All Journalists Are “Scum” – But What About Marie Colvin?

As a result of the recent News Corporation phone hacking scandal, many people ask me why I want to study journalism. In fact one man even went as far as to say “And why would you want to become the scum of the earth?” I think the Murdoch tactics of news gathering have overshadowed the real reason why a lot of people want to be journalists.

Marie Colvin was a hugely influential war reporter who was tragically killed in a Homs shelling two days ago. On the Wednesday Ms Colvin was killed, 60 civilians across Syria also died as a result of the violence between government troops and freedom fighters.

Rosemarie Colvin described her daughter to the press as passionate about her work. She said: “Her legacy is: Be passionate and be involved in what you believe in.” 

“And do it as thoroughly and honestly and fearlessly as you can.”

Marie Colvin was not only a fantastic journalist but also an example of bravery in the battle for justice. It was claimed that Syrian forces said they would kill “any journalist who set foot on Syrian soil” yet she still travelled there and reported from the besieged city of Homs. Ms Colvin’s last dispatch was from Homs telling the story of a dying baby.

She said: “I watched a little baby die today - absolutely horrific, just a two-year-old been hit, they stripped it and found the shrapnel had gone into the left chest.

'The doctor just said "I can’t do anything". His little tummy just kept heaving until he died. That is happening over and over and over.”

The BBC's Fergal Keane said Ms Colvin was "defined by her humanity". She was the perfect example of a “real” journalist, courageous and determined to expose the truth. Perhaps this is proof that some of us are just trying to help others while doing our job. Marie Colvin was an inspiration to people across the globe and her legacy will live on through her war correspondence, with whom she described as the quietly brave citizens. 


Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2104711/Marie-Colvin-Sunday-Times-reporter-leave-Syria-day-died-says-mother.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17134371
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17124786

Lives Lost But Nothing Done – Homs, Syrian Capital of the Revolution

Last night I watched a channel 4 special report and was horrified by footage of recent killings, blood-stained hospital floors and brutal murders of innocent people. The battle in Homs continues until something is done.

The UK government was quick to jump into a war with Iraq and Afghanistan to support its allies, the US. But in Syria a “massacre” of innocent civilians is happening daily and what has our government done about this?

Nothing.  

The British army are “officially” training the Afgan army and police so they are able to defend their own country and we can withdraw. This is a worthy and justifiable cause to send soldiers there. Of course the real reason was to support America so if Britain comes under threat in the future, the US will support us too. However…

Innocent people are being murdered by Syrian government troops every day in Homs. Aid and food is not getting to those who need it. The only action the UN has taken is to draw up a crimes against humanity list and request negotiations. People cannot enter or leave the city. For someone who did not shed a tear watching “The Green Mile” or “The Notebook”, and is generally unaffected by what I watch, I will admit it. This footage made me cry. It was simply soul-destroying. We have one of the best armies in the world. Why the hell is this allowed to continue?

But sadly what is happening in Homs does not affect Britain and we cannot gain anything from sending troops in; therefore we are not going to do anything about it. But what could be a better cause for sending the British army to a country for, than to save the lives of innocent civilians? I do not understand how people can sit in their living rooms watching this violence and ignore it because it does not affect them directly. People should be outraged and doing something about this. Donate money to the Red Cross, lobby your MP, hold a peaceful demonstration, sign an online petition. These are not just numbers on a news programme, these are real people like you and I.

The UK government has to do something about this.

People’s lives are worth more than personal gain. 

Students and Bloggers Are Not “Real” Journalists

Today at a film festival in Glasgow (which will remain anonymous) I encountered an organiser who thought it was laughable that I considered myself a journalist when I am “just a blogger” and only write for “a student magazine and radio station.” This got me wondering why students and bloggers are not considered “real” journalists by some members of the industry.

“Just a Blogger?”

“Blogs compete with mainstream media every day. In some cases, they have become more trustworthy as sources of information than some old school practitioners.” - Ellyn Angelotti, The Poynter Institute (The New York Times)

In the current internet-age most professionals seem to agree that online writing is going to play a huge part in the media’s future. People with blogs should be taken seriously. Their writing is usually high quality, and, they spread the word. Fast. In fact some bloggers have become so successful they make their living from it. Heather Armstrong has been writing online since 2001 and advertising from her blog, “Dooce”, has been her household income since 2005. She is one of the best-known personal bloggers of the 21^st century. Kottke, also, has had great success from blogging. (The Guardian) His blog about breaking news and trends often reaching the public before other organisations have released it.

People have to start taking bloggers seriously.

The Student Journalist – Myth or Reality?

The views on whether you can be considered a journalist when you are a student vary among professionals and students themselves. But, there have been examples of successful student journalists. Student, Annie Reed, requested an interview with Eminem, who barely speaks to the press, for her student paper. The rapper himself called her back allowing her a ten minute interview with him, proving one of the most notable moments in student journalism. (http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com) But the bigger problem with this is that organisations should be allowing for giving opportunities to future journalists to let them be the best that they can.

Ellyn Angelotti, The Poynter Institute, said: “Instead of focusing on who is doing the publishing, it is more important than ever to look at how they are doing it.”(The New York Times)

I believe this to be true and that there are little gems of stories to be found in some of the most unlikely places. Being a “real” journalist depends not on whom you are writing for, but what you are writing and the quality that it is.

Leave your comment on whether you believe a student or blogger can be a real journalist below.

Sources:

http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2011/07/25/10-notable-moments-in-student-journalism/

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/12/11/are-all-bloggers-journalists/we-need-a-broader-definition-of-journalist

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/mar/09/blogs

Fake rhino goes on the rampage at Japanese zoo

Follow link to watch video of fake rhino try to escape:
Fake rhino goes on the rampage at Japanese zoo

Fake Rhino Tries to Escape Tranquilliser Guns and Net

A Japanese zoo has given hundreds of its workers a training exercise with a difference.

Police, paramedics and zoo staff were on hand yesterday to help capture a giant fake rhino. The creature made of papier mache, and operated by two zoo employees, was designed to help staff think about how they would deal with a dangerous animal escape. 

Having watched the video of the "great escape" I do not see how this will prepare the staff at Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens for a real animal rampage. The rhino went on a slow wander before being hit by a tranquilliser dart and captured in nets. All the same, a totally bizarre and funny watch. (see video above)

Sources:
http://newslite.tv/2012/02/09/fake-rhino-goes-on-the-rampage.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16950361

Scottish Stereotyped Islands - Shetland

Many people have stereotyped views of areas in Scotland that are often very wrong. “So you live in Glasgow, you’re going to get stabbed!” is something that people frequently say to me. But it’s definitely not true. Brits also seem to think that the Northern Isles are places that civilisation has not yet touched with terms such as “the middle of no-where and mud huts” being branded around. Shetland is no different, except in reality it is.

Boats in Roots, Fair Isle - by claire.shovelton

Voted one of the world’s top ten holiday destinations by Lonely Planet, the Shetland Islands have a huge range of attractive features. Shetland is home to the largest fire festival in Europe and houses over 100,000 visitors each year compared to its almost 22,000 person population. The local produce of fish, livestock and knitwear is shipped to countries across the globe. (www.shetland.gov.uk) Shetland is also well known for its stunning scenery and local sports. (visit.shetland.org) The varied landscape makes hiking and fishing popular pastimes for tourists and locals alike. Visitors to Shetland include famous presenter Simon King.(www.simonkingwildlife.com)

Donna Marie Hughson (18), resident of Vidlin, said: “The nature, landscapes and wildlife are the things I miss most about Shetland. The people are all very friendly and there’s a great sense of community. It does surprise me that it’s 1 of the top 10 holiday destinations because there are so many other places I would rather go too. But it is really beautiful I suppose.”

“When people say bad things about Shetland it makes me feel annoyed because they have no idea what it’s actually like. Even though it might be a bit behind, it’s still an amazing place to live and it doesn’t make it a bad place to live. Other people get really angry about it but they’re a lot more fond of the place.”

The fire festival, Up Helly Aa, is a tradition which is over 100 years old and begins on the 31^st January. It includes a torch-lit procession of around 1,000 guizers and the burning of a “Galley” or, traditional Viking rowing boat. (www.uphellyaa.org) The event attracts visits from around people, this year even featuring as the main story on the front page of MSN.co.uk this year.

Lerwick - by Vincenzo_1949

Donna Marie continued: “It’s pretty exciting. I've grown up with Up Helly Aa so I’m not amazed by it like I would be if I was seeing it for the first time. The after-party bit is very very good. I still like to go and see it but it’s more because I recognise people in their funny costumes. Local people sometimes call it transvestite Tuesday! A lot of the men dress up as women when they go out on the parade.”

Perhaps the most compelling piece of evidence to stop slating Shetland is the oil they produce. Around 600,000 barrels of oil are pumped out of the sea surrounding the island every day. This amounts to about one third of Britain’s oil production. As well as paying the usual business rates, the council collects its own royalties. This is money which is used to fund local activities, because of a deal that the Shetland Islands Council set up with the government in the 1970's. The deal was to ensure that Shetland would not break away from Britain, taking much of its oil with them. (www.economist.com)

The only negative points I can make about Shetland is it is a 12-13 hour overnight crossing from the Mainland, often across choppy waters. Also the weather can be quite unpredictable and the islands are renowned for their gale force winds. (visit.shetland.org) But, the economists have proven that if Shetland separated from the rest of the UK it would be a great loss for us in terms of oil and tourism. These contributions are even recognised by the UK government. So maybe we should stop taking our little Scottish islands for granted.

Sources:

http://www.shetland.gov.uk/documents/sins2008.pdf

http://www.simonkingwildlife.com/ShetlandItineraryW.pdf

http://www.uphellyaa.org/

http://visit.shetland.org/about-shetland

http://www.economist.com/node/741453

The American Twitter Danger

The Daily Mail:Emily Bunting and Leigh Van Bryan  

Most people in this technology fuelled age, including myself, love a good tweet from time to time. We all seem to be using Twitter as a way to post our thoughts and feelings as they happen so people can keep updated with our lives. But now it seems that for some in America, Twitter can be cause to ban people from entering their country...

Anyone who travels anywhere by plane will have noticed that over the past few years airport security has tightened hugely causing controversy. From biometric eye checks to the 385 full-body scanners which now occupy 68 US airports, America is a country very concerned with security (SITA, USA.travel Today).  And as a result a single tweet cost two friends, Leigh Van Bryan (26) and Emily Bunting (24), their USA holiday to Los Angeles. (BBC News)

The pair were forced to return home to England after both spending a 12 hour stay in an American prison. Their deportation was caused by a single, misinterpreted tweet from Mr Bryans which read: "Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America." Mr Bryans said that all he meant by the tweet was a party. But this was not accepted by the US Homeland Security who he said treated him “like some kind of terrorist.” (BBC News)

The Daily Mail: The Offending Tweet

This is the latest in America’s use of social networking sites to prevent people they believe to be a threat, from entering their country by plane. Whether you believe the deportation of these British friends is America gone too far, or a justified security measure, it is unlikely to be the end of social networking used in this way.  

Sources:

http://www.sita.aero/product/iborders-biothenticate?gclid=CL_Rvb_s_a0CFVAhtAodXWersw

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/2010-11-18-airports-with-scanners_N.htm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/8163080/Whats-the-point-of-Twitter.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16810312

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2093796/Emily-Bunting-Leigh-Van-Bryan-UK-tourists-arrested-destroy-America-Twitter-jokes.html?ito=feeds-newsxml