THE THREE CARDINAL DOGMAS OF REPORTING
BALANCE: in journalism balance reporting is considered
one of the most important characteristics of any news piece. Balance reporting
means a lack of bias, and it is the ethical imperative of a journalist to
transmit the news in a impartial manner. This means that a reporter whenever possible should demonstrate
the opposing viewpoint as play in a story dynamic; it is important to note
that there are often more than two sides to any story
FAIRNESS: this
means that reporters covering a story must remember therea re usually two sides and often more-to
most issues, and that those differing viewpoint should be given equal space in
any news story. The reporter covering an event may have strong feelings, about
the subject . but regardless of his
feelings , he should convey both those citizens who are supporting the people democratic party
(PDP)
, and those who opposing
the party . and when he writes
his story. Failing to be fair in your news reporting is one mistake
that a journalist should avoid . this often happens when you are afraid
to ask questions so that you can fully understand
what you are covering or when you present
one-side of an issue. Take a time to check your work before you
present it
OBJECTIVITY:
objectivity means that when convering hard news, reporters should not convey
their own feeling or prejudices in their stories . they accomplish this by writing
stories using a language that is neutral and avoids describing people or institution in a good ir bad way but for the reporters who are beginers that are accustomed to
writing personal essays or journal entries it will be hard to keep their own
feelings out of their stories. One trap that reporters who are just
beginning fall into is the frequent use
of adjectives. Adjectives can
easily convey one’s feelings about a subject, subconsciously or otherwise . E.g the intrepid protesters demonstrated against the unjust
in school feels
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