To Whom It May Concern,

Investigative Journalism is not one of the paths of journalism I had really considered when I started this degree. Now, it has captivated me.

One of the most difficult aspects of being a first year, that I have found, is keeping up with it all. Not necessarily the lectures or tutes, but the influx of news that is available all the time is extremely pressing. I've found that, while I used to watch the news at night, listen to it on the radio and read the occasional newspaper, I wasn't even close to realising how little I was consuming.

Currently I read the news on Brisbanetimes.com.au and Couriermail.com.au everyday, I follow theglobalmail.org and Propublica.org as often as I can, I frequently check the news on twitter, I listen to Triple J on the radio almost every morning and tune in to the news every night. The amount that I'm consuming at the moment still feels inadequate.

What has interested me the most however, is the investigative journalism that I'm consuming.

I favour Theglobalmail.org, I won't bother you with why that one speaks to me the most, it simply does.

Here is a little bit about me:

My greatest love, second only to writing, is history.
This is a little bit of history on the "Trailblazers" of investigative journalism, highlighted in my lecture:

In 1885 a man named William T. Stead campaigned against child prostitution through a series of articles know as The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon. Stead took his investigations further by arranging the purchase of a 13 year old girl in conjunction with the Salvos. This was staged in order for the public and authorities to see the atrocities that were occurring. While this did get him convicted it pushed forth the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 and the age of consent was changed from 12 to 16 years old.

From 1972 to 1974 Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncovered and reported on the WATERGATE affair until an entire government was brought to answer for their actions under President Nixon.

In 1987 The Moonlight State was released by investigative journalists including Chris Masters, Phil Dickie and Shaun Hoyt. Aired on television by Four Corners, Masters and his journalists poured out the dirty laundry of the authorities. The corruption of the Queensland Police that was reported on seeped all the way up to the Police Commissioner.

These journalists risked their lives and their reputations in order to keep the authorities in check, the truth in the media and the information in the publics' hands.

That's why I'm captivated.

Sheridan Burns, L, (2002), Finding News. In Sheridan Burns, L (Eds.). Understanding Journalism (pp. 49 – 62). London: Sage Publications.

Finding News is a chapter within Understanding Journalism that clearly explains a set of processes that journalists must complete in assessing newsworthiness. The chapter is structured in a manner that allows the reader to follow the train of thought succinctly, as the author illustrates why each process is necessary to ensure a good story. It is stated, however, in the chapter that a journalist is required to come to a point in which they evaluate a story based on a list of news values. This aspect of the chapter needs refinement as the definite news values a journalist should abide by are uncertain. The values that Burns has used are a simplified version of Galtung and Ruge’s definition of news values in 1965. Since that point these values have repeatedly been modified, expanded and simplified. Therefore, it can be concluded that with the revision of Burns’ evaluation of the news values, to either include current moderations or reference a source, this chapter can be considered reliable as an academic paper.

Creagh, W. (2011, November 20). Schoolies Gold Coast First Night Blog. Brisbanetimes.com. Retrieved from http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/parties-romance-brawls-what-else-but-schoolies-week-20111120-1noxw.html.

The author, William Creagh, uses an informal form of writing throughout the post in relaying the events of the night to the audience. This method seems to serve two purposes; to underline the mood of 2011s Schoolies and to allow audiences to gain an understanding of the fast-paced and crazy culture of a ‘Schoolie’. This, at times when describing various acts that youth are taking part of, leans towards a belittling tone however is saved by the personal reflections that are written throughout the piece. Structured as a timeline it is evident to the audience how the sequences of events unfold and allows for a further insight into the night. Creagh has manipulated time and language in a contemporary manner in the blog that ensures an effective result.  Due to Creagh’s choice to move away from formal language in the post there is a clear push towards descriptive language. Each paragraph details closely the clothes, attitude and atmosphere of the scene. This is effective in conveying a first-hand account of 2011s Schoolies at the Gold Coast. Therefore, while it is evident that the post targets an informal audience and offers a colourful view of the night’s events, it can be considered a credible source.

Field, D. (2011, November 20). School leavers celebrate on Gold Coast. ABC News. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYp-bnboa5Q.

The video, reported by Donna Field, about 2011 Schoolies clearly identifies key issues that the public is concerned about regarding the event, however, is contradictory in a few instances. Introduced at the news room, with praise by Queensland Police at the behaviour of those attending, the video is shot with a voice over showing crowds celebrating. As this form of media is visual, capturing crowds and movement along the street is extremely effective way to convey the scene. The video then moves on to show various arrests and includes a voice over from Fields giving the facts about how many arrests had taken place. At this point it is still clear that while the event had not been without drama it was still progressing along with a fair atmosphere. The contradiction occurs at 1:00 minute when Field talks about teenagers ‘getting out of hand’ in buildings as well as on the ground. The manner in which the reporter describes that ‘many’ as misbehaving is contradictory to the introduction as well as her next sentence in which she states, “But the majority just relishes their first week without parental guidance…”. Aside from the contradictory remark the piece does not lean to a bias of any sort and serves to cater to the whole public as an audience. Therefore this video can be considered reliable.

Stolz, G. (2011, November 25). Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson praises 2011 schoolies as best behaved yet. The Courier-Mail. Retrieved from http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/schoolies-score-high-marks-from-cops/story-e6freoof-1226205435465.

The article written by Gary Stolz on Schoolies presents a simple update on reported behaviour and gives the Queensland Police’s official opinion on the occasion.  In establishing that the event was not without violence, Stolz continues on to explain that, even with this in mind, the behaviour of the Schoolies class of 2011 has been “arguably the best yet” to which he quotes Police commissioner Bob Atkinson. In quoting various officers Stolz ensures the credibility of his report and also gives the audience reassurance. Paul Ziebarth, the superintendent of the Gold Coast was one such officer quoted to remark about the favourable behaviour of the teenagers. Stolz takes this further in quoting Ziebarth who explained that he continues to “remind schoolies to watch their behaviour”. This ensures that he has effectively targeted his audience in multiple ways. By giving credence to his report through the use of the police, Stolz has given reassurance to the family and friends of those attending as well as the community who could perhaps be worried about the condition of their buildings and beaches. Targeting the teenagers attending Schoolies has also been achieved in Ziebarth’s quote to continue to stay safe.  Therefore, this report has attained credibility and ensured its relevance.

Reference List.


Creagh, W. (2011, November 20). Schoolies Gold Coast First Night Blog. Brisbanetimes.com. Retrieved from http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/parties-romance-brawls-what-else-but-schoolies-week-20111120-1noxw.html.

Field, D. (2011, November 20). School leavers celebrate on Gold Coast. ABC News. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYp-bnboa5Q.

Sheridan Burns, L, (2002), Finding News. In Sheridan Burns, L (Eds.). Understanding Journalism(pp. 49 – 62). London: Sage Publications.

Stolz, G. (2011, November 25). Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson praises 2011 schoolies as best behaved yet. The Courier-Mail. Retrieved from http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/schoolies-score-high-marks-from-cops/story-e6freoof-1226205435465.

To Whom It May Concern,

Please excuse my next post, it is required for assessment.

To Whom It May Concern,

The eleventh lecture in my Journalism course really captured my attention. The hour was dedicated to talking about Agenda Setting and I was introduced to a new concept;

Reality is Socially Constructed.

 I initially found this hard to come to terms with. Surely reality isn't subject to my social life. The word reality is often used in popular culture in regards to the harsh aspects of life, non-fiction and undesirable truths. So where does that fit in with my social life? I eventually came to a few conclusions;

The reality that the public and individuals encounter in their daily life, is a reflection of what they experience. It is impossible to title something reality unless it occurs somewhere in the world. Therefore, it is actually extrememly logical to suggest that reality is constructed by social influences.

So what is a journalists' role in all of this?

The media has a huge role in this concept. If our social awareness directly influences our reality then what we consume and regenerate as an audience must also massively impact this.

In  1922, Walter Lippman explained that 'mass media creates images in our heads about events'. This is an interesting idea, or reality rather, because it suggests that our own personal opinion is coloured deeply by the opinions of the journalists that present them. 

Bernard Cohen repudiated this somewhat in 1963 when he ventured that the media does not tell you what to think, merely what to think about.

It is incredibly controversial to suggest that people do not own their own opinions on subjects that matter so much they are considered 'news' at times. So, I asked around.

Kelsey Swift, a biomedical science student at the University of Queensland, believes that if the media did not affect our opinions and the way we percieve certain events, then they would not be doing their job right.

Ms Swift agreed that the media, "directly tells you what to think about, even if you do not agree with the views promoted. Hearing about (events) wherever you go puts them in the forefront of your mind so that the arguments that support (the media's view) are already subliminally running through your mind".

Jake Day, a student of psychological science at Griffith University, expanded on this notion.

Mr Day conceded that "the media does direct the way the public thinks," yet went further to propose that "the public also directs the way the media reacts".

As a medium, the television was the most common form of media that conveyed journalistic opinion to the audience. Therefore, the question becomes a matter of trust. If we know that the media is conveying to us opinions on what is important, are we being influenced by journalists with our own interests in mind?

To Whom It May Concern,

I discovered something beautiful.
There is a strange kind of achievement in seeing your own work coming together. When you can see exactly what you envisioned forming into a functioning dream, well, that's special. I stumbled upon a little store like that on Mother's Day with my family.

Introducing: Glory Box.

If you find yourself wandering around New Farm or the Valley and are looking for some incredible new clothes, vintage, or a little inspiration, let your feet take you to Glory Box.
Glory Box only opened a few weeks ago by the extremely creative, Amy Jory. It's home to gorgeous, new and pre-loved shoes, accessories, vintage clothing and collectables.

Cue beautiful photos:

You'll find this little gem at 1/599 Brunswick Street in New Farm. Keen to see some more of it? Have a look at http://www.facebook.com/#!/GloryBox.net.au or go to glorybox.net.au.

To Whom It May Concern,

I'm a student of journalism. If anyone asked me what I was doing with my life at the moment I would answer 'studying journalism'. I do not have the inclination yet to answer 'I'm a journalist'. I don't know why, perhaps it has to do with the fact that beside this blog my contribution to the world of media seems significantly minimal. However, the irony is, I still believe my opinion on various aspects of media matters. Especially the news. In fact, I believe the opinion of the public far outweighs that of the journalists.

The news is a medium that I love and loathe. It is a vital form of journalism, if not the most important. When the floods hit, when the earthquake hit, when the tsunami hit - the world was kept in the loop. The terror and pressures were shared. People had the capacity to do something. The images were heartbreaking yet there was a human element to the entire thing because it was presented on the news.

What I loathe is when it becomes acceptable for trivial stories to hit the air that are filling our minds with useless information, bad habits and gossip. A vast degree of the political stories, not all, but much, verges on over-technical drama. I can watch my family switch off in the living room the minute a prominent politician's name is uttered. If you bring up politics in public, eyes go glassy, thoughts wander and suddenly everyone you're talking to is nodding for the sake of seeming polite.

That should not be the standard response when you mention the Australian Government. Get rid of all of the irrelevant political nonsense on the news and maybe the nation will look up at the TV screen when their political leader's name is spoken. That's your job news! Get us interested in the nation. Stop showing us crap. Pretty please.

I not even going to largely mention the stories about the cow that got loose that one time or the neighbour that won't cut down his tree and it's ruining someones life. THAT IS NOT NEWS. Kindly make a TV show called 'Trivial Gossip' and air it that way. I'm fine with that!

This rant was brought to you by the content I learnt in my ninth lecture. That of news values.

To Whom It May Concern,
Channel 9 news, 6:25.
Wally Lewis speaking about a racecart driver who fixed a toilet seat to the cart, he says
"Well, he must be flushed with achievement," with a straight face. Lame. Right? Definitely lame.
Not unethical, just lame. Almost tacky.
That's the problem with media, more often commercials, and I only figured it out in my eighth lecture. There are advertisements we see everyday that people complain are unethical however they are simply tacky. Usually this has to do with gender issues.

Cue Tacky Ads That Verge on Unethical:

Right? Enough to piss off any feminist. The question is, unethical or just tacky? Check out these next images and make up you're own mind...

The first one I just shook my head.
The second one made me laugh.
The third....

So, where is the line? When do advertisements, or any form of media for that matter, cross over from tacky to unethical?