The lead issue today resides in the fact that I notice this newspaper advertising its vacancies for “Reporters” and the various reports in the dailies this past Monday regarding the fatal shooting on Orange Walk in Georgetown. Such reports can really vary!
Now although I’ve had decades of relationship with the local media, my treatment of my subject, “news and reporting” will, most likely, reveal the obvious: that I am not a trained, professional reporter. Or journalist. However far on the periphery of the fraternity I am, I’m confident that my following discussion will interest the lay person. From a “lay-person.”
Two basic points to begin with: it can be proven that if four eyewitnesses to an incident are asked to report they will write four different- however slightly- versions of that incident; even though they were close together seeing the incident at the very same moment; secondly, what is meant by “news”? In a journalistic sense? The definitions can vary only slightly- “reports of recent current events, tidings, the content or material in newspapers or newscasts.”
I prefer simply: “New information made known.” Why? The information – or news- won’t be news to anyone if it is not known, revealed, reported. We know not about secret, unpublished happenings. We do know of very “new” Breaking News, current happening- now news and expected obvious developments. Oh yes, I suppose old, recent stale news is often new, fresh news to some who missed the earlier reports and revelations.
Reporting the news: Approaches, Bias
Let’s assume that our reporters are trained in the basics. (They even describe news- reports or features as “stories”.) They are taught I’m advised, that a proper news report must very early on, contain the “W’s” – what, when, who, where- then perhaps (W) How.
So even we the average Secondary School citizen will look for those W’s when reading of a fire, accident, murder, concert or boxing match.
Too often, Frankly Speaking, simple news stories lack the fundamentals these days.
The reporter’s style, the sub-editor’s oversight and speculation or false sources, Distort fact and confuse us.
Note my reference to fact(s), as distinct from truth. A fact is actual, a deed, something that exists and can be proven, verified. (I once stretched it a bit to joke that facts can be smelt, touched, tasted, heard and felt!)
“Truth” on the other hand, is much more difficult to locate. Being true does not always reveal a whole truth. That which resides in people’s sense of honesty, science, religion or morality. The news reporter should, initially, stick to facts.
But there are various professional approaches/biases/ slants/preferences, even to reporting obvious facts. Often a good reader can detect the owner/publisher’s influence or the editor’s skillful priority. Add to that, of course, opinion – – the insertion of subjective views into the news. “Only” one thousand persons attended the party’s grand rally? A newspaper opposed to that party will (subtly) opine that there is “dwindling support” for that group. Who says so? What about so many other factors – timing, weather, venue, publicity etc. etc?
It is to be expected that a government information unit will be quite positive in all its stories that describe development. Readers and receivers of those reports and views will be able to verify or invalidate the good tidings. (Like the brand new clinic without electricity or pharmaceuticals.) I also advise readers to study the captions above news stories and/or features. Sub–editors can do very much to colour or influence your own approach to those news and views. Just through a “loaded” caption. Be careful as you read.
Range, skills and expertise
I close this five–minute course without telling you the other months of information about news: about the difference between a reporter and a full–fledged journalist; or how photographs can actually lie or distort (a shot of many Afro’s at the Hindu wedding – only); or about The protocols and rules to be observed when reporting from the courts or hospitals,; or what Public Servants are not supposed to reveal. If you are now interested, go to the University for all that!
Meanwhile, consider the expertise that a real trained, professional (“qualified”) reporter and journalist must have to report on, from the gamut of national life: crime, medicine, health care, agriculture, commerce, sport, politics, government, parliament, the military, the environment, disasters, religion and entertainment and the economy. (You add another ten and contemplate: do we have the journalistic expertise?) I myself am no help. Discuss…
Our observances, their politics
After Constitutional Independence in 1966 Forbes Burnham sought ostensibly, to promote racial/cultural cohesiveness – and identity – at the new national level. He added religious holidays to the national calendar. He claimed them as mechanisms to both show religious respect and to promote deeper understanding of the various cultural strands. You decide whether he succeeded. (This little country enjoys national holidays like peas!)
National Observances are necessary milestones to be noted, recognized, enjoyed and yes, sometimes even celebrated. But Frankly Speaking, do we have a lot to celebrate? We must be thankful (for peace, life and personal achievement) but at a national, political level, we know the real facts and truths – as against “celebration”.
I say that too many of our (new) holidays are now occasions for political statements and ethnic triumphalism – no matter how disguised the protagonists try to make them. Let’s hope that the young – before they migrate – become a wee bit nationalistic on these occasions.
(Humour: as President Ramotar waxed political last Saturday evening at the Independence Flag-raising, a few hundred began to taunt, jeer and clap. He thought it was applause!)
Until…
*1) How’s the case against the Sophia Muslim teacher, accused of sexually molesting many little boys, coming along? He deserves a fair trial. Right?
*1b) I agree with Sherwood Lowe’s views on any Public Procurement Commission. This government is “great” at establishing artificial Commissions – The Constitution be damned!
*2) Congrats to the owners of the Orange Walk, Georgetown, Security/Surveillance cameras. Please tell the police and other business people where and how to acquire such good ones.
*3) Good to know that Minister Benn’s Lamaha Embankment Parking Lots still belong to us – the State.
*3b) Get well soon Courtney Gibson
*4) After the young athletes’ great performance in Trinidad, could we not sit and plan for structured preparations for Brazil 2016?
Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
