Good Night, and Good Luck Dignity

"Good Night, and Good Lucky," were the famous signature sign off words spoken by Edward R. Murrow at the end of his well renown show, "See It Now" on CBS. These words became the title of a movie in 2005, a film that portrayed how Mr. Murrow's exemplary broadcast journalism led to downfall of Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin. While the rest of journalists and the media were too afraid to go against Senator McCarthy, Mr. Murrow boldly made a choice to do so with a strong convictions. He put his duty of serving the public before himself and selflessly dedicated his show with the support of his co-producer, Fred Friendly and their staff. With a committed team, Mr. Murrow disregard ed corporate sponsorships and motives to dispute McCarthy's shrewd allegations.
Senator Joseph McCarthy's scandals became known as McCarthyism, a shameful time that opened the gates of anti-communism suspicion in American government, especially the Democratic Party. McCarthy accused and destroyed the lives of thousands of innocent men and women based on his accusation of being a communist or communist sympathizer. His tactics were so outrageous, that it became known as the "anti-communist witch hunt," instilling fear in most Americans.

Mr. Murrow began his series against McCarthy in, "See It Now," by first defending Milo Radulovich, who was yet a another victim to McCarthy's allegations. Radulovich was accused based on the political views of his sister, and loose ties with his father which made him security risk and a candidate to be expelled from the Air Force. Mr. Murrow's upright delivery was a huge impact and it gained the support of the media to bring down McCarthy. Mr. Murrow continued in his series to expose McCarthy by his own clips of contradicting words and falsehoods. After allowing McCarthy to rebut his case, he was further proven as a "sadistic bully." Later McCarthy was finally charged, and the public viewed the series of McCarthy-Army hearings.

Edward R. Murrow, and Fred Friendly became the stepping stone to the truth in a turning point in American history. Mr. Murrow became the most distinguished journalist in history. He is regarded as the "patron sanit of the broadcasting profession." He was a wise man who contributed to the greater good of journalism and the nation. His eloquently and strongly said, "Our history is what we make it." His story made a lasting impact as a model of exemplary journalism brining dignity to television and inspirations for generations.

Does it Matter How the Muck was Raked?

Muckraking journalists served the public righteously in the past exposing injustices, scandals, corruption, and other misconduct that were blind to the citizens. These talented journalists boldly took on the power of words to go against the established organizations in politics and business. They enlightened the public, who were either in the dark or ignorant to the truth. The Society of Professional Journalist's Code of Ethics states in it's preamble that "public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. " It goes on to state that "Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. " The muckrakers were conscientious, but were they thorough or honest enough?

It would not be fair to judge the muckraking journalist in comparison to The Code of Ethics, which did not exist of the time. In a time where corruption and deceit was prevalent the muckrakers created a stage to enlighten the nation. on political and social ills. If compared to the standards created after the muckraking journalists, they somewhat adhered to the Code Of Ethics even though they violated some rules. President Theodore Roosevelt stated that the muckrakers were constantly interested in raking the filth or negativity of the society. However, the scrutiny and constant distrust of the muckrakers were vital for democracy and reform.

Muckraking : Shaping America

Although journalism could never recover from the stains of yellow journalism, it was able to elevate it's status as muckraking journalist essentially changed the history of America for the better. As Rodger Streitmatter put it in Mightier than the Sword, muckraking became "The Golden Age of Reform Journalism." During the second half of the nineteenth century, America's priorities became lost as she raced to expansion to be the nation of the future. However while production, export, politics, and corporations soared the nation's laissez-faire policies neglected the core American values of equality. The industrialist and investors thrived successfully, while the common man and immigrants struggled to survive becoming stagnant in their poverty state.

President Theodore Rosevelt, a supporter of reform journalists accidentally coined the term "muckracking," when he described the journalists at times always looked for the negative aspects of the society. So came the age of muckraking journalism that was much needed for the nation to wake up to see the atrocities that were happening. Using expose pieces with detail writing the reporters motivated political, social, and industrial change. Some of the fine iconic journalist rose from this period helping the nation find the truth. Lincoln Steffens, known as the first muckraker boldly attacked municipal corruption that lead to creating standards for recruiting experienced professional administrators. The muckrakers went on to divulge many privatie industry monopolies (Standard Oil and Rockefeller hold) and corruption. The journalists went on to rouse the public of the poor quality of food and drugs. Upton Sinclair's famous series, "The Jungle," contained shocking revelations that would push the public to the edge about poor food quality and working conditions. Other muckraking campaigns against drugs awakened the public of the patent medicine that were laced with morphine creating a nation of addicts. One of the biggest feat the muckrakers achieved was exposing "Treason in the U.S Senate," that eventually led to the wiping out of corrupt senators and putting the power in the citizens hand to elect their senators.

When corruptions and negligence was sadly prominent around the nation, muckraking journalism served our American history extraordinarily as they enlightened to reform. This period of journalism is an inspiration to the power words and people hold to inevitably create a better future for ourselves. Journalist of today should remember this empowering period of time to not be afraid to reveal the flaws of today's society to get to the truth.

Yellow Journalism Fiasco

It is hard to fathom that in the history of United States, there was a time when journalism was solely a brand of sensationalism and not even a bit reflective of the truth. It is a frightening prospect to blindly believe what you read not knowing that it is all false. At the end of the nineteenth century, citizens were greatly deceived and manipulated by two powerful publishers. The two infamous men were Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. The rivalry of these two men tarnished the purpose of journalism back then creating sensationalism known as "yellow journalism." William Randolph Hearst alone instigated the war against the Spanish in Cuba. Hearst hired reporters and people to create atrocious fake stories that fueled the nation's anger. He was immoral and selfish concerned to win only his dispute.

Ultimately, the lies Pulitzer's and Hearst's paper published cost the nation their rationality and dignity. The principles of journalism were badly abused and the people were deprived of the truth they deserved. It was and is a peril when the power one individual holds has the capability to destroy so many. The society we live in any given time conditions most of us to simply believe and as a result it is hard for us to see clearly. It often takes history for people to unfold the reality of a situation. It is wise to pay attention to the history for they say it repeats itself. Today, we know the principles of exemplary journalism, but let us not stop doubting the shadows that cover the truth.

Checkpoint

Walter Lippman one once said that, "there can be no liberty for a community which lacks the information by which to detect lies. "In today's rapidly advancing society Lippman's words mean more significance as we try to sort through the numerous information and sources to verify what is true. The principles of journalism are essential for ethics and standards to be followed marginally.
Journalism's third and one of the most important principle is the process of verification without which a story would have no credibility.

Essentially the history of today's first draft will be recorded first through journalism. If the process of verification is not upheld, then there would be no accuracy. The few newspaper of today's standard barrier are New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angles Times. Although it is a difficult task to fully be able to follow the principles of journalism, the process of verification is a checkpoint that draws the margin for journalism at its best.

Stuck in the Race?

It is crunch time for both political parties as we near closer to the verdict of America’s next leadership. During this crucial time, the citizens have to look at this presidential race closer in order to ultimately help America’s future economy. However, it appears that the citizen and the media are failing to see the big picture. It is 2008 and the presidential elections’ issues are stuck in the matters of race, and not practicality. Wall Street has crashed, and we are still at war. So much is at risk, yet the mob is stuck in the world of ignorance. For Mr. Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, race has become the barrier and not disposition. The consensus of the Republican crowds are suspicious of a black president, even if he would be better economically. The logic of ignorance over objectivity is appalling.

America the diverse, and the so called melting pot is at odds even with the stakes looming. Its unfortunate how the open mindedness of some can be hindered by the many uneducated. Black and white is not so simple in the matters of politics even after our history of progress. Voters are openly claiming to support Mr. McCain simply because he is white, and because he is the “suitable” candidate for presidency. The Republican crowds have called Mr. Obama Arab, Muslim, friend of terrorists, traitor,radical, communist and so much more that have no grounds. Most claim to approve of Ms. Sarah Palin even though they have heard of Mr. Obama years before. With the mob of consensus the logic is that Mr. McCain, and Ms. Sarah Palin are more familiar and perhaps more “American.” The merits of intelligence and leadership stand no chance with this mentality of ignorance.

Dodge Ball: Debate and the Future

As we try to make sense of all the major alterations Americans are facing today, it is difficult to be sure of anything. With the fear of economic downfall, and many unanswered questions, this time of uncertainty has become more doubtful with the presidential campaign becoming haywire. As Americans tuned in to watch the second presidential debate there were no definitive answers. Instead, we watched two men, and in particular an older gentleman act not so proper playing the blame game. Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama's intense debate of 90 minutes revealed no progression, but the event definitely gave the citizens a glimpse of the two candidates judgment of character.

Aside from the policies and promises presented by the two candidates, what can we truly know about the men from their demeanor? It would be gullible to simply believe all the promises the candidate makes will be fulfilled. So if we cannot trust them on the candidate's words, we can only go with our gut feelings to determine the better man in actuality by their character and not by how they are portrayed. It was evident during the debate that Mr. McCain was faltering under pressure as he seemed to step out of his charm, and be impolitely brazen. With his repeated phrases such as "my friends," and downgrading reference to Mr. Obama as "that one," Mr. McCain surely tarnished his maverick image. In contrast, Mr. Obama appeared to answer the questions to the best of his knowledge as he sincerely agreed and disagreed with Mr. McCain's policies. Mr. Obama stuck to his reputation of speaking eloquently with specifics, while giving his opponent respect.

Round two of the presidential debate revealed Mr. Obama as the better candidate as far as character is questioned. Mr. McCain has little time to do damage control, as he seems to stray away from the man people knew him to be. The rivalry continues, but the nation needs answers to their inquiries that seem to be rapidly rising with new conflicts.

Gotcha Journalism?

The nation's panic after the Wall Street crash is probably Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice Presidential candidate. Palin has created quite the uproar in media with her sheer lack of intellect, and not to mention experience. She is in fact in everyone’s conversations, SNL skits, and YouTube videos. Never has the presidential candidate captured the attentions of so many so apprehensively. Ruling out Palin’s experience, the recent interviews she has conducted reveal absolutely nothing beneficial to alleviate her position in politics. In fact, her recent discussions with Charlie Rose, and Katie Couric expose her to be more dim-witted scaring all Americans that she would only be a “heartbeat away” from becoming the president if John McCain wins the election.

In Katie Couric’s interview with both Senator John McCain, and Sarah Palin; Katie Couric repeatedly interrogates Palin with the questions she avoids with other irrelevant answers. When Katie Couric points out that Palin had made herself a hypocrite on her answer to Pakistan’s situation, she blatantly says that media is misrepresenting her with “gotcha journalism.” Senator John McCain goes on to support her by first implying that the media caught her off guard. It’s quite appalling that they choose to blame journalism for toying with her words to make her appear less intellectual, and fit for the critical position. Even when the public has low trust in the media; through the interviews the citizens are able to get a realistic view of the individuals that are put on the spotlight with the help of reporters. Whether contentious or uncertain to the public eyes, today journalism adheres to the code of truth by bringing the element of scrutiny into democracy.

Standard-Barrier

The Code of Ethics from the Society of Professional Journalists are both ideal and inspirational. It is a code that is vital for our public democracy to truly exist in its true form. One of the basic foundations of American Journalism arose from the colonists, who fought for independence first with their words. Although their journalism did not follow the Code of Ethics, it served the ultimate purpose for its citizens; freedom. Between the colonial days, and today American Journalism has treaded a long path embarking its purpose in history while embedding itself in our society’s way of life. But, we have to ask ourselves how well are journalists adhering to the ethical standards at the present?

Today, the news media has mostly negative connotations for numerous reasons as it fails to abide by the ethical rules. The citizens have an all time low trust in the media itself. The mainstream media is firstly controlled by many corporate giants making it almost impossible for their employed journalists to act and write independently. The celebrity frenzy along with the numerous incomprehensive news give the “good journalist” a bad name tarnishing their reputation. Out of all the Code of Ethics the rules to act independently is probably the most challenging in today’s money driven social order. Since everyone who starts at the bottom cannot be like Charlie Rose, should young journalist just blog their lives out of spotlight to act truly independently? Well, that’s a catch 22, and no one said it was easy sticking to ethical standards.