It feels good to be back in the driver's seat.
My time as a journalist began three years ago as an opinion columnist for this very paper; a year later, I moved on to become the executive editor and a member of the Managing Board, the governing body which oversees daily operations of The Cavalier Daily. From a page-filler to second-in-command, my time at the paper taught me a tremendous amount about myself, the University and journalism. I came to learn that my knowledge of the latter, however, was just budding. Until I became a passenger in the vehicle of journalism, I was not truly able to understand its impact.
In the year that followed my resignation from the executive editor position, several events transpired - some positive, others negative - which thrust me under the spotlight of local and national media coverage. Only then, in witnessing how various publications handled the coverage, was I finally able to appreciate journalistic integrity, namely the toxic effect on readership when forsaken. None of these following observations should sound unfamiliar, and this is not an airing of a personal vendetta - these aforementioned events allowed me to view journalism through a different lens, a lens often shrouded when trying to attain journalistic success.
As the mantra in journalism goes, "Get it first, but first get it right." To stay ahead of the curve, publications often press their staff to go to great lengths to get information before getting scooped by rival outlets. That pressure can lead to mistakes and, in turn, distrust amongst readership - a calamitous effect. "Getting it right," however, should not be taken purely at face value. An error-free paper may still get it wrong. Discretion is a word under-utilized in the newsroom; reporters grasp for any facts they can get their hands on, then - as long as they can be confirmed - publish. This can ultimately lead to tunnel-vision; these journalists lose sight of professionalism in exchange for sensational details to drum up more readership in the moment. The power of the pen is mighty, but when wielded recklessly, collateral damage will almost always ensue. When you live for instant gratification, you don't live for very long.
Today, information is available in bulk and in an instant thanks to the World Wide Web. This has had both beneficial and adverse effects on journalism - the opportunity to expand readership geographically arose, while simultaneously making print newspapers less valuable. Another consequence is that reporters have become less reliant on what they can find out in person and more so on what they can extrapolate from the Internet. In some cases, this has lead to an inherent laziness, causing the perpetuation of rumors and giving errors a viral nature. Publications are limited by time and money but should not be remiss to acknowledge the value in going directly to the source.
My last message, which bears repeating, is for writers to strive to be as objective and unbiased as possible. Anything otherwise will quickly turn off and polarize readers. Always incorporate the golden rule before printing: Treat yourself as the subject and ask, "Am I being fair to my audience?"
Last Spring, I was involved in an incident that led to the hospitalization of a young man in my fraternity, the details of which unfolded in local and national news publications in the weeks to follow. One of these news organizations chose to explicitly use my name in connection with the event with very shoddy, copy-and-paste coverage. This had the effect of implicitly implicating me in the matter; my exoneration, however, still remains coverage-free. The Cavalier Daily did not happen to be this aforementioned publication and I owe the past Managing Board immensely for their tasteful coverage of the matter. I only hope that those who took the reins will continue to navigate The Cavalier Daily with such lessons in mind. Driving is fun, but be sure to take care of your passengers.
Read More
EDITORIAL: U.Va. Health lets fear trump its mission to do no harm
By Editorial Board | 5 hours agoIt is high time to resist these authoritative and dangerous actions before there are no federal avenues left for resistance.
CARTER: U.Va. Health owes clarity to transplant patients
By Nathaniel Carter | 3 days agoUnfortunately, this negative press is fully the fault of U.Va. Health — it failed to address significant stakeholder concerns when crafting its justification.
EDITORIAL: Upholding medical amnesty is a collective effort
By Editorial Board | 4 days agoUniversity leadership, Greek life organizations and students themselves must recommit to the safety provided by an effective and knowledgeable use of medical amnesty.
