JOURN 1100: Exam 2

The correspondence theory of truth states that the truth or falsity of a statement is determined only by how it relates to the world, and whether it accurately describes (i.e., corresponds with) that world. Factual truth

Accuracy is the foundation, but it can only get you so far. Practical truth builds over time. (builds over time) The search for truth is a process, a conversation, an interaction among the public, newsmakers and journalists.

Affirming the presumptions rather than verifying the facts. (Rush Limbaugh) Customers tell you what they believe and value and you write a story to cater to those believes.

Delivering all the information without any differentiation about what is true and not true and what is significant to them. No distinction between truth and fact (blog) Take what other news sources have already published and reporting them.

May substitute truth. Danger of false equivalence, distortion. Devices for getting to the truth not a substitute for it.

It is to broad fairness is to abstract (fair to whom?) balance is to subjective

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• What differentiate media reported truth and other truth? • Consistency in testing information • Transparency of finding the evidence.

Parent article: Journalism ethics and standards o As a method, similar to the scientific approach • Not meant to apply to journalists or media

1. Journalism of Affirmation 2. Journalism of Aggregation 3. Journalism of Assertion **Objective, but is it truth (CNN, 24 Hour News)

repeating what people say, **Objective, but is it truth (CNN, 24 Hour News)

Truth (journalistic) is the sorting out process that takes place between the initial story and the interaction among the public, newsmakers and journalists Accuracy: getting the facts straight Pentagon papers v. McNamara's Press conference

anonymous sources can have too much power over the voice of the story, no verification or accountability. If the quote or information is wrong all of the blame falls on the lap of the journalist.

1. Let community react 2. Let sorting out process ensue 3. Stip information of any attached misinformation, disinformation or self-promotion bias

The process of revealing as much as possible about our sources and methods. How do you know what you know? Who are your sources? It is the most important single element in creating a better discipline of verification.

shows that journalist's respect for the audience. Allows the audience to judge the validity of the information. Being transparent helps establish that the journalist has a public interest motive which is a key to credibility.

1. Journalists asking what does my audience need to know to evaluate this information for itself? 2. "Is there anything that in our treatment of this that requires explanation, including any controversial decisions made about leaving something in or taking something out?" 3. Involves something that runs contrary to what most journalists do by acknowledging the questions their stories are not answering.