Turning PBS into another propaganda tool

Is there a problem with "advocacy journalism"? apparentely to be found "guilty" there is.
Of course Moyers is an "advocacy journalist" does he represent himeself in some other fashion like say "fair and balanced"?

Nice of you to clear up this point for all to see..........this is an "advocacy journalist":

Advocacy journalism
Advocacy journalism aims to persuade through fact-telling(as opposed to reporting the facts). It rejects the notion of objectivity, instead exposing bias to the reader and expressing explicit opinions on the subject matter. The general goal is to present facts in such a compelling, well-researched manner that even a skeptical reader or one who does not share the writer's opinions, will be swayed to some degree, or at least better informed about the issue at hand. (In other words, instead of presenting the facts as a true journalist would, the advocacy journalist presents supposed facts so as to lead the listener or reader in a certain direction).

Advocacy journalism is often practiced in alternative media, including alternative weekly publications. Many of these media outlets have strong political leanings. The genre may extend to a single article in a broader publication; there are also "advocacy journals" or "alternative publications" which announce their intended biases in their mastheads.

He represents himself as a "broadcast journalist" or a "documentary journalist" which means that he hides behind the good name of a true journalist who adhers to the professional journalist's code of ethics.

He has never announced his true intentions of being an "advocacy journalist"

In other words he presents himself as an "honest journalist" who reports only the facts in order to expose the evils of the Bush administration.

Another "trick" of the advocacy journalist is to: "Give the opposition just enough exposure to create the APPEARANCE of giving him "EQUAL TIME".

I would have no problem with Moyers if he presented himself as a commentator or news analyst as OReilly does.......but instead he claims to be an "honest journalist" and as such would be bound to adher to the Professional Journalist's code of Ethecs. The primary tenet of the professional journalist is to present the facts as he knows them and to avoid trying to influence the opinion of the reader or listener.

To me there is a very basic and important distinction here.

Journalism=
Wikipedia.
So what part of this definition does Moyers not fulfill? Or, perhaps, you would prefer that Journalism/ists only disseminate "truth" and then I am sure you can tell us all just exactly what the rules are for verifing "truth."
I am guessing the your conclusion will infer that only mathmaticians are qualified to be journalists. You realize, I am sure, that your argument breaks down into inanity pretty rapidly.

You are another of the regulars here who consider themselves to be "legends in their own minds" and therefore always correct. A mere mortal such as myself could never hope to penetrate your cocoon of high self esteem. I present the following code of ethics with a very faint hope that you will read it and perhaps gain a glimmer of the basis for my contention that Moyers is a fraud.

Preamble
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.

Seek Truth and Report It

Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Journalists should:

* Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
* Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.
* Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.
* Always question sources' motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.
* Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
* Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.
* Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactment is necessary to tell a story, label it.
* Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story
* Never plagiarize.
* Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so.
* Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.
* Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
* Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
* Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
* Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.
* Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.
* Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection.

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:

* Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
* Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
* Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
* Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
* Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
* Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
* Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
* Balance a criminal suspect's fair trial rights with the public's right to be informed.

Act Independently

Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.

Journalists should:

* Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
* Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
* Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
* Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
* Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
* Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
* Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

Be Accountable

Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

Journalists should:

* Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
* Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.
* Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
* Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
* Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

The SPJ Code of Ethics is voluntarily embraced by thousands of
writers, editors and other news professionals. The present version of
the code was adopted by the 1996 SPJ National Convention, after months
of study and debate among the Society's members.

Sigma Delta Chi's first Code of Ethics was borrowed from the
American Society of Newspaper Editors in 1926. In 1973, Sigma Delta Chi
wrote its own code, which was revised in 1984, 1987 and 1996.


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Well you nailed me right to the liberal cross, you did. Your reward will await you in journalism heaven alongside William Safire and Bob Novak. I now can only hide my head in shame and beg your forgiveness. (prunes, you should eat some everyday to prevent loss of synaptic neurons) I am now officially a nattering nabob of negativity. Oh where, Oh where is Spiro Agnew when he need him, oops nevermind, he is posting on a2k.

Awww......stop "nattering" and read the code of ethics. BTW ..... they aren't synaptic neurons......they are brain cells that communicate through synaptic firings.

whatever the loss, I'm pretty sure a daily ration of prunes would help. I'm currently writing a book entitled "Republicanism is treatable with proper diet" you might want to eat it.

Dyslexia


I can hardy wait to watch Rayban eat your book. Does he take salt on it?

BBB

I predict, and I am serious, that within a few years government sponsored childrens television will be patriotic/militaristic in nature. And it will get plenty of government funding.

Anyone want to lay bets on which A2K members will be Junior Patriot Leaguie troop leaders and be wearing khaki shorts along with the kiddies?

(And maybe one sequined glove? )

bluevein


Did you forget the brown shirts?

BBB

You are the most predictable of the regular lefties who reside on the fringes of A2K and take sniper shots........your weak arguments soon turn to even weaker humor You might want to consider your own remedy for the obvious loss of neurons but since there's probably a shortage of prunes in the desert, would you like me to ship you a truckload?

BTW....regarding the book.........won't it be difficult to find a publisher for a
one page book?

well rayban thanks for the lefty compliment, most people seem to think I'm a democrat but fourtunately you can see though that disguise.

Ted Kennedy is a registered Dem also........do you consider yourself left or right of his treasonous arse? Actually from some of your comments I get the idea you are to the left of Kennedy but to the right of Chomsky.

It is my observation that there cannot be a "most predictable" of your particular group of posters rayban old buddy because you all seem stamped from the same cookie cutter.

Given the choice of being a predictable poster or a Stepford poster, I highly prefer the former.

I will continue to look forward to dys' posts.

And don't think I'm trying to come to dys' defense. He is quite impervious to the stings and barbs of such weak sisters as flutter around him here. :wink:

I make Chomsky look like a Goldwater fan but that's beside the point I wish to make here ray, I'm really pretty devestated by the fact that in the past 24 hrs here on a2k I have been called "dyslexia" "careless" "lacking in a sense of humour" and today from you I hear that I am "predictable" offer "weak arguments" and "turn to weaker humour." It;s all just really too much to be confronted on all three sides of the "conservative" intellectual broadside of astute critical reasoning and debate. I concede, I am overwhelmed I shall have to consider increasing my educational level to the 9th grade before I can expect to compete with the arguments in my face.

Come uptown dys and join me as the proud possesor of a GED. It'll change your life, give you fullfillment, and bolster your fragile self esteem. Look at the wonders it's worked on me.

Don't be so hard on yourself..........with some help from BVT you could probably pass a high school GED

BVT......I'm certain DYS appreciates your help but don't let it increase your hat size.........you might POP one of those throbbing veins.

Rayban the tangent man. More scurrilous accusations thrown around with not a scintilla of proof. Better check the website for more talking points Rayban.

Here's a posting, from Sozobe, that bears repeating.

[Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 11:00 pm Post: 1345391]

[quote="rayban1
You are another of the regulars here who consider themselves to be "legends in their own minds" and therefore always correct. A mere mortal such as myself could never hope to penetrate your cocoon of high self esteem. I present the following code of ethics with a very faint hope that you will read it and perhaps gain a glimmer of the basis for my contention that Moyers is a fraud.

Preamble
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.

Seek Truth and Report It

Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Journalists should:

* Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
* Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.
* Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability.
* Always question sources' motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.
* Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
* Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.
* Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactment is necessary to tell a story, label it.
* Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story
* Never plagiarize.
* Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so.
* Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.
* Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
* Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
* Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
* Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.
* Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.
* Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public's business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection.

Minimize Harm

Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:

* Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
* Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
* Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
* Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
* Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
* Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
* Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
* Balance a criminal suspect's fair trial rights with the public's right to be informed.

Act Independently

Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.

Journalists should:

* Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
* Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
* Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
* Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
* Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
* Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
* Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

Be Accountable

Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

Journalists should:

* Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
* Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.
* Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
* Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
* Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.




[/quote]

I gather that rayban has never watched Moyers, who, when interviewing righties and religious extremists, bends over backwards to be objective.

What right, rayban, do you have to make snide remarks at dyslexia, as you did in your opening?