Covering History

Andrea Robinson

ar195815@ohio.edu

 

Journalism is the first account of history. It would be an understatement to call it anything less. Journalist have the responsibility to report on protest, especially in the times of monumental human rights movements. 

One of the ethical obligations of a journalist is to seek the truth and report on it. 

When covering any protest, it is important to recognize the issues at hand as well as paying attention to how the opposing force(s) react. 

Picture source: Alabama Public Radio

During the Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal time for America as well for media coverage and representation. Only about sixty short years ago, this movement helped the American black voice to be heard for the first time.

"It is often suggested that national television news coverage of the civil rights movement helped transform the United States by showing Americans the violence of segregation and the dignity of the African American quest for equal rights."

In the 1960s news broadcast stations started to take the FCC's Fairness Doctrine (1949) more seriously when producing TVand radio content. This doctrine required that news stations broadcasted equal time and access to "diverse opinions on the air and barred them from editorializing in their news broadcast." 

Diversity and injustice issues are some of the most pressing topics to be covered by the news, especially in today's society. 

Broadcast news has progressively evolved into widespread coverage regarding the ongoing racial justice movement - we now call Black Lives Matter. 

Journalist should always self-employ the highest standards of integrity, especially when reporting on imperative public issues. Journalist must also regard the heightened need for covering and broadcasting diverse voices.

Picture source: artnet news

 

In this digital age, it is more important than ever for journalist to be on the forefront of news coverage. Overwhelming amounts of false information can dangerously surface on social media. Though social media can also help lead news coverage in the right direction, much like it did in the case of George Floyd's death. 

The public is a journalist's number one concern, so following heavily trending social media topic lead to important events that will be noted in future history books. 

Following the story may not always be easy or safe, but that has been a risk journalist have been willing to take. 

"Fifteen out of the 21 such attacks on journalist this year were at protest or rallies, where the victims were targeted because they were journalist." 

Many journalists have endured being pepper-sprayed at protest as well this past year while covering BLM. These journalists first-hand experience what the protesters do. Their ability to be an eye-witness is crucial in adequate coverage. 

 

Journalism is history in the making.