Journo Heroes, Pt. 2

 

Barbara Walters was born on September 25, 1931, in Boston, Massachusetts to parents, Dena Selett and Lou Walters. Barbara’s home life was not exactly ideal. Her late brother, Burton, passed before her birth, and her sister, Jacqueline, was mentally handicapped. 

Though Walters is a Boston native, she did not spend the majority of her life there. In fact, due to her father’s job as a nightclub operator, Barbara attended schools in Boston, New York City, and Miami Beach. 

After switching schools three times, Walters finally concluded her high school career at Miami Beach High School. Following this, in 1953, Walters graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a bachelor’s degree in English. 

Walters briefly worked as a secretary before securing her first position in journalism as the assistant to publicity director and Republican activist Tex McCary of WRCA-TV. Her hard work and dedication at the NBC affiliate clearly paid off as she soon became the writer and producer there. 

Not long after that, Walters began working at CBS as the news and public affairs officer. There, she wrote the material for the Morning Show. Barbara’s CBS career was short-lived as she felt that further advancement was unlikely.

For that reason, Walter’s turned her talent back over to NBC in 1961. She first worked as a writer there until she became the co-host of the Today Show in 1974, making her the first woman to hold that title in the show's history. Her appearance on the show earned her the nickname, “Today Girl.”

Two years later, Barbara Walters advanced her career by accepting a five year, five million dollar contract with ABC, where she became the co-anchor alongside Harry Reasoner. This contract made her the highest paid news anchor at the time. This, of course, brought forth a lot of criticism and judgment from her male colleagues, especially from her fellow co-host Harry Reasoner. 

In addition to her role as co-anchor of World News Tonight, Walters also served as a co-host on ABC’s program, 20/20, starting in 1979. The show covered a wide range of topics from investigative reporting to celebrity interviews to compelling reports. On the show, Walters was known for her in-depth interviews and lively debates with high-profile figures. 

While doing all of that, Barbara even hosted a series of programs called the Barbara Walters Specials. These specials featured exclusive interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and other important figures with some of the most notable guests being Fidel Castro, Vladimir Putin, and Monica Lewinsky. 

In 1997, Walters co-created the daytime talk show The View, which she also co-hosted for many years. The show featured a rotating panel of women discussing the day’s news and issues. She retired from her position as co-host in 2014 and announced that she would be retiring from television altogether the following year. She continued to make occasional appearances on ABC and other media outlets after that, but for the most part, she remained out of the public eye following her retirement. 

Throughout her life, Walters received numerous awards and honors including several Emmys, a Peabody Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. These awards represent the success and strength of Barbara Walters. Many doubted her abilities, but she never let the criticism get to her, and because of that, she was able to break barriers for women in broadcasting and journalism.

Barbara Walters' legacy is one of groundbreaking achievement and inspiration for future generations of female journalists and broadcasters. She will be remembered as a pioneering figure in her field and as a woman who made a lasting impact on American culture. Rest in Peace Barbara Walters. 

"Good Night, and Good Luck"

The 2005 film, Good Night and Good Luck, directed by George Clooney, exposes the corrupt relationship between the government and the press. In an ideal world, the government and the press would be completely separate, and there would be no government intervention within news outlets.

The press would be able to freely critique the government without the fear of being silenced or the temptation of subtle bribes deterring their stories. The press would be able to "check" the actions of the government and report on it. In other words, the press would fulfill a "watching" role.

But, as we all know, that is not the case. That has never been the case. Clooney's film accurately represents this harsh reality by highlighting the real-life conflict held between CBS journalist Edward Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy during the height of the red scare in the 1950s. 

The film follows Murrow, who hosts a popular television news program called “See It Now,” as he becomes increasingly concerned about McCarthy’s tactics of accusing people of being communists without any evidence. To shed some light onto the issue, Murrow and his team decide to take on McCarthy by dedicating an entire episode of their show to exposing his methods. 

Throughout the film, the tension between Murrow and McCarthy builds as they engage in a war of words in the media. The film centers around the importance of a free press and the need for journalists to hold those in power accountable. 

In critiquing and exposing the claims of McCarthy, Murrow fulfills the role of the adversarial press. The adversarial press refers to journalists who work to uncover and reveal instances of corruption and abuse. It is a type of investigative journalism that mainly deals with bringing political issues to the forefront. 

Murrow upholds this role by being one of the few to stand up against the wrongdoings of McCarthy. Although many knew that McCarthy was making harmful and false claims against others, no one spoke out against him. This is one of the most significant problems that journalists face today: a lack of voice and freedom in their work.  

Journalists are protected under the First Amendment. That being said, the First Amendment is supposed to prevent the government from censoring the publication of media and information. Although it seems simple enough, the reality is not as black and white, cut and dry, as it seems.

The government uses cunning strategies to manage the media. They use their power to stifle views and opinions that would jeopardize their reputation. Rather than actually granting the public access to all information, they silence reporters, bribe journalists, and shadowban accounts on social media.

One would think that it would be a no-brainer for all journalists to follow in the footsteps of Murrow, but the reality of it all is more complicated than that. The potential threat of censorship or a ruined reputation troubles journalists around the country today. Many would rather blindly follow the government than risk their livelihoods. Although their decisions are understandable to a certain extent, their blind obedience leaves the rest of us in the dark.

One key element of journalism revolves around seeking out the truth and communicating it to the public. That is why the bravery and courage of Edward Murrow is still admired today. He was one of the few to denounce the lies of a political figure and serve the public in an honorable way. We could all learn a lot from him. 

EOTO #3, Terms/Concepts

 

Objectivity is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “The quality or character of being objective: lack of favoritism toward one side or another: freedom from bias.” 

The objectivity standard in journalism refers to the practice of reporting the news in a fair, impartial, and neutral manner, without favoring any particular individual, group, or point of view. The goal of objectivity is to provide the audience with accurate and unbiased information that enables them to form their own opinions and make informed decisions.

There are several key principles that journalists follow to maintain objectivity in their reporting, and these principles allow for accurate, balanced, and transparent work. 

Journalists strive to present the facts as they are, without distortion, exaggeration, or manipulation. Journalists also seek to provide balanced coverage by presenting all sides of an issue or story, giving equal weight to all relevant perspectives. 

Finally, journalists aim to maintain their independence from outside influences and sources and disclose any potential conflicts of interest, biases, or sources of funding that may influence their reporting. These key components allow for accurate and honest representation and coverage.

Objectivity has been an issue in journalism for a long time. For this reason, many have tried to take a stand against bias and instead toward truth. 

For example, The Society of Professional Journalists established a code of ethics that calls for journalists to “seek truth and report it.” This encourages journalists to be fair and accurate when gathering, interpreting, and reporting information. 

In addition, the Federal Communications Commission enacted the Fairness Doctrine which attempted to ensure that all broadcast coverage was balanced and fair. This policy lasted around 50 years until the 1980s when it was dismissed. 

Lastly, multiple journalists, broadcasters, and even public officials have condemned the lack of objectivity in the media. One example is when President Nixon’s VP Spiro Agnew specifically called out The NY Times and The Washington Post by saying “The time for blind acceptance of their opinions has passed, and the time for naïve belief in their neutrality is gone.” 

EOTO 2 Reflection: Girl Reporters

 

Women journalists have played a crucial role in shaping the field of journalism and bringing important stories to the forefront. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, women journalists have continued to push boundaries and break through barriers to report on issues that matter.

More specifically, girl reporters, also known as stunt reporters, were female journalists who worked in sensationalist journalism, often covering stories that involved danger or risk. It typically involved creating sensational or attention-grabbing content by staging events or engaging in activities that were not typical of traditional journalism. 

Stunt reporters would often participate in dangerous or unusual activities to get a story. These women usually went undercover in an effort to expose certain practices or behaviors. They tackled issues such as child labor, discrimination, and limited opportunities.

In the late 1800s, women had very few rights and faced significant changes in the workforce. For this reason, they had to write under fake names in order to be taken seriously and get their work published. They often wrote male pen names to disguise their true identities. 

Although the boldness and bravery exemplified by each and every girl reporter should be recognized, one woman in particular really paved the way for stunt reporters in the late 1800s. That woman was Nellie Bly.

Bly made a name for herself as a daring journalist who exposed social issues, such as the mistreatment of mental patients in asylums. After committing herself into Blackwell’s Island insane asylum, Bly wrote a novel called “Ten Days in the Madhouse” where she revealed the harsh realities she witnessed as a patient there.  

Bly did not stop there; she continued challenging norms. Bly gained some more notoriety for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days, which she chronicled in a series of articles. Her trip was inspired by Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in Eighty Days.”

It is important to acknowledge the important role these girl reporters played in breaking down gender barriers in the field of journalism. Their contributions have helped make it possible for future generations of women to succeed and tell important stories from their unique perspectives. 

EOTO #2, Journo Heroes

Mary Margaret McBride was a pioneering radio personality and journalist in the United States. She is often referred to as the "first lady of radio" for her groundbreaking work in broadcasting.

Mary Margaret McBride was born on November 16, 1899, in Paris, Missouri to parents, Thomas Walker McBride and Elizabeth Craig. As a child, Mcbride often moved from farm to farm with her family. 

For this reason, her early education was pretty irregular. This changed when she was enrolled in William Woods College which at the time was a preparatory school. 

From this point on, Mcbride attended school consistently. In 1916, she entered the University of Missouri and graduated with a degree in journalism in 1919.

Before Mary McBride’s career as a radio host took off, she worked as a reporter and journalist. Her reporting career was short-lived as she only lasted about a year at the Cleveland Press and only a few more at the New York Evening Mail.

Following this, Mary Margaret McBride turned to freelance magazine writing. Her work appeared in many different magazines, but some of the most notable include Saturday Evening Post, Cosmopolitan, and Good Housekeeping. In addition to this, McBride also published a number of books with authors such as Paul Whiteman, Alexander Williams, and Helen Josephy between the 1920s through the 1930s. 

Then in 1934 until 1940, McBride ran a daily program of advice for women under the alias of Martha Deane. Her program called "Mary Margaret McBride and Her Guests "aired on radio station WOR in New York City and was appreciated by many who say that “she projected a grandmotherly kindness and wit that proved highly popular.”

While doing this, McBride also began a weekly radio program under her own name this time. It was broadcast alternatively on networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC. This program brought in millions of listeners who appreciated her “ad-lib commentary” and interesting celebrity interviews. Her target audience was housewives, but she still had a lot of male listeners tune in as well.

Overall, Mary Margaret McBride was a very influential figure in the world of radio. McBride broke down barriers for women in broadcasting and journalism. She demonstrated that daytime programming was not limited to drama and soap opera fare and that it could actually be profitable.

The manner in which she treated, spoke to, and uplifted women also set her apart from the competition. Most of her audience consisted of housewives, and they appreciated how she regarded them as more than just that. She treated her listeners with respect.

McBride was known for her warm and engaging personality, as well as her ability to connect with her listeners. Her show was hugely popular, with an estimated audience of over eight million people at its peak. She was a trailblazer in a field dominated by men, and her influence can still be felt in radio and journalism today.

"They Won't Forget"

            The film, They Won’t Forget, revolves around the investigation and trial that took place soon after the murder of young Mary Clay. The movie highlights the issue of the press versus the criminal justice system. Although these are two separate entities, oftentimes, the lines between the two are blurred through media manipulation, prejudice, rumors, and self-serving equivocations.

            On Confederate Memorial Day, the students are dismissed early from school to celebrate with the rest of town. Mary Clay returns back to school after being dismissed to retrieve an item she left behind. She never made it out alive.

Earlier in the film, the district attorney mentions his desire to become the next governor, but since he does not come from a long line of important family members, it is hard to acquire social and political mobility. 

Once Clay’s body is initially found, the authorities immediately suspect that it is the janitor. It is not explicitly stated, but it appears that this claim was racially motivated. It seemed as if they figured it would be easier to pin the murder on the lowly, African-American janitor.

The district attorney saw this murder investigation as a way to obtain a higher status in the eyes of the public and potentially become a hero. He thought that if he were to be the one to solve the crime and convict an unlikely or unsuspecting murderer, then he would gain the admiration of the people.

            For this reason, the district attorney arrested and charged Mary Clay’s teacher, Robert Hale, with the murder. There was little evidence to support this, but the district attorney was determined to make his mark on the town.

The case received major attention, not only by the small town, but by the rest of the United States as well. The entire country was talking about the murder of Mary Clay. It plagued news outlets everywhere. It even got to the point where a detective from New York came down south to investigate the case for himself.

This caused a lot of controversy in the small southern town, as the southerners grew skeptical of the northerners and the press got out of control. At one point, the judge even had to remind the court that the case was about whether the professor killed Mary Clay, not if the north hates the south or the south hates the north. Evidence is not rumors or idle talk. 

When it came down to the jury’s decision, they received an anonymous note that stated “vote guilty if you feel like living." The jurors ultimately found the defendant guilty of first degree murder. 

 

Following this, Hale was put on a train and sent away to prison. While on his travels, he was abducted by a group of men who proceeded to kill him in an act of vengeance. 

            At the very end of the movie, the district attorney and his colleague question if they really think Robert Hale murdered Mary Clay, proving that they themselves were not even positive about their own conviction. 

The district attorney did all of this for his image, and now because of him, a potentially innocent man is dead and a deranged murder is on the loose.

“They Won’t Forget” shows the extreme influence that the press and media hold over the public. The printed words full of rumors and biases are able to dictate the fate of man. This reveals to viewers that media manipulation is real and that everything is not always as it seems.

EOTO Reflection: SPJ

          

 Journalism has undergone significant changes over the years. Many people today are united in communities that support innovation and promote free expression. But it was not always like this.

Journalism was not as easily accessible as it is today, and the media coverage that people did receive was oftentimes misrepresented. There were a lot of injustices that took place, which restricted journalists from honing their craft.

Things began to shift when a group of ten college students interested in pursuing jobs within the journalism field formed what is now known today as the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). These students banded together in an effort to enforce high journalistic standards and inspire others to participate.

The Society of Professional Journalists is a professional organization of journalists in the United States. 

Sigma Delta Chi, the organization's original name, was founded on April 17, 1909, at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. However, in 1988, it changed its name to the Society of Professional Journalists to better reflect its mission and membership.

The SPJ is dedicated to protecting the free flow of information, maintaining high standards of ethical journalism, and fostering excellence in journalism. This organization strives to improve journalism and encourage the practice.

The SPJ also works to promote freedom of the press and the public's right to know through the First Amendment. It advocates for strong journalism, supports efforts to improve media literacy, and promotes ethical reporting practices.

The SPJ has a code of ethics that outlines the principles and values that journalists should uphold at all times such as truth and accountability.

The timeline of SPJ’s development indicates significant professional growth. For starters, in 1916, it changed from an honorary to a professional fraternity. Then, it became recognized as a professional society in 1960. Nine years later, the SPJ admitted its first female member into the society.

Although the SPJ is known for a variety of things, two of their biggest contributions to journalism include Project Watchdog and Project Sunshine, both of which are still active today.

Project Watchdog was a campaign that centered on educating the public about free press, whereas Project Sunshine was a program that aimed to pick out and fight against threats to public access.

Why Journalism?

Growing up, I was always the child who would look up at the ceiling when someone said that the word “gullible” was written on it. This was not because I lacked common sense or was unintelligent but rather because I was naive. 

I used to trust the opinions and statements of others over my own, and I never took anyone as a liar, either. Not only did I see the best in people, but I saw truth in them as well.

I remember people constantly telling me that “adults know best,” so I never thought I would ever have to question the credibility of someone older and wiser than me.

The older I got, the more I realized I was not the only one, that many others struggle with differentiating fact from fiction and that their judgements have been clouded by rumors, fake news, and other people’s views.

This completely shifted my mindset, and ultimately, my future ahead. It was at this point that I knew I wanted to help those like me: the ones labeled as “gullible” or “naive.”

Most of the words I heard and the media I consumed were nothing but the biases of others. Upon realizing this, I knew that somehow, someway, I would find a way to change that.

The world of media is at a crossroads. Never before has there been so much information AND misinformation circulating around. 

As a broadcast journalist, I want to push the communications pendulum away from bias and sensationalism and towards truth.

I want to make a career out of spreading awareness, not self-serving equivocations and misrepresentations. I want to serve the public by providing them with real, authentic news, regardless of how bad and ugly it may seem because that is the job of a true broadcast journalist. 

In choosing to pursue a career within this field, I know that it will be my duty to always do what is right and just in the eyes of the people.

I cannot act on my own personal feelings and biases, I must synthesize and frame information fairly to ensure that all parties are heard, especially those that have been historically undervalued. 

EOTO #1, Institutions & Publications

Henry Jarvis Raymond, born on January 24, 1820, was an American politician and journalist who is best known for his role in the creation of the New York Times, alongside George Jones. Prior to becoming a chief proprietor at the New York Times, Raymond worked as a journalist and associate editor for Horace Greeley's New York Tribune and James Watson Webb's Courier and Enquirer. Raymond's career at the New York Tribune lasted from 1841 until 1848. It was at the Tribune where Henry Raymond met his future work partner, George Jones. There, they often spoke about their shared dream of starting a newspaper company.

At the same time, Raymond also pursued a career in politics. He served as an assemblyman, lieutenant governor of New York, a member of the House of Representatives, and much more throughout the years. Most of Raymond’s critics agree that his political career lagged far behind his journalism triumphs. 

Politics aside, Henry Raymond and George Jones devised a plan to create their own newspaper together in the 1840s, but for the next few years to follow, their plans remained stagnant. This was due to a lack of funds delaying their startup. Their dream was finally made into a reality on September 18, 1851, when the first issue of the New York Daily Times was published. Six years later, the New York Daily Times changed names and became known as New York Times. It was sold for the equivalent of thirty one cents at the time. The first issue announced, “we publish today the first issue of the New-York Daily Times, and we intend to issue it every morning (Sundays excepted) for an indefinite number of years to come” (The New York Times). The Times stayed true to their commitment of publishing six days a week, until the Civil War began. Then, they began printing everyday in an attempt to provide readers with extra war coverage.

Raymond and Jones created the New York Times with the intention of making it a neutral news outlet; they wanted it to be a source where readers could obtain access to unbiased information on a regular basis. According to the New York Public Library, the New York Times was designed to “fall between the sensationalism of James Gordon Bennett's New York Herald and the idealism of Greeley's Tribune.” This goal was made apparent when they expressed in their first publication that “we shall be Conservative, in all cases where we think Conservatism essential to the public good;—and we shall be Radical in everything which may seem to us to require radical treatment and radical reform. We do not believe that everything in Society is either exactly right or exactly wrong;—what is good we desire to preserve and improve;—what is evil, to exterminate, or reform” (The New York Times). Raymond and Jones sought to make the New York Times honest, impartial, and informational. 

They clearly accomplished this goal, as the New York Times still exists today as one of the top newspaper companies in the entire world. Since the humble beginnings of Raymond, the New York Times has grown into a mass media company, winning over 100 Pulitzer prizes and many other honorable awards. Thank you, Henry Jarvis Raymond!

Sources:

https://archives.nypl.org/mss/2532

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-Jarvis-Raymond

https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-New-York-Times

https://www.historic-newspapers.com/blog/new-york-times-history/#founding-and-early-history

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/18/insider/1851-new-york-times-born-into-racial-turmoil-that-has-never-ended.html