Independence from FactionNatalie Rosenlof, Carli Hanson,

Randle Vawdrey

Independence vs. Neutrality4th Key Principle to Journalism

-Journalists must maintain an independence from those that they cover. -Independence of spirit and mind, rather than neutrality, that journalists must keep in focus.

Birth Control DebateRush Limbaugh

Birth Control DebateBirth Control, Bishops and Religious Authority

By Gary Gutting, New York Times

"Independence of spirit and mind, rather than neutrality, is the principle journalists must keep in focus. While editorialists and commentators are not neutral, the

source of their credibility is still their accuracy, intellectual fairness and ability to inform--not their devotion to a

certain group or outcome. In our independence, however, we must avoid any tendency to stray into

arrogance, elitism, isolation or nihilism."

Independence vs. Neutrality "Being impartial or neutral is not a core principle of journalism." "Isn't neutrality one of the principles of journalism? The answer cannot possibly be yes."

-The Elements of Journalism, p. 115

Important IssueIs the person actually "doing journalism?" Intent: to inform or manipulate-Distinguishes educated journalism from propaganda

Walter Cronkite

Maggie GallagherTalked a lot about the line between journalism and activism. "I don't relate anything to my readers that I don't believe is true. One can be partisan...I think it's possible to be an honest journalist and be loyal to a cause."

-The Elements of Journalism, p. 121

ScandalIn 2005 it was exposed that Gallagher had a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services to promote an initiative started by President Bush. "Gallagher's failure to disclose suggests that she knew what she was doing and compromised the independence essential to her claim as a journalist."

-The Elements of Journalism, p. 122

Independence of MindIt comes down to this: Journalists are in their profession because they love it. It can be a hard job, but by staying independent of monetary influences you can be successful. Be like Walter Cronkite, not Maggie Gallagher.

Class Elitism in the NewsStocks and High Tech Gadgets

Class Elitism in the News“The biggest problem...is that the American people feel there is a class divide between those who produce the news and information and those who receive it. That the class divide manifests a class bias toward most Americans whether they are conservative or center or liberal: if they’re working class and they’re poor, they’re considered less important in the society. I think that’s the principle bias.” -Juan Gonzalez New York Daily News

Race, Gender, and ReligionLDS Church Condemns Racist Past, BYU Professor's

Remarks In 'Washington Post'

Who would you choose?

To what extent does background influence a Journalists work?

Race, Gender, and Religion - Descriptive, but not limiting. - Journalist first, ______ second. - Ultimate goal of Newsroom Diversity