Ralph S. Izard

9/11 Attack Coverage Reveals Similarities, Differences

This content analysis of the coverage of five television networks and eight newspapers found that both broadcast and print media focused coverage of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks on facts, but differences do appear in coverage frames and source use.

Restrictive policies of the mass media

Increasing numbers of news organizations have formal codes of ethics for their personnel. This paper looks at the content of media ethics codes, how these codes are written and what comprises a news organizations fixed value system. Results show that many written policies were devised in recent years, and a noticeable number of other news organizations said they have firmly established unwritten policies. The written codes represented in this survey clearly draw lines around certain activities and label them as acceptable or unacceptable for journalists. Teaching, unpaid appearances (such as on a television talk show), and participation in charitable activities are outside interests more acceptable than political activities in behalf of another person, or holding elected or appointed office. Certain activities which remain as unfinished business include: uniformity of enforcement, management ethics, financial interests, and spouse or friend conflict of interest.

The journalist in life‐saving situations: Detached observer or good Samaritan?

This article investigates journalists’ attitudes regarding the interface between the crafts commitment to detached observation when covering the news and the perhaps equally compelling drive to assist other human beings in need at the scene of a life‐threatening newsworthy incident. Also examined is the journalistic attitude toward the propriety of incorporating relevant “good Samaritan”; provisions in existing codes of ethics and policy statements as exceptions to the primary goal of detached observation. While journalists generally are in agreement that they have a responsibility to help others in need, these same journalists are reluctant to see provisions codifying this position included in written codes of ethics. It is suggested, however, that a properly written clause outlining appropriate journalist intervention in life‐saving acts would be beneficial, and a model provision is proposed.

News Coverage of Patriot Act Focuses on Individual Liberty

This examination of coverage in four U.S. newspapers found that concerns for individual liberty were given greater emphasis. Newspapers framed their coverage more from legal perspectives.

Walt Disney: Master of laughter and learning

the death of Walt Disney. Before he died, Walter Elias Disneys fertile mind led him to occupy many roles, but, most of all, he was a master of communications who brought both entertainment and education into the world in a distinctive way. In this respect, Disney may be considered the dean of those who have tried to use the commercial mass media in a manner which would make those media educationally beneficial to persons who attend to their messages.

Mosaic of Scholarship, Professional Experience Needed

Journalists and academics must work together, but for this to occur, it is important that promotion and tenure evaluation be based on criteria that go beyond emphasis on peer-reviewed scholarly work.