"That is actually a part of your job as a journalist, to not just talk about all the things that are going wrong, but to also look at the things that are going right, because that’s literally the only way that we’re going to learn how to get ourselves out of a lot of the stuff we’re in."
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There’s less than one week until Election Day. As journalists and news outlets gear up for the busiest political news day of the year and share their plans for covering the results, here are some helpful resources for those covering the election:
President Trump violated an agreement with CBS News on Thursday and released the White House's recording of an interview with "60 Minutes,” during which he walked out early, with claims of bias. In a statement, CBS News defended the interviewer Lesley Stahl and said it would move forward with plans to air the interview Sunday. The early release of the interview didn’t deter people from watching. With 17.4 million people tuning in, “60 Minutes” had its biggest audience since March 25, 2018, when it aired an interview with adult film star Stormy Daniels. The episode also featured interviews with Vice President Mike Pence and democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Kamal Harris.
The Wall Street Journal published two conflicting accounts on Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s alleged role in one of his son’s business ventures. An opinion column from the Journal asserted that Biden was involved in a deal arranged by his son Hunter with a Chinese energy conglomerate in 2017, however, the news side reported, “Corporate records reviewed by The Wall Street Journal show no role for Joe Biden.” Washington Post Media Reporter Paul Farhi notes, “Dueling accounts from the same publication about a major news story are rare,” but “in the Journal’s case, there’s an ongoing civil war between its news staff and its opinion side.” The story has led to increased discussion on how news outlets verify information and decide what to publish. For The New York Times, Ben Smith writes, “It’s also about a larger shift in the American media, one in which the gatekeepers appear to have returned after a long absence.”
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The SPJ Board of Directors will meet Saturday at noon EDT. The meeting will begin with a public comment period and then the board will enter executive session to discuss the two appointed board positions currently held by Erica Carbajal and Taylor Mirfendereski. They are expected to return to open session at 1 p.m. EDT to adjourn the meeting. Thank you, Taylor and Erica, for your year of service!
SPJ President-Elect Rebecca Aguilar chats with host Darragh Worland on the News Literacy Project’s podcast “Is that a fact?” They discuss how the gatekeeping role of journalists has been altered by the internet and social media, what’s been lost, but also what’s been gained. They also talk about the need for greater diversity in American newsrooms and what needs to be done to achieve it.
SPJ is transitioning to a new member database. The new online member experience will be live starting next week. For the next few weeks and likely until Nov. 30, we anticipate delays in processing new member applications and current member renewals. This should not dissuade individuals from submitting these applications, however, please expect a longer turnaround time. Current members whose membership expires during this time will still receive member benefits. Members will be made aware via email and newsletter when the new system is fully operational. Thank you for your patience! If you have any questions please contact Manager of Membership and Chapters Caroline Escobar.
A volunteer is needed to fill the Region 7 Coordinator position. Anyone interested in being appointed to that role should contact SPJ National President Matthew T. Hall. Only SPJ members in Region 7 — Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska — are eligible to serve. This role has a one-year term that expires September 2021.
’Tis the season…for otherwise credible publications to publish unsubstantiated reports of haunted houses and other paranormal activity. To discuss why this is a problem, Quill reached out to Rob Pyatt, who led the “Weird Science: What Journalists Get Wrong About Scientific Studies…and How to Get It Right” program during SPJ2020.
In this week’s Quill News Biz Quiz, we learn what the term “media exposure” is NOT supposed to mean, and there’s no joy in Mudville as sports networks lose carriers.
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The News Revenue Hub is looking for an audience development project manager for a permanent remote position. This role is 50% taskmaster and 50% creative audience development strategist. Applicants should have at least three years of newsroom experience in audience development and/or product management roles.
Cincinnati Public Radio is accepting applications for a radio news reporter to inform and engage the community. At least five years of experience in radio as host, reporter or producer is preferred. Applicants should have an engaging on-air presence and strong writing, editing and interviewing skills.
Edwards Group in Caro, Michigan, is seeking a paginator. The right candidate must be organized, detail-oriented and creative. Applicants should have at least two years of experience in pagination and proficiency in Adobe InDesign.
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FIGHTING FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT |
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In the case of Turner v. U.S. Agency for Global Media, SPJ joined an amicus brief in support of a preliminary motion filed by five suspended senior executives at USAGM. If granted, the motion would enforce the firewall that protects American international broadcasters from political interference with their newsgathering and reporting so that their reporting can be trusted by viewers, readers and listeners around the world, and not merely seen as government propaganda. The brief highlights the historical importance of the firewall and the First Amendment protections for all journalists.
SPJ joined the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 36 other organizations to submit comments on the proposed revisions to the I visa program. The comments state, “The Proposed Rule may entangle DHS in the supervision of journalism. Further, the new framework may chill reporting on the United States, especially reporting critical of government elements responsible for extension approvals; may invite other nations to retaliate against U.S. journalists; and lacks adequate justification.”
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She also discussed how they cover elections at AP, which is considered the most trusted source of information on election night with a history of accuracy dating to 1848. AP offers its expertise to its member news organizations, customers and the public across all platforms when it counts the vote, declares the winners and covers the results in the U.S. presidential election. Here are some resources and information about its process.
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If you missed any of the #SPJTruth activities, don’t worry. You can watch the discussions online. They feature tips on fighting disinformation, misinformation and claims of “fake news.” Need help deciding what to watch first?
SPJ President-Elect Rebecca Aguilar is joined by Academy Award-Nominated Director Leslie Iwerks to discuss her new documentary “Selling Lies.” It offers a rare glimpse inside the secret network behind these websites, including one notorious ringleader whose social media reach had vast implications on American readers, and explores how disinformation campaigns are continuing to strongly impact the U.S. today leading into the 2020 presidential election.
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Looking for a way to show your support for SPJ? There are at least four ways you can contribute to SPJ programs and initiatives. Back the First Amendment and press freedom with a gift to the SPJ General Fund, SPJ Foundation, Legal Defense Fund or First Amendment Forever Fund. No matter where you donate, your gift will be appreciated and will help SPJ carry out its mission of improving and protecting journalism.
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