Speaking of Journalisim

[JackLuis]

I didn't want to distract the other thread with this. But !
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Newt Gingrich to receive the, “Family Values Porn Fan of the Year, 2009,” Award!

From the "Washington City Paper". I thought that the news was presented in an unbiased manner and in a most pleasing and professional way. With restraint and yet flair.

I ask, is it Good Journalism?

[sr71plt]

The other thread has already departed from Journalism on a flood of words and graphs and illegal posting of copyrighted material of "whatever," so there might as well be a new thread on the topic the other one tried to establish--at least until one of the "I'll talk you to death" residents arrives here.

[JackLuis]

When I saw this I was taken by the "Who, What, When and even Why" of the story.

Of course it is slightly humorous, but the author doesn't gloat or inject him/herself into the story, or make comments on the issue.

As for the other thread, yes it degenerated as people perverted it's initial direction. I guess you have to expect that in a forum for Perverts!

[DeeZire]

I did notice a tiny touch of sarcasm in the article - or perhaps I perceived it due to a personal bias in favor of sarcasm? I think a graph or pie chart would have been helpful in lending credence to the presentation. I especially like the colored ones.

[sr71plt]

Ok, this is a technical answer response. It would not have passed muster in my journalism days for anywhere but the Op Ed page. It doesn't hedge in the "who did what" arena as a journalism class would teach for reporting.

A couple of examples:

"Vivas got even." This would be worded "Vivas decided to get even." The original takes a side and draws an arguable conclusion.

Another example: "Vivas was contacted last month by American Solutions for Winning the Future, Gingrich’s D.C.-based PAC, and was told . . ."

This is OK if the reporter got Gingrich's PAC to admit the invitation was issued--which might be true, but is doubtful given the thrust of the article.

What was supposed to be a report would have mealymouthed this to "Vivas claims [or said] she was contacted last month . . ."

This probably isn't what you are asking, but there is bias in this "report" that a traditional journalism course wouldn't have sanctioned for front-page reporting. I suspect this has been watered down even in journalism classes in recent years. Everything is getting more sloppy.

[JackLuis]

Here

"The former U.S. House speaker's political organization was set to give Dawn Rizos an "Entrepreneur of the Year" award last month. But the group reneged, saying it had mistaken her business for another. Rizos, who owns the Dallas topless club The Lodge, was refunded the $5,000 fee required to receive the award. "

Now I get it, if you pay them $5,000 then you get the award plaque and they get to spout off about how they recognize capitalist achievement.

Brilliant!

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Originally Posted by JackLuis

Here

"The former U.S. House speaker's political organization was set to give Dawn Rizos an "Entrepreneur of the Year" award last month. But the group reneged, saying it had mistaken her business for another. Rizos, who owns the Dallas topless club The Lodge, was refunded the $5,000 fee required to receive the award. "

Now I get it, if you pay them $5,000 then you get the award plaque and they get to spout off about how they recognize capitalist achievement.

Brilliant!

Newt's another joy that lasts forever.