Ethics is a topic of conversation that has arisen in every single journalism 
class I have ever taken. Ethics are at the core of the profession and the issue transcends oceans. In a class I took at BU, we had a major discussion about whether it was acceptable to go to an event as a journalist and eat free food and drink free drinks, all the while knowing you were going to have to write an impartial story about it. We decided that ultimately it is sometimes necessary. But, if it can be avoided, it is always best not to take amenities.
Today I got to see just how nice those amenities can sometimes be. I was invited to attend an event s
ponsored by Major League Baseball and North American Sport Network. It was a viewing of the opening day game between the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics (which actually took place in
Fortunately, I was just assigned to go and have a good time. But if I had been assigned 
to write some sort of piece about the event, I would have had a difficult time not being biased. How could I write unfavorably about a place that was handing out free lattes and sushi? Now, in reality, this event wouldn’t have required unfavorable coverage because it was all about fun. But what about reporters who are covering political campaigns and meanwhile getting wined and dined by the party? How well-balanced are their stories going to be? It is a serious worry and something that is sobering to think about when reading any newspaper. You have to hope that newspapers are employing professionals who are taking their journalism seriously. But in a profession that is not high paying, perks could be enough to sway some lowly reporters.
Regardless, today was grand on many levels.
(Pictures are from a day trip to York)
Comments Welcome,
Andrew
6 comments:
Something else to think about along those lines ... members of the Baseball Writers Association of America get FOUR free tickets to every playoff game. FOUR! And they are constantly offered tickets from players and front office staff. Obviously the writers aren't using them, but they can sell them or they can give them to family and friends.
I am really psyched you got to watch the Red Sox game. I was working this morning at 7 at the Globe (the game started at 6 here) and wasn't even able to watch most of it cause direct tv had a nationwide blackout. No joke. Comcast had a significant service issue, too. Do you know what you're doing over the summer yet?
Waitesky,while you were shmoozing it up eating your sushi, I was listening to WEEI at 6 in the morning crying over my blank screen that should have been NESN....I hope somewhere in New England comcast employees are getting fired...They doubted that Red Sox nation would show up at six in the morning....Well that was possibly a banner day for boston sports radio swooping in on their white steed to bring me game action...One win in the books, 161 more to go....We can win um all...also, Syracuse vs. UMASS in the NIT....go figure
Ally,
That's devotion being in the office at 7. I am sorry for the service problems but not sorry that Brandon Moss was in the lineup. As for the summer, it is quite possible I will be in Boston. Are you continuing with Boston.com? That would be excellent (because it is a sweet job and also because then we would both be in Boston)
Matthew,
Again, sorry for the service trouble but not sorry for the great game. My bracket is great! (Not the one on Facebook) I have Western Kentucky this far (although I also have them over UCLA) and I have Davidson this far. Go Memphis. (And go Sox I suppose)
It's all over for WKU. sorry to burst your ... BRACKET. ::snicker::
Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I miss your scent. I miss your musk. When this all blows over, I think we should get an apartment together... oh, wait. Or should I say, Waite.
Nick,
Here's what I want to know: Did you copy and paste that, or rewrite it?
rewrote it. Please, I'd never stoop so low as to copy and paste my favorite quotes/sayings. Au Natural. =P
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