Simon East • Media & Communications in Ministry • Semester 2 2010

Errington, W. & Miragliotta, N. (2007) Media & Politics: An Introduction. South Melbourne, Australia:
Oxford University Press.

Chapter 4 – Week 6 – The News Media in Action

201 words

1. Do you think journalists can lay claim to professional status, given that
anyone who writes or publishes is entitled to call themselves a
journalist?

I would suggest that journalists are a mix of professionals and non-professionals. In the sporting

arena, professionals are those who have honed their skills and are recognised as having

exceptional abilities with increased pay. Likewise, I believe the professional journalists are those

who have earned a certain level of recognition within the community and regular exposure in

major publications. Perhaps it’s not for a journalist themself to promote their status, but rather

the recognition granted from others around them.

2. What do you think accounts for the low regard in which the public hold
journalists, and who is to blame for this state of affairs?

I think the behaviour of certain journalists in a narrow sector of the industry has tarnished the

reputation of all journalists. These three issues are perhaps the core of the problem:

 The nasty, pushy journalism seen on some current affairs shows – 74% of people feel that

television journalists unnecessarily invade people’s privacy (p.75)

 The mistakes and errors that commonly plague news reports – 63% of people feel that

journalists often get their facts wrong (p.74)

 The tabloid magazines and ‘paparazzi’ techniques, sensationalising and exaggerating trivia

While some fault obviously lies with individual journalists, I feel that the cause of the problem is

the compounding cycle of public demand, financial gain, and the resulting pressure upon

reporters to compromise ethical standards.