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.