26th September 2014
By Stefanie Chernow

Ethical Journalism Newsletter: September 26th, 2014

Ethical Journalism News

Ebola Outbreak and the Urgent Need for Science Journalists

The outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Western Africa highlights the urgent need to close the gap in communication between scientists, journalists and communities. Beyond the devastating outcome of EVD, poor communication has clearly heightened apprehension among the public, while potentially seeding confusion among scientists and journalists who report the outbreak. (via World Federation of Science Journalists)

TV News Often Too Focused On Disaster When Covering Climate Change

Television news tends to focus on disasters such as droughts or floods in covering scientific findings about climate change, an approach that may exaggerate pessimism about the subject, according to a new study. The review of coverage by leading television news shows in Australia, Brazil, Britain, China, Germany and India found that they most often framed reports about the science of global warming in terms of crisis. (via Huffington Post)

Q&A: Science Journalism and Public Engagement

Whether the public is reading about the Ebola outbreak in Africa or watching YouTube videos on the benefits of the latest diet, it’s clear that reporting on science and technology profoundly shapes modern life. In this Q&A, directors of the Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) fellowship programme discuss their views on science and technology journalism, its impact on society, and how these types of fellowships might contribute to the future of the profession. (via World Federation of Science Journalists)

Isis Air Strikes: National Newspapers Back Them – With Reservations

A look at the complex positions UK newspapers are taking on the issue of British involvement of Isis air strikes, whether boots should be on the ground, and what the long term strategy should be in the region. (via The Guardian)

Isis vs Islamic State vs Isil vs Daesh: What do the Different Names Mean – and Why Does it Matter?

As the international fight continues against Islamic extremists waging a bloody campaign to establish a caliphate in Iraq and Syria, the debate about what to call the group continues. The British and US Governments are among those using the acronym Isil, while the name Isis is more commonly seen. Adding to the confusion last week, the French announced they would use the Arabic-derived term “Daesh” to replace their previous name, EIIL (L’Etat islamique en Irak et en Syrie). (via The Independent)

Policing The Trolls: The Ins and Outs of Comment Moderation

Internet comment sections seem by nature to breed both insightful musings and the foulest bile. Many readers and comment writers complain to us about their frustrations in trying to understand what rules, if any, lie behind how the comments are moderated. NPR, like many news organizations, constantly walks a tight-rope in trying to encourage both lively discussion and respect. (via NPR)

What are Ethics of ‘F*** It I Quit’? Reporter Outed as Secret Owner of Marijuana Business

Charlo Greene went viral this week after she sensationally quit her job as a reporter for Anchorage, Alaska’s CBS-affiliate KTVA.On the air, Greene announced that she owns a local marijuana club, said “F**k it, I quit” and left. As the secret owner of the Alaska Cannabis Club, who also reported on marijuana legalization and related issues, Greene had an inherent, undisclosed conflict of interest. (via iMediaEthics)

Events

6th Bali Media Forum

The Thomson Foundation, in partnership with the Indonesian Press Council and the Institute for Peace and Democracy, will hold the 6th Bali Media Forum Open Goals: Ethics in the information game in Nusa Dua, Bali from 8 to 10 October.

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