Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Government. Show all posts

"Show don't Tell"

Monday, September 26, 2011

Getting the perfect photo to complement any story is vital, but photographers need to know their constitutional rights.


When in a public place, photographers have the right to photograph anything in plain view. When on private property, the property owner sets the rules.


Police officers cannot confiscate or demand to view photographs without a warrant. They can also not delete photographs under any circumstance.


If a photographer is stopped by a police officer, always act polite and calm. The photographer needs to ask the officer for the reasons behind being detained.

Photos, just like written stories, give new knowledge to their audiences. They also provide a check on the government.

The First Amendment guarantees photographers the rights to shoot whatever they find useful, as long as they don't break any other laws, such as trespassing, while doing so.

Photographs can do something articles can't. Photos physically show the situation, and evoke strong emotions. The rights of these people need to be protected because they are doing their community a great service.



Photo Credit: Maddie Boswell

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Public Lacks Trust in the Press

Sunday, September 25, 2011


Americans don't believe every thing they see, hear or read. According to a Pew Study, citizens have a hard time trusting the press.


The poll reported "66% say news stories often are inaccurate, 77% think that news organizations tend to favor one side, and 80% say news organizations are often influenced by powerful people and organizations."

Although these figures may seem abysmal, the public trusts the press more than government and business, and "62% say their main news sources get the facts straight."

Because the press is supposed to be the trusted source of information. It's watchdog reputation means that Americans should be able to rely on the news to tell the truth in regards to government, business, and any facet of life.

All journalists should take note of these statistics. Personally, this reinforces my belief in double- and triple-checking facts and interviews because our readers and viewers shouldn't have to question our credibility or motivations.

Our job is to report.

It should be that simple. Ask questions. Write down the answers. Report the facts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzf7fT8-g-s

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