Archive for category Journalism
Famous Journalists
Posted by in Journalism on July 20, 2011
The profession of journalism has long been associated with characteristics such as passion for writing, proficient skills of articulation, unfolding reality to the world and spreading awareness amongst the readers. Most journalists whose names are still afresh in the memory of people were those who were honest to their profession and had the conviction to present nothing but the truth. However, with the changing trends of society, there has crept in certain amount of corruption in the ethics of journalists as well. Today, one comes across various instances wherein the pen has been unfortunately utilized to mislead the general public or just to gain popularity. Nevertheless, there have been a number of journalists whose soul was deep into their writing.
When mentioning about journalism, a name that remains etched in the history of the profession is that of Robert Upshur “Bob” Woodward. Having commenced work with The Washington Post in the year 1971, this investigative reporter gained acclaim by bringing to light the truth of the “Watergate scandal”. It was his effort that triggered off many government investigations, resulting in the termination of President Richard Nixon political tenure. Another prominent journalist was Walter Winchell who started off his career as a gossip columnist but he was eventually recognized as one of the most superior celebrity journalists with his column appearing in about 800 newspapers every day.
The name of Margaret Bourke-White stands apart till date for being the first woman photojournalist. During the Second World War, she showed immense courage by gaining entry into the active war scene and photographing historical moments during the warfare. Another journalist’s name that kept the flag of these professionals high is that of Robert Capa. His area of interest was quite similar to Margaret Bourke-White that is picturing warfare. However, he was a true combat journalist who believed in capturing action at extreme close proximity. His work during the Spanish civil war and World War II was incredible. Unfortunately, his passion led to his demise during the Vietnam War. When it comes to popularity in journalism in the recent years, no one can forget the winner of the 1992 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, Anna Quindlen. Some of the other famous and popular journalists are Elijah Lovejoy, Margaret Fuller, Ethel Payne, Katharine Graham and Ida Tarbell.
By Kum_Martin
Classic Journalism Mistakes of Our Time
Posted by in Journalism on July 20, 2011
“It must be true – I read it in the newspapers…” Perhaps there was a day when people regarded the accuracy of the press as unquestionable, but it’s certainly no longer the case. And it’s not just the newspapers, either; television news is, invariably, just as bad.
But really when you think about it, it’s not really their fault. They’re only human after all. And these days, the demand for rolling 24 hour news grows ever greater with more and more would-be writers enrolling in journalism degrees online to fill the breach. And where there’s more output (often hastily assembled), there are always likely to be that many more mistakes. In any case, here’s a quick roundup of three of the most high-profile (and amusing) journalism mistakes of our time…
Not Knowing How to ‘Right’
Glamour girl Anna Nicole Smith made great copy when she was alive, and the column inches certainly didn’t dry up when she was found dead in Room 607 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. The Houston Chronicle, though, made perhaps the most illiterate contribution to the saga when, in trying to convey the model’s humble roots, wrote in a photo caption: “When Redding, a long-time scout for Playboy, discovered Smith, the model could barely right a sentence…”
Expert Testimony?
After more than 80 years in the business, you’d possibly expect the BBC (the world’s largest broadcasting organisation) to be able to put the right person in front of the camera. Not so. Back in 2006, a famous case of mistaken identity led to a taxi driver being hurried into a studio, miked up and then questioned in detail on BBC News 24 about a legal wrangle between the Beatles and the Apple trademark. He was forced to confess, live on TV: “I don’t really know what I’m doing here”. Guy Kewney, a computer expert, was left waiting in the car park.
Getting the Facts Wrong (or “Dewey Beats Truman”)
Perhaps the world’s most famous newspaper error. In the fast-paced world of international news, the real battle is almost invariably getting to a story first. Back in November 1948, though, the Chicago Tribune jumped the gun more than just a little when reporter Arthur Sears Henning mistakenly called the presidential election in favour of New York Governor Thomas E Dewey. Much to the embarrassment of the paper, Harry Truman won in an upset victory. But not before 150,000 newspapers had rolled off the press, with the now infamous “Dewey Beats Truman” banner headline. Read the rest of this entry »