Nothing But The Truth: Would you have revealed the source? Why?

While I would hope that I would not have revealed the source as well, I'm honestly not sure if could with all of the legal and family pressures. For journalists, your livelihood relies on your ability to maintain a good reputation by following an ethical journalist code. For example, when a source tells you something in confidence, then you must assure them that their identity will remain secret. Otherwise, it would damage your career due to the fact no one will trust you again.

 However, in Rachael Armstrong's case, the way she obtained her information to begin with was slightly unethical. Since her initial source was a child and the information would dramatically effect the little girl's family, Rachael Armstrong should have done everything to ensure that it would not be necessary to trace it back to her. She should have been honest with her editors and even the girl's mother to avoid the events that occurred. 

The Changes in Mass Comm: What does the future of mass communication hold?

In our current society, mass communication impacts every area of our lives. Moreover, it's function includes entertaining, informing, and connecting us. Throughout the years, mediums of mass communication continue to evolve and change. From the time I was born in 1984 to the present, so many developments have been made in technology that has revolutionized communication. I can remember when only a handful of people actually owned computers, like the Commodore 64. In addition, they were not the powerful and limitless machines of today, but instead large, bulky boxes that could only perform a handful of useful functions. Now, they connect us to the world and affect daily personal and work lives on a daily basis. Similarly, cellphones are morphing into mini portable computers. As a result, in the next several years, I think the mass communication industry will focus on cellphone development in order to become the dominant medium. It will probably replace many of current electronics. Furthermore, it will function as our television, phone, internet, and computer all rolled into one tiny package. 

The Auteur Theory: Which communication theory is the most intriguing to you and why?

In the book, Essentials of Mass Communication Theory, I found the Auteur Theory to be the most interesting. The theory refers to a film director's body of work and their recognizable style in their movies. According to the text, “directors impose their personalities, their aesthetic sensibilities, their values and beliefs, on every aspect of their films” (Berger 160). In other words, a director's particular style can be seen in all of their films' themes and visual aspects. While films are meant to be entertaining, the director is also trying to communicate their message.

I chose this communication theory due to the fact that I love movies and actually had the dream to be a film director at one time. My hero and absolute favorite film director is David Lynch.He has created such memorable films as Blue Velvet, The Elephant Man, and Wild at Heart. Additionally, he also created the cult television show, Twin Peaks. In regards to the theory, his films all convey his recognizable artistic vision. According to the imdb.com, some of his trademarks include, “examining the dark side of American suburbia, low/middle frequency noise, dark and rotting environments, distorted characters, a polarized world, and constant references to dreams as a way of connecting the plot and twists, and surrealism” (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000186/bio). 

Free Speech: Why is The New York Times v. Sullivan such a precedent setting case for the American media?

In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that in the mass media, “public officials in a libel case must prove actual malice” (Biagi 306). This ruling was determined in the case of The New York Times v. Sullivan in which The Committee to Defend Martin Luther King Jr.'s New York Times Advertisement. Although he was not mentioned by name, L.B. Sullivan, the commissioner in Montgomery that was involved in the case, felt that the ad was directed towards him. As a result, he sued the newspaper for libel. In the first case, Sullivan won. However, the Times appealed to the Supreme Court which found that some of the information in the ad was misleading, that it was not a , “deliberately lie”, which would prove actual malice (307).

This case protects all areas of American mass media from being sued by everyone that they write a negative story about just as long as it is the truth. For example, it protects whistleblowers, like Woodward and Bernstein, and allows for the media to report on controversial stories without fear of prosecution. Additionally, thanks to this ruling, magazines, like Star, and television shows, like TMZ, are free to discuss the details of the crazy lives of celebrities, just as long as there is some basis to the story.  

Learning from the Past: Explain how the quiz show scandals affected CBS and how you purpose to get out of this mess.

If I was in was in the president of CBS,Robert Kintner's shoes during the quiz show scandal, I would have followed the public relations motto that we discussed in class: mess up, fess up, and dress up. I perhaps would have has a press conference. Since honesty is the best policy, I would not only tell the truth, but also ask forgiveness from the audience. Like in Charles Van Doren's testimony, I would state that this incident was a lesson in mass communication ethics and trust. Additionally, in order to make amends, I would donate money to an educational charity that contributes to scholarships. Finally, I would assure the public that this would never happen again.

However, I can understand why he felt it was necessary to distance himself and deny knowledge of the scandal. The observation made by the Gertitol executive, played by Martin Scorsese, still holds true today when he said that the public has a short term memory, but corporations remember. Although, if I was unethical and corrupt, I would have denied all knowledge of the question rigging and found some fall guys too. 

Mad Men: What is the role of the creative artist in mass media?

While the term, artist, can be given quite a broad definition, it is usually given to someone that uses their creative talents in professional or private life. A creative artist in mass media produces an product that will be viewed by a large artist. As a result, the artist, especially if it is for a certain employer or job, must be creative and innovative, but maintain the company's vision. Therefore, creative artists that work professionally in mass media are given limitations and do not have artistic freedom. Therefore, it is up to the professional creative artist to adhere to the company's image.

For example, I love AMC's show, Mad Men, which takes centers around an advertising agency in the 1960s. The agency's goal is to land accounts for large companies and then design their advertising campaigns. The main character, Don Draper, is one of the top advertising executives due to his ability to come up with brilliant campaigns that attract the attention of audience while sticking to the company's overall vision. On quite a few of the episodes, Don gets frustrated due to the fact that the campaign that he created will work, but the company is not impressed and decides to go in a different direction with disastrous results. 

All The President's Men Vs Shattered Glass: Why do journalists embrace the belief that confidential sources should be protected? Do you agree?

On occasion, journalists have the task of exposing story that may be scandalous, controversial, or even dangerous. While it is important to reveal sources whenever available in order to add credibility to the story, it is not always possible or safe. Therefore, many sources for such cases will only talk to journalist as long as their identity is not revealed to either ensure safety or privacy.

 For example, in the film, All The President's Men, Woodward and Bernstein spoke to several sources, like Deep Throat and Sloan's bookkeeper, that would have risked their jobs or even their lives if their true identities were known. However, the information that they gave The Washington Post reporters were essential to reveal the Watergate scandal. They needed to be assured that their names would be kept secret before they told what they knew about the President, the most powerful man in the country. Without a doubt, I think that journalists should keep certain sources confidential. 

On the other hand, those reporters should not abuse the trust of their readers or publication by lying about sources, like Stephen Glass as portrayed in Shattered Glass. Importantly, journalist should understand that they have an ethical responsibility.