2008 Woodie Awards
What We Think
Ask us questions but don't question us
Issue date: 11/5/07 Section: Forum
- Page 1 of 1
It almost goes without saying that every semester someone or some people will have an issue with something we print in The Meter. Normally these come from individuals who look at certain groups as unquestionable and unmentionable. When we as journalists have the audacity to do our job, we are attacked.
Most of the accusations are based out of a profound sense of ignorance of basic journalistic tenants. The number one tenant is to always report the truth. The next is that there are no sacred cows. The Meter is a community forum; therefore we cover the opinions and issues raised by all members of our university community. There have been many times when we've reported on incidents that deeply troubled us, and while we may have found the subject matter distasteful, we know it is our responsibility to cover it.
The Meter encourages readers to read the entire newspaper, editorials included. Accusations of The Meter acting as a tabloid bring concern to the publication as a whole.
According to dictionary.com, the definition of a tabloid is a newspaper concentrating on sensational and lurid news, usually heavily illustrated. The Meter does not spread rumors. However, we do plan on continuing to find the truth and print it.
In the Nov.1 issue of The Meter, the headline "Some Memphis alumni want Johnson out," generated some controversy among our readers, and we understand why. What readers must understand is that all news isn't good news and it is apart of our mission to report both the highlights and low lights.
We plan to do more reporting on the news concerning President Johnson. There are still many unanswered questions regarding this story, and we will do our best to print more coverage. What surprised many of us is that so many of our well versed "readers," who attacked us, obviously didn't read our What We Think editorial, which gave our opinion on some of the issues raised in the article.
Petitions along with protest are reported on frequently. It is our belief that readers would be highly disappointed if we did not continue to educate the community on the good and bad at TSU.
We have to make sure all topics are covered, even those that may not sit well with others. We want to inform TSU of all the things that occur on campus, although they are not always joyful events.
Readers must understand that in order to get the true meaning of the stories we print; they must read the articles in their entirety, not just the headlines. Headlines are purposed to grab the reader's attention and provide a quick truthful summary on what the story contains. It is only after the entire story is read that the reader will grasp the full meaning of the content presented.
Finally, we encourage our readers to be active consumers of the news. Don't just skim the headlines. Don't just read a few paragraphs. It's fair to say that anytime we report something, there will be a difference of opinion. But when you call our character and integrity into question that is line that we will defend just as vigorously as we defend our First Amendment rights.
Most of the accusations are based out of a profound sense of ignorance of basic journalistic tenants. The number one tenant is to always report the truth. The next is that there are no sacred cows. The Meter is a community forum; therefore we cover the opinions and issues raised by all members of our university community. There have been many times when we've reported on incidents that deeply troubled us, and while we may have found the subject matter distasteful, we know it is our responsibility to cover it.
The Meter encourages readers to read the entire newspaper, editorials included. Accusations of The Meter acting as a tabloid bring concern to the publication as a whole.
According to dictionary.com, the definition of a tabloid is a newspaper concentrating on sensational and lurid news, usually heavily illustrated. The Meter does not spread rumors. However, we do plan on continuing to find the truth and print it.
In the Nov.1 issue of The Meter, the headline "Some Memphis alumni want Johnson out," generated some controversy among our readers, and we understand why. What readers must understand is that all news isn't good news and it is apart of our mission to report both the highlights and low lights.
We plan to do more reporting on the news concerning President Johnson. There are still many unanswered questions regarding this story, and we will do our best to print more coverage. What surprised many of us is that so many of our well versed "readers," who attacked us, obviously didn't read our What We Think editorial, which gave our opinion on some of the issues raised in the article.
Petitions along with protest are reported on frequently. It is our belief that readers would be highly disappointed if we did not continue to educate the community on the good and bad at TSU.
We have to make sure all topics are covered, even those that may not sit well with others. We want to inform TSU of all the things that occur on campus, although they are not always joyful events.
Readers must understand that in order to get the true meaning of the stories we print; they must read the articles in their entirety, not just the headlines. Headlines are purposed to grab the reader's attention and provide a quick truthful summary on what the story contains. It is only after the entire story is read that the reader will grasp the full meaning of the content presented.
Finally, we encourage our readers to be active consumers of the news. Don't just skim the headlines. Don't just read a few paragraphs. It's fair to say that anytime we report something, there will be a difference of opinion. But when you call our character and integrity into question that is line that we will defend just as vigorously as we defend our First Amendment rights.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Senior
posted 11/05/07 @ 8:27 AM CST
I just don't understand why anyone who does journalism or any work in that matter feel that they can't be questioned. It is my opinion in life that if you do a job than someone will always question it. (Continued…)
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