they are receiving are well researched and dependable. This concept of citizen journalism is reflected article 3 which sources a freelance journalist in Yemen for information about the death of Moammar Gadaffi.

2: Online article

Al-Shaheibi, R. & Gamel, K. (2011, October 22) Gaddafi on display in freezer as row rages over killing. The Sydney Morning Herald Retrieved from: http://www.smh.com.au/  

This article voices reports about Gaddafi’s body which was apparently laid in a freezer in the middle of a busy shopping centre for local residents to view and take pictures with following his death on the 20^th October. The article outlines the hours leading up to his death and the confusion surrounding the final moments of his life, with many sources offering conflicting views on how Gadaffi was killed.

The Sydney Morning Herald is widely regarded as a very reliable source in terms of breaking news from around the world, however the plethora of scenarios offered for the death of Gadaffi in this article leaves much to be desired. The journalist has obviously received a wide range of reports from different sources and, not knowing- or not bothering- to check the facts, has included all of them, arguably allowing the reader to decide which end they would prefer. Although the article is extremely comprehensive, it fails to draw any conclusions about the true end of the Libyan dictator and given this article was released two days after the incident, more accurate and concise reporting should be expected from such a highly regarded source. The correct example of how this information should have been presented can be seen in article 4 which offers far more concise reporting.

3: Radio Interview

Dingle, S. October 22, 2011. AM with Tony Eastley. [radio report] ABC News Australia.

ABC reporter Sarah Dingle interviews a freelance journalist about reports of violence in Yemen following the death of Moammar Gadaffi on the 20^th October 2011. According to the journalist, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, half an hour after the news of Gaddafi’s death reached Yemen, sporadic explosions and gun fighting broke out in Sanna and the Port of Aden, both prominent business and residential areas.

This interview leaves a lot to be desired in terms of reliability of the source. Coming from an unnamed freelance journalist, there is no way of checking the facts presented or validating her prediction that the fighting was al Queda trying to move into the Port of Aden.  The interview medium, however, restored some credibility and accountability on the part of the journalist whose voice could be heard, clearly shaken by the situation she was in, giving listeners an insight into the tension surrounding the situation.

The fact that the ABC are interviewing a freelance journalist works to further the argument raised in Article 1 which says that citizen journalists are becoming a far more prominent source in today’s media scene.

4: Newspaper Article

Lyons, J. (2011, 24^th October) Death of dictator ‘stains’ rebels. The Australian, p.4.

This article in The Australian focuses mainly on the consequences of Moammar Gaddafi’s death for Libya and what’s next for the war-torn nation. It outlines the role of the National Transitional Council, the countries interim Government, in establishing a democracy, a goal that begins with elections to be held within 8 months.

Not only is The Australian a well-known and highly regarded source of information, the article also features quotes from prominent Libyan personalities including the NTC leader Mahmoud Jibril, thus making the article credible both in terms of its medium and content.

As in Article 2, there is also confusion as to how Gaddafi was killed with The Australian confirming that it is not yet known if he was caught and executed or killed in a standoff with rebel fighters. The newspaper article, however, offers a far more concise depiction of the possibilities than the online article, probably due to differences in available space.

The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC have covered Moammar Gadaffi’s death from different perspectives, all of which align with the values and goals of both traditional and citizen journalism as outlined in the Sage Journal article. 

The End of Gaddafi

"Infamous Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi has gone out the way many suspected; cowering in a sewage pipe holding a golden gun." According to news reports this morning, Gaddafi was found and shot by rebel fighters in the leg and the shoulder, 'and then he died'. The media have sensationalized the whole fiasco to no end, as we knew they would, lingering on inconsequential details like the gun Gaddafi was apparently brandishing at the time of his death. 'An elaborate gold pistol with a wooden handle.' and the fact that he took cover in a sewage pipe. These details seem to be bread and butter for those writing today's headlines, trying desperately to objectively cover an event that the majority of the worlds population are clearly excited about. Barack Obama was the first leader to announce his joy at the news, promising that 'Gaddafi's death is just one step on the way to creating a Libyan democracy.' Once again, the liberals of the world rejoice as their ideals begin to be implanted in yet another struggling nation.

But I think the wisest thing to come out of Obama's mouth was the admission that we still have a long way to go. Many seem to forget the immense backing Gaddafi received that enabled him to stay in power for so long. What happens to them now? Is the Gaddafi army simply going to disband now they are without a leader? Or is it true what they say, there's nothing worse than a rebel scorned.

Quotes taken from: http://www.smh.com.au/world/live-muammar-gaddafi-dead-as-libya-celebrates-end-of-a-tyrant-20111021-1maya.html

Page One- The New York Times

At school, every time we were told we were going to watch a film in class it was usually code for 'I cbf'd teaching you today and this will hopefully shut you up'. However, Page One the film we were shown at the Schonell this week was incredible. It was beautifully put together and especially relevant for first year university students wondering if Journalism is the right career path for them. The film told the story of the New York Times and posed some harrowing questions and scenarios such as 'Will the Times go out of business?' 'Is print media dying?' 'What's next for the world of Journalism?' 'How will people continue to make money out of news media?'. These are all very poignant and relevant questions in the field of journalism and have some serious consequences for the general public.

While the film attempted to give an unbiased viewpoint of the relevance of the newspaper, it turned into a bit of a biography on the life and times of David Carr. I myself was fine with this focus as I have now come to hail David Carr as the badass of the media industry and officially the coolest person ever.

What the film made me realize and fear however, is the competitiveness and gradual decline of the journalism industry. I've always known being a journo involved some serious hard work and even then only the most tenacious survive, but what I wasn't aware of was the severe layoffs that are taking place throughout the industry. Even the most longstanding and credible journalists are being shown the door; it seems no-one is safe from the budget cuts. This scares me a little to be honest, especially when I don't think my personality is altogether suited to cope with competition.

The film was a stunning and provocative look inside the worlds most famous newspaper, it's history, it's present and what the future holds for the New York Times. Thanks for taking us Bruce!

WEEK 11- Investigative Journalism

"All journalism is supposed to involve questioning the facts presented to us."

To me, investigative journalism is the most important form of Journalism available to us today. It exercises the full purpose of journalism- to inform the public- and uses it as a tool against corruption to keep us safe and those around us honest. If it weren't for dedicated journalists constantly seeking to uncover scandals and travesties, the world would turn a blind eye to the evil things around us. Awareness is the key, and this type of journalism promotes awareness of issues that would otherwise be in the dark, not only this but it equips us with the tools to do something about them.

Todays lecture was both informative and imperative in the study of journalism and I hope everyone was as inspired as I was to be part of the investigative team uncovering the secrets of the next generation.

Will social media one day take over investigative journalism? I don't know about you but I sure as hell don't want to read about the next Watergate scandal on someone's twitter feed. The world still craves decent writing and juicy stories that only those who dedicate their career to journalism can dig up.

The purpose of investigative journalism:
1. Active intervention
2.Exposure
3.Public Interest
4. Watchdog

The 'IN's' of INvestigative Journalism
INtelligent
INformed
INtuitive
INside
INvest

Miss Representation MUST WATCH

Storytelling Assignment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou5KV7wM6SA