Journalism: What I've Learnt and Things To Consider.

Last week, all Level H English students of Bournemouth University were required to attend a lecture on the legalities to consider when publishing a piece. Overall, what I learnt was this - in journalism, whatever your speciality, it’s easy to land yourself in hot water. That’s why knowing your content, sources and choice of language is essential. I learnt the very basics in how to ensure my work is appropriate for my audience, whilst avoiding any slip ups in who and what I talk about - and how no short cuts are allowed to cover your back (so, don’t bank on adding that sly ‘allegedly’ at the end of your sentences to get you out of trouble!)

I’d heard words like ‘defamation’ ‘slander’ and ‘libel’ before, but didn’t realise how much they applied to the kinds of topics I’d been discussing. All of a sudden, I began back tracking my own work, thinking “what would I have done if I’d known more about this?” Defamation, in it’s simplest terms, is publishing any content that would make an audience think negatively of someone or making them the object of ridicule. Whilst some journalism is done in jest, or lightheartedness, what happens when professionals take it a step too far and ultimately damage either an individual’s or company’s reputation? 

That’s where libel comes in; a false, yet permanent statement. Ranging across all forms of journalism, be it printed, online or broadcast, libel is damaging whatever the platform. But, in order to prove libel, the claimant has to provide evidence of the defamation, identification and the publication in question. Slander, however, is something slightly different. Whilst a spoken and transient statement, it can be considered a serious offence all the same, especially if they’re a person of particular influence. Victoria Beckham, who was sued for slander when complaining of a supposedly fake signature on a sports wear brand’s clothing, would know this all too well.

It goes without saying that, in the past, libel has been used by a variety of different personalities in different occupations. The most common, however, is that of the celebrity personality and their privacy. Take, for example, Naomi Campbell. Notorious for her insistence of a drug free lifestyle, she was photographed in 2001 vacating a rehabilitation clinic. She sued for libel, claiming it be to damaging to her modelling career and public image. Whilst undeniably so, the libel was rejected on grounds of it’s defence; the news published was true and thus, in fact, acceptable for publication. However, the news outlet was not let off lightly, as invading an individuals privacy by photographing them in secret is considered an unsavoury act of unjust violation. 

Other suitable means of defence for libel include that of the ‘honest opinion,’ a common retaliation for reviews and opinion pieces whose content is based purely on fact. So, what can I do to ensure my work doesn’t end up costing me more than just a career in journalism? In short, I’ve learnt that the simplest way to do so is this; check everything. Common mistakes include headlines next to photographs from a different article that imply those featured are guilty of an accusing statement, use of false information that isn’t properly supported or researched, and use of inappropriate innuendo. I figure that if I’m not 100% sure of the content I’m publishing, then my gut instinct is probably right. If you’re going to be a journalist, make sure it’s for the right reasons and you’re dedicated to doing it the best and most ethical way you can.

Journalism: What Are The Risks?

If I were to ask you to consider what it is to be a journalist, what would you think of? Would you immediately consider the perks; the ‘pros’ of a lifestyle associated with freelance hours, worldwide travel and access all areas? Or would you think of the deadlines, the supposed lack of security and the dog eat dog mentality of the media? Whilst it’s fair to say these are considerable drawbacks of the trade, by no means are these the worst things a budding journalist can expect to endure.

One primary example is journalists who venture into areas of conflict as war reporters, done so in what writer for The Globe and Mail Anthony Feinstein regards as a bid to “open our eyes to a contemporary history we can no longer ignore.” These journalists are risking it all by choosing to work in some of the most dangerous situations, at times to devastating effect. James Foley, a 40 year old journalist kidnapped by Islamic State militants in 2012 whilst covering the civil war in Syria, was killed. James, or more fondly referred to by those who knew him well as Jim, was beheaded. His death, videoed and posted on YouTube for the world to see, was no doubt a warning to journalists attempting to overstep their mark on a territory which no longer withstands the code of conduct that once allowed journalists to work in conflicted areas - without the fear of confrontation from its inhabitants. 

In 2013, Reporters Without Borders claimed there had been “a significant increase in the abductions of journalists” in addition to “a slight bump in threats and physical attack,” making modern journalism the most dangerous it has been to date. In the last year alone, 71 journalists were killed, with 39% of those within zones of conflict such as Syria and Somalia. 87 journalists were kidnapped, with 2,160 threatened or physically attacked. The stats horrify me; and I can only hope that these will serve as a reminder that safety precautions are vital for our war reporters visiting zones of conflict in the future.

Mentality is a factor at risk as a journalist also. Distressing environments and war trauma can result in PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), “a syndrome that can arise after an individual is exposed to a life-threatening stressor” (Feinstein, 2014), revealing that the damage is not always so obvious from the outset. 

Whilst it can be said that these are consequences of war journalism, are the risks so prevalent in day to day news reporting? Of course, journalists who place themselves willingly into the scene of a crime, incident or confrontation are at risk of harm. But, to me, the risk is minimal in comparison. Whilst war reporting is not something I personally envisage myself pursuing (but hey, never say never, right?) I have a huge respect for those who do, and have, risked it all to benefit their audience. 

Microblogging and Journalism.

It’s undeniable that social media has evolved to such an extent over the past few years alone that journalism has had to adapt its approach to present news in a relevant and easily accessible way. So how can journalists grab the interest of their readers in a succinct and impressionable manner? Enter microblogging. Or, in more familiar terms, Twitter.

Created in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, Biz Stone and Noah Glass, the platform which now boasts over 500 million accounts allows it users to ‘tweet’ a 140 character status to their followers. These tweets can range from literally anything; be it your opinion on that days news, a new dress you bought or the restaurant you visited for the first time and loved last night. 

Not only can Twitter be used for personal means of communication between users, it opens doors for consumer to business interaction. So, for example, that restaurant you loved? Mention them in a tweet to let them know how well you think they’re doing. The disappointment of a poorly constructed garment at a well known store? Tweet it. By doing so, the general public are influencing the business world like never before with reviews, opinions and recommendations that are honest and, most importantly, short and straight to the point. 

So, how can microblogging through the likes of Twitter be incorporated into journalism? A short description grabs the attention of followers on the rapidly updated timeline feed to link to blog posts, articles and news pages that make news easily accessible. By using a question, it invites followers to interact with content, topics and issues raised by the writer or organisation, in turn spreading the word and raising further interest for potential readers. The inclusion of a simple hashtag allows users to follow shared content and participate with online ‘conversations’, making it a simple yet powerful communicative tool. Having an online profile on the likes of Twitter is, according to journalism.co.uk writer Rachel Bartlett, "vital" and, "given the rise, and continuing growth, of social media as a traffic referral for many news sites today, being able to share content effectively is also a valuable skill to be able to demonstrate."

In my opinion, journalism has benefitted hugely from the likes of microblogging and I’ve found it incredibly useful in promoting my own blog content. Not only that, but gaining followers whose interests are similar to mine regarding journalism means shared posts and retweets keep us all up to date with whats going occurring on a regular basis. From a journalistic perspective this means professionals are enabled to cultivate news and interact with the public, all within one singular platform. 

Blogging and Journalism.

Turn on your laptop, sign into Blogspot, choose a username and suddenly you have the very basic tools at your disposal to become a journalist. The next bit is the slightly more important part; what do you want to say? Well, that’s the thing. You can say anything. The blogging world is seemingly unlimited, with new users logging on everyday to tell the world exactly what they’re thinking, about anything and everything it seems. 

From news outlets and business corporations to at home reviewers and opinion writers, blogging has become an integral part of the online world. I’ve been blogging for just under a year now and, despite only doing so for such a short period of time, I’ve realised what an impact it’s had on shaping how rapidly journalism is changing. It’s a freeing and open ended space where news and individual thought can be represented without the need for editing, censorship or consideration as to whether or not it’s suitable for broadcast. There is no need for that all inclusive asterisk that forewarns its reader that all thoughts are those of the writer alone, because we already know that. 

Not only are blogging platforms allowing freedom of speech, businesses and brands alike are recognising the potential of having everyday people reach out to their audience. Take, for example, the fashion blogging industry. Events are held over the nation specifically for certified and well known bloggers in the fashion community, who have established themselves from the comfort of their own home, simply for the chance to be mentioned in a blog post, Twitter status or snapped for an Instagram photo. Not only that, bloggers can be considered ‘experts’ in a specific field; self confessed foodies can become reviewers and recommenders for their audience, just as beauty bloggers can promote a product sent through for tested ‘approval’ by particular brands. 

So where does this leave the ‘traditional’ journalist? Well, in not such an enviable position, it seems. The lines of what it takes it be considered legitimate are blurring as the technological age advances with the likes of social media. That being said, NPA editorial director Rick Neville claims blogs “lack the maturity, balance and moderation usually demonstrated by mainstream media,” meaning not everyone is as keen to consider bloggers in such high esteem. 

.@sambrook takes a dig at the term 'citizen journalism' - suggests anybody can be a journalist now #futurejournalism

— Abigail Edge (@abigailedge) October 22, 2014

So is #blogging considered a legitimate form of journalism now, or is it like what instagram-ing is to photography? #justasking

— Roxy (@RmystiQue78) October 21, 2014

What can be said, though, is that with such a thriving participatory community, blogging is here to stay as a benefit to both its users and audience alike.

"Some say blogging will be the end of journalism. Maybe – but for me, at least, it was also the beginning." -@jhandel http://t.co/3FY5biqRcj

— Muck Rack (@muckrack) September 17, 2014