Ethics and Storytelling

1. What (if any) are the ethical dilemmas faced by both filmmakers when shooting these documentaries?

2. Should they have used all of the footage or only some of it? How should that be determined?

3. What would you do as a journalist or documentary storyteller?

Second Life

Washington State University joins virtual world with the creation of online 3D campus

PULLMAN--Washington State University has extended their presence to a global audience with Second Life. The Second Life network allows professors to use interactive technology to conduct distance based lectures.

The new campus was designed by staff and students who work for The Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE). The virtual WSU campus takes up two regions, establishing a larger virtual presence than most universities. The virtual project contains many recognizable features from the Pullman campus, including Bryan Hall Clock Tower, the CUB building and Glen Terrell Mall.

Brett D. Atwood, an assistant professor at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, plans to launch the 3D campus in both journalism and PR courses as soon as fall 2009. Jitesh H. Panchal, an assistant professor with The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, will also use Second Life to supplement his lectures in the fall. Atwood says they will be able to understand more about Second Life’s value next year after it effects are seen in the classroom.

“Thousands of far off students are getting their diploma through our distance degree program. Creating our campus in Second Life was just another way of opening up access to Washington State University,” said CDPE assistant dean Dr. David Cillay in a press conference released Sunday June 7, 2009.

Second Life is unique because it has collaborative, simulated space, and a community environment that is not possible in other distance learning programs, said Atwood.

Second Life members can create a character or “avatar” that they are able to navigate around the virtual world or campus. To attend a class, distance learning students navigate their avatar into a virtual classroom on camps to attend a lecture. Videos, lectures, Voice over Internet Protocol, and power points help stimulate the 3D lecture environment.

Atwood commented that things from the virtual world can be built with the same detail as the real world, therefore it is easier for one to decide and create how they want to be perceived. "Members may even unknowingly project themselves more truthfully in the virtual world," he added.

The possibilities existing in an online world such as Second Life are endless. Second Life contributes to the growing number of activities that can now be accomplished in the virtual world, thus breaking down communication barriers and connecting people all over the world.

The new WSU Island campus can be accesses by Second Life users by clicking on the following link: http://slurl.com/secondlife/WSU%20II/53/89/58

Ethics

1. When referring to the allegation that Mayor Jim West was pursuing underage boys online, why do you think editor Steven Smith differentiated between a legitimate newsstory and one that is not legitimate when he said, "If he's [Mayor Jim West] engaged in this activity … we need to know that. If he's not -- there's no story" ?

The fact that the allegations were against someone in the public eye made the story legitimate. Mayor Jim West was someone who was trusted and his involvement in a scandal, although upsetting, makes the news. The mayor was engaging in illegal actions as well and publicly abuse his office of mayor. In order to publish the story, Morlin had to be absolutely sure that the mayor was "Cobra82" and then he could start publishing the accusations made by various sources.

2. How did reporter Bill Morlin justify the use of a concealed identity on Gay.com as part of The Spokesman-Review's and the FBI's "sting operation"? Why didn't Morlin himself create the assumed identity to engage Mayor West online?

Morlin's code of ethics prohibited him from concealing his identity and that is why they hired a consultant. Hiring consultants was not against the Spokesman's code.

3. Why do you think The Spokesman-Review ultimately published so many articles on Mayor West's alleged improprieties?

The story's detailed were interwoven with other stories, such as the history of child molestation in Spokane. Details kept coming forward and as the online relationship progressed they got more information and the mayor made decisions that signaled foul play to the reporters (like offering the false identity an internship). There were many angles of the story, West's molestation of boys in the 1970s, the online chat site, and the fact that the mayor was gay. The FBI investigated and that provided more to publish in the newspaper. West's response to the articles prompted more articles to be published as well. He believed he was a victim in this situation and the newspaper exploited that.

4. In the final analysis, who benefited from The Spokesman-Review's decision to expose Mayor West and his alleged improprieties? Who was hurt? Do you think the outcome was worth it? Explain your reasoning.

The Spokesman-Review benefited because they were the outlet with a story that would effect the city of Spokane. Mayor West was hurt the most by the story because he was publicly embarrassed in front of the city where he was a known public figure. His personal life became publicity. His secret was revealed and his illegal acts were exposed. West's life, politically and socially, was ruined because of the reports. The stress from the reports may have even contributed to the return of his cancer. It was necessary for the public to know what was going on in their government.

5. The Spokesman-Review has been criticized as conducting a "witch hunt" in its reporting on the private lives of some city officials. Below is a link to another recent article on Spokane Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch. Do you think that there are any ethical problems in the reporting in this story? Why or why not?

There is a lot of assumption in the reporting of this story. Reporters seem to be jumping to conclusions about why Lynch's car was at the park and also why he is on leave. I think these reports show a lack of news to report on, therefore reporters have to make their own news. From an ethical standpoint, it seems the newspapers are in the wrong by stirring uthings up that could possibly not be a big deal. However, it is the duty of reporters to inform the public about things that effect them and the reputation of the park as a drug center is critical to address. It is hard to draw the line on how far to go when investigating stories like this or of Mayor Jim West.

Frontline "News War"

The Frontline news segment reported that The Daily Show with John Stewart may be the "best" news medium. This finding shows a great deal about the current state of news media. A source for the Daily Show said their success has only stemmed from the failure of other media outlets. I find Stewart's lighthearted take at the news and other news station to be refreshing. I do not think this type of media should be anyone's main news source because it is subjective in what it chooses to report on. The Daily Show looks at the news and covers the subjects that it can poke fun. I think people may turn to the Daily Show because they want to be entertained rather than bored.
The "60-Minutes" on the Yahoo deal illustrates how old media is scrambling to keep up with the audience's new expectations on how to get news and entertainment. The segment described that many news outlets are turning to opinion-based news. News stations are trying create loyal fan bases by voicing their opinions with hopes that they find a small group of passionate followers. They must do this because news outlets are constatnly emerging. People are able to find their news in numerous outlets. This story was another proof about how they way we get news is changing, especially because there is less hard news to cover.
The media has been forced to change to provide some entertainment content because of the demands of the economy. In order to compete, networks have to have that extra edge, the unique story, or the latest breaking news. The increase in the number of media outlets and the possiblity of people to access the media all day long has basically forced media to not only offer hard news but entertainment pieces as fillers. The internet has made a huge on traditional media as well.

Al Jazeera English Channel

1. How effective do you think the Internet will be for Al Jazeera as it attempts to reach a U.S. audience?

-I think the internet isn't going to be super effective in reaching U.S. audiences because U.S. citizens have to express an interest in expanding their viewpoints to include middle eastern perspectives. The Internet allows people to skim over things they don't want to see, which according to a majority of people would be Al Jazeera television. For Al Jazeera to reach a U.S. audience effectively, the stereotype of it being a "terrorist" network and the negative connotations associated with the network will have to be changed. I think they should try to get their network incorporated with already established U.S. news channels and become contributors to these channels before trying to establish an individual channel in the U.S.

2. Based on your own observations, do you think that Al Jazeera English should be allowed to broadcast in the U.S.?

- Yes. They are reporting the news and should be allowed to express their opinion. I think it would be valuable to have Al Jazeera broadcast in the U.S. because it offers a different perspective on the news that U.S. stations are reporting. The interesting thing about listening to Al Jazeera is seeing and hearing the impact things the U.S. do on the Middle East.

3. What, if anything, do you notice about Al Jazeera's approach to telling the news? How is it different than the U.S.-based TV news outlets that you have experienced?

- The main difference I noticed in the part I watched was that it was very discussion oriented. There were three people discussing each issue, rather than just one person reporting an already scripted news story. Another thing I noticed was that they weren't strictly reporting Middle Eastern news, but news concerning much of the Eastern part of the world.

4. While on the Al Jazeera site, be sure to check out the network's published Code of Ethics. Based on your own observations, do you think they are adhering to them?

- Yes, I think that Al Jazeera is adhearing to their Code of Ethics. In my opinion, they probably stick to them almost more than some established news stations because they have to prove that they are a credible news station.

Feature Story

A FAMILY OF INVENTORS
PULLMAN --Reid P. Forrest is not your average college field-goal-kicker. This 21-year-old Ephrata, Washington native already has one official patent and another pending. Born in Fairbanks, Alaska the 6-0, 193 lb. kicker enjoys hunting, fishing and wakeboarding, while also working towards his major in social science.
Forrest is a kicker on the Washington State University football team. In high school, Forrest earned three letters each in football, basketball and baseball and was a two-year captain in each sport. His senior year he started every football game at quarterback and punter and threw for 1,972 yards with 24 touchdowns. In addition, he was a three-year starter at point guard on the basketball team and a three-year starter on the baseball team as a center fielder and pitcher. At age 16, he played in the Babe Ruth World Series in Virginia.
Forrest’s achievements on the playing field are numerous, however, there is much more on his plate than just sports. In his high school leadership class he was given an assignment which led to his first patented idea. It was at this crucial point in his life where he came up with the idea of individually wrapped slices of peanut butter. He then elaborated on his idea this past Spring Semester in his Marketing 360 class, which gave him the task of creating his own product, which he, luckily, already had. He then talked to a patent lawyer where he had to legalize his ownership of the idea. Although he has the patent finalized, there is more work required to make the idea a reality. The next objective is to design ingredient, production, packaging, and pricing plans. Forrest says his father; James, has been assisting him with outlining these technical terms.
Forrest’s second idea is still in the works. He has not finalized the patent because there are a few problems that need to be solved. As an avid hunter Forrest has acquired knowledge about GPS devices. Forrest described a day he was on the football field and was having trouble seeing where the ball actually crossed the playing boundaries. This issue got him thinking and he came up with an idea of placing a GPS device in a football. He thinks this technique will help officials know exactly where the ball goes out of bounds or whether the ball crosses the goal line or not. Forrest indicated that he has spoken with a survey company who believes the idea is possible however, he will need to figure out cost issues and how to put the GPS device in the football. Forrest is excited and optimistic about the possibilities his ideas may offer, but realizes that it will be a long process to make them a reality.
Forrest is not the only one in his family who has the knack for inventing. His mother, Kaye, has her own line of sauces called, “Shaka Sauces.” The sauces come in flavors of Shaka Teriyaki, Shaka Chile, and Shaka Sweet & Sour. She has recently gotten the recipes approved by the Sysco Corporation. The bottle labels have been designed and she has received a license to start producing her product. Kaye was previously a part-owner of a catering company and even has a published cook book.

2nd Story

Low attendance for WSU Women’s Soccer Camp

Pullman, WA- The Washington State University women’s soccer camp has been a successful revenue generator in years past, but this year may not bring the same success. With no direct explanation for this turn, the cougar coaching staff waits with high hopes for more campers to enroll.

With the July 12^th camp date quickly approaching, camp director, Cory McCoy has been working endlessly to enroll more campers. Last year at this time there were approximately 100 kids signed up, he said. Currently, there are only 10 confirmed campers. Of the 10, there are only four over-night campers and six day-campers. In an effort to add to this list, McCoy has sent out brochures to approximately 1,000 high schools, with hopes that high school coaches will pass the word on to their players.

The camp coaching staff hoped for greater numbers due to the WSU women’s soccer team’s successful season. However, it seems the target market does not want to pay the $400 price of attending the camp, McCoy said. The price includes the training sessions, housing, meals, camp shirt, and a soccer ball. The price is expensive yet necessary because it helps cover what they spend on purchasing equipment as well as contribute to profits, he said.

McCoy is unsure if they will make profits if the situation does not improve. After uniform and food costs are covered, they are able to make profits with the leftover money from each camper’s payment, he explained. However, if numbers continue to stay low, very few profits can be made. If an ideal number of campers do not sign up, they may have to narrow down the coaching staff, which would be a big upset to many of the player-coaches who rely on the salary, he said.

WSU women’s soccer team member, Emma Stolz, said it would be disappointing if she were unable to coach this year. Stolz, as well as many of her teammates, rely on the camp as a source of income as they are usually too busy with their schedules to hold a typical summer job.

This year six members of the women’s soccer team have committed to coaching the camp. McCoy explained that the player-coaches are responsible for assisting a head coach as well as staying in the dorms with the over-night campers.

When asked her thoughts about the possibility about not coaching the camp, Stolz explained that while she would like to make money coaching, she would miss interacting with the fans, since many of the kids look up to the players us as role models.

In the past, kids have attended from all over the state. Stolz said this has played a major factor in adding to the team's fan base.

“A lot of the people that attend the camp, come to the games to support the team and it’s nice to see them after the games and having them know you on a first name basis,” said Stolz. “Being able to work for one week doing what you love while also making money is a great opportunity that I would miss,” she said.