| Description |
The purpose of this thesis is to explain the general notion of negativity in the news and how journalists perceive both their professional and personal standards. Specifically, journalists from Utah were interviewed to determine the main ethical values they consciously think of during their practice, how they perceive the current news climate, and how they view their obligations to, and relationship with, the public. It will also introduce suggested alternatives to making the news more responsive, progressive, and positive. After analyzing the interviews with journalists, as well as academic research on journalism, it was determined that there are shortcomings in the practice today. Perhaps most notably, there is a disconnect between the public and news media. This, in turn, causes a feeling of separation from people and the press, creates simplistic, two-sided story narratives that are characterized by speed instead of accuracy, and, most concerningly, reinforces an overall negativity in news coverage and the interpretation of it. In order to improve upon the way the public views journalism and news coverage, people need to understand that negative news is oftentimes necessary news; that journalism's intent is to inform, not to ridicule; and that the public can and should improve their relationships with journalists. Simultaneously, journalists should invite the public into their reporting and writing processes; understand how their audience feels; and continue to fulfill the purpose of informing by incorporating all types of stories in the news media. |
