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Media

Why We Must Work Together to Save Journalism and the Press

April 13, 2020 by Inside Press

Plus, Busting the Myth that Kids Don’t Care About the News

By Maddie Stone

Pleasantville, NY — My name is Maddie Stone, and I’m 13 years old. I’ve found some people form an assumption about kids that just isn’t true. They automatically infer kids don’t follow the news. Why? Because we’re an inch or two shorter? Because we haven’t yet studied trigonometry? I intend to shoot down this myth and explain the importance of following the news.

It seems the day people turn 18, they immediately begin to believe anyone younger is completely clueless about what’s happening in the world. Don’t they recall the previous day, when they knew as much?

Our author with her publisher dad–long time editor and journalist, Adam Stone.

While kids almost always understand more about what’s going on than adults realize, including the importance of local news, I have a slight advantage. My dad (people other than my sister and I call him Adam Stone) is publisher of The Examiner, our local weekly print and online community newspaper. Having a publisher as a dad, I grew up learning all kinds of lessons about the press and why it’s important. But don’t let that make you think I’m one of the rare few. Just listen to what my friend Max Rubinstein has to say:

Max Rubinstein

“The idea of children being dismissive to the media is simply preposterous and is most likely a result of modern stereotyping,” Max said.

Max, like me, is a 13-year-old seventh grader at Fox Lane Middle School in Bedford and we often talk about current events. How are we informed? By reading, watching, and listening to quality journalism.

“I watch the news to gain insight into the international community and to learn about the status and structure of American politics,” Max added.

My friends, my teammates and I are keenly aware of the world around us; we’re not naive and ignorant. For the most part, we listen to our local news broadcasts, read our community newspapers, just as much as the average person. Keeping up with the times is important for people of all ages.

The press informs the people of important issues and events, from a local carnival to a global pandemic. Especially in times like the present, when faced with a crisis, it is even more urgent to stay updated on the data, or, in this case, the spreading and containing of the coronavirus. Even on a local level, when a mayor, town supervisor, or school board reveals a proposal, it is critical for the public to be alerted of the news.

In addition to keeping citizens informed, journalists provide coverage that allows people to remain up-to-date, and, therefore, safe and free from harm. Once again circling back to the coronavirus, newscasters and print journalists are frequently encouraging self-quarantine, hand washing, and remaining six feet apart if you must leave home. This does not just apply to the epidemic that has swept the nation. Most news outlets will showcase topics such as poverty, equality, environmental contamination, and, locally, clean drinking water, jobs, and crime. News supplies citizens with knowledge they can use to make decisions about their safety and general well-being.

“An informed society is an educated society, and you cannot have a well-functioning democracy unless a country’s citizens are informed,” observed Martin Wilbur, editor-in-chief of The Examiner. His insight led me to my next point: It’s essential for every country, every state, every county, every city, to remain educated. If the general public is educated, the people are empowered.

However, people can only be educated if the news sources they’re using are reliable. It’s like dominos; if you’re educated, you’re informed. If you follow reliable news sources, you’re educated. But even if you read the news, and you read a biased, untrustworthy source, the whole thing comes crashing down. That’s what makes becoming a knowledgeable citizen so challenging.

Furthermore, journalists keep the government in check. They expose fraud and unethical behavior in our leaders. An invisible fourth estate that monitors authority figures. This includes local government. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tip O’Neill, was perhaps most famous for saying, “all politics is local.” This certainly applies here. Most controversies that arise in local government and are exposed by local reporters can’t be compared to controversies as grand in scope as, say, the Watergate affair. But those stories are often the ones most impactful to people’s everyday lives.

Also, keeping the government in check does not just involve reporting on controversy and scandal. Keeping the government in check means keeping elected leaders honest, so when a government official says or does anything, and a journalist reports on it, that’s a perfectly valid example of keeping the government in check.

Speaking of keeping an eye on local government, whether my dad is talking about his work day at the dinner table or running away from the dinner table to write about a breaking political story, the news is definitely a large part of our life at home. I’m aware of what’s happening locally, so I know journalists are always attending school board meetings, writing about statements from politicians, and scrambling to meet deadlines. Either way, they are constantly busy with elected officials. But never too busy to watch their awesome, fleet-footed, line-drive hitting, 13-year-old daughter’s softball games, of course.

While I usually like to just make fun of my dad, I figured I would quickly take this unique opportunity to suggest you read his column on how The Examiner has been trying to survive these turbulent times: https://www.theexaminernews.com/want-to-save-journalism-start-local-support-the-examiner/

And as much as I love Inside Press, The Examiner, and local news in general, let’s take a moment to step away from our neck of the woods. Journalism also allows us to understand places beyond our backyard. Without journalists to report on places far away, how would we know what’s happening in India? What about Canada? What about upstate New York? What about anywhere outside our little bubble?

As important as it is to study journalism, it is equally as important to support it. The adult consumers of today were once kids and the kids of today are the adults of the future. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

In order to preserve this liberty, the youth of today must value and support well-sourced, quality journalism. We must be thankful for the news outlets we have but also think back on how much we’ve lost. Just a few years ago, the country enjoyed so many more journalists, especially print journalists. In case you didn’t know, over the past 15 years, one in five newspapers have gone out of business, and the number of journalists employed at newspapers have been cut in half. These numbers are only getting worse. My dad taught me most of what I know about journalism, but the following I can infer on my own: save the press now while there’s still time.

Maddie Stone is a 13-year-old, seventh grader at Fox Lane Middle School in Bedford. This article is also appearing in next week’s print editions of Examiner Media’s four community newspapers and is also live now at www.theexaminernews.com

 

Filed Under: Stay Connected Tagged With: Community Newspaper, journalism, Media, news, news outlets, press, The Examiner, The Inside Press

League Event at Chappaqua Library on April 6: “Media and Politics” Forum

March 29, 2017 by Inside Press

On Thursday, April 6, 7-9 p.m., The League of Women Voters of New Castle forum “Media and Politics: The Impact on our Democracy” will address the impact of these issues on the 2016 Presidential election and on future elections. Moderated by Jeanne Zaino, Ph.D., Political Analyst and Professor at Iona College with Panelists Jon Klein, Cable News and Internet Executive; Jerry McKinstry, Media Strategist and Journalist; and Phil Reisman  Columnist/Radio Talk ShowFor more info, visit lwvnewcastle.org

Jeanne Zaino, Ph.D.
Jon Klein
Jerry McKinstry
Phil Reisman

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Chappaqua library, Media, Media and Politics, politics, The League of Women Voters of New Castle

Political Activist Group “Left of Main Street” to Host March 3 Forum on Role of the Media in Trump’s America

February 27, 2017 by The Inside Press

Chappaqua, New York–The Chappaqua-based group, Left of Main Street, will host a round table panel discussion “Separating Fact From Fiction in Trump’s America” on March 3, 2017 from 7-9 p.m. The discussion will be held in the Assembly Room at Chappaqua’s Town Hall located at: 200 S. Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua.

Participating in the discussion are journalists from television and print media, including: Kristen Prata Browde former anchor at CBS News, Helen Jonsen former TV journalist at Fox 5 and WPIX 11, Peter Katz former producer, editor and Washington Bureau Chief at ABC News, and Kate Stone Lombardi a regular contributor to the NY Times.  Chappaqua’s own, Grace Bennett, Publisher and Editor of The Inside Press, will moderate the discussion.

The influence of politically biased news on the outcome of the election will be examined as well as the role consumers play in the media. “A free and fact based press is essential for an informed and free society” said Cynthia Ware Metcalf, Co-Founder of Left of Main Street. “As consumers of news, it’s important to understand that we must hold the media accountable to report fact based news.”

Founded by Chappaqua residents Ann Styles Brochstein and Cynthia Ware Metcalf, Left of Main Street advocates for progressive issues and candidates nationwide. You can follow their activities on Facebook, Twitter @LeftOfMainSt, Instagram, and at www.LeftOfMainStreet.com.

 

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Consumer of News, Fake News, Left of Main Street, Media, Media Forum, Media Panel, News Reader, The Inside Press, Trump, Trump's America

How Some Coverage of Hillary Clinton Lacks Basic Respect

April 1, 2016 by Inside Press

By Bobbi M. Bittker
Photos by Grace Bennett

I realized there was a problem when my husband said, ‘how was your rally? I heard on the news Bernie supporters interrupted it.’ What? That’s what was reported?! Read on…

Commentary on yesterday’s Hillary rally at SUNY Purchase from someone who was actually there:

Why am I reading myriad articles reporting on the 40 minute speech with headlines, ‘Hillary Clinton rally interrupted by 20 Bernie supporters’ as if this is THE story? It’s not even A story.
Hillary Standing

Fewer than a dozen college kids, standing in the back, heckled her with ‘You Win We Lose’ for about 5 seconds, if that, and walked out. Hardly impactful, nor impressive. Seconds of no-substance interruption by a few almost-adults became the focus of media reporting on the packed, line-out-the-door, people-had-to-be-turned-away, Westchester County rally of a former FLOTUS, NY Senator, Secretary of State, front-runner Democratic Presidential candidate.

I’m wondering how they will lose if she wins. As Senators, she and Bernie Sanders voted together 93% of the time. That’s neither here, nor there. It’s simply a fact.

Hillary Clinton spoke to rousing cheers about a concrete plan for affordable college–free community college and debt-free public university; expanding full human and civil rights for workers, women and LGBT communities; clean water for all; expanding the job market and growing the national infrastructure with domestic jobs; raising wages; combating climate change; quality education for every child regardless of zip code, a focus on early childhood education; continuing the success of the Affordable Care Act; reigning in drug costs; restoring voting rights; ensuring gun safety protections. She talked about action and a proven record of accomplishment.

Controversy sells. Anger sells. Dissension sells. Bad behavior sells. It’s about clicking the almighty link. A candidate making promises she backs up with action, experience, plans and a room full of well-behaved supporters doesn’t garner the attention the media wants. But a strong candidate like Hillary Clinton IS exciting. Being in the room with her and the passionate supporters WAS exciting. Voting for her on April 19 will BE exciting.

Yet, the focus is on a sophomoric peanut gallery demonstrating disrespect as Clinton replied with cool aplomb, “We’re very sorry you’re leaving!” As if that’s all that happened. Forget the spirited women with the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester banner, the parents anticipating history being made with their children in tow, the crowded room, the cheers and the loud, wild applause for a solid candidate. The people trying desperately to touch her, shake her hand, speak to her. The energy and zeal people think is reserved for the Senator from Vermont, only something that can be conjured up by the most angry of college students was IN. THAT. ROOM. But who will know?

Congresswoman Nita Lowey embraces Hillary Clinton after rallying for her right before her speech to supporters.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey embraces Hillary Clinton after rallying for her right before her speech to supporters.
Westchester field Organizers Hannah Fine (left) and Izzy Bugatti
Westchester field Organizers Hannah Fine (left) and Izzy Bugatti

A recent article said Hillary supporters are the most enthusiastic, contrary to the image portrayed of the populist Trump/Sanders proponents. We are the sleeper enthusiasts who no one acknowledges. We are happy with our candidate. Not aggressively angry. Not poorly behaved, engaging in negative behavior. No one knows we are here, but we are and we are politically active and we are voters! But there’s no story in that.

Take the focus off the disrespect. Take it off the bad behavior in political discourse today. Not all of it is coming from Trump and his cronies. The media can craft its narrative but these are FACTS. Or should I just be thankful they’re not reporting on her hair and clothes?

Information is best gathered first-hand. Go to Hillary’s speech website for the full video.

#imwither
#Hillary2016

Bobbi M. Bittker is a Stay at Home Mom and Attorney, on the Board of the Bedford Community Theatre, member of the Chappaqua Friends of Hill Group and a vocal supporter of Israel, Gun Safety and LGBT, Women’s and Civil Rights.

SUNY.crowdSUNY.hillaryAndNita

Filed Under: Hillary's Run, Inside Thoughts Tagged With: Hillary Clinton, Inside Press, Media, Rally, respect, theinsidepress.com, Westchester

From Paper to Screen: How New Media Platforms Are Changing Journalism

December 2, 2015 by The Inside Press

“And I am learning that writing truthfully and emotionally about my own experiences often resonates with readers the most.”

By Lindsay Hand 

Being a young millennial is a truly unique experience. Born in the mid-90s, I have been privy to incredible technological and societal change and advancement. I am still young enough to never have lived without a computer in my house, but old enough to remember a world without smartphones, now staples. As a college student, I cannot even begin to imagine my life without my iPhone, Macbook, and constant access to e-mail, social media and the Internet. In our increasingly multi-media world, journalism is perhaps the largest field affected.

lindsay hand picture for odyssey story
The way people access and read content is evolving, mostly moving online to various outlets. My parents still watch television news and read the newspaper, but I definitely do not. Especially since coming to college, though, keeping up with current events has become extremely important to me; I get daily news blast e-mails, and use Twitter and my phone’s News app to constantly keep myself updated between classes. I also enjoy and search out different ways to see my peers’ thoughts about events both on campus and around the world, and visiting the growing online outlets where college students express these opinions.

Part of the Change

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work directly with one of these groundbreaking new platforms. As Contributing Editor for Cornell University’s branch of the Odyssey, I have the privilege of playing an important part in the growth of this exciting new business. Founded by two Indiana University students and launched in 2014, Odyssey already has over 3,000 writers and a massive presence in campus media nationwide. According to Odyssey Editorial Director Kate Waxler, “We believe that the traditional top-down editorial model is broken, and created Odyssey to flip that model upside down. We’re redefining the way content is created, tapping into the relevance and engagement associated with hyper-local content and distributing our content in a unique and authentic way.”

Odyssey is unique in that it is both entirely online, and allows for the expression of diverse viewpoints and opinions. This was what initially drew me to Odyssey: the idea of writing each week about whatever I wanted, without limitations, constraints or assignments. It is a distinct platform for college students to speak their minds, explain their views, and discover how influential their writing can be. “We felt that there were many perspectives unrepresented and many voices not breaking through to the surface,” Waxler adds. “Odyssey enables those perspectives and voices to be heard.”

Advertisers love it, too. According to Waxler, since Odyssey is closely integrated with millennials, brands and agencies are “offered access to and insights about this sought-after demographic through our research and advertising opportunities.” What also makes Odyssey unusual is its reliance on social media and “shares” to spread content. “We are a hybrid between a publisher and a social media platform, and bring the best of both,” Waxler explains. “Our audience encounters Odyssey content (90% of the time) because someone they know shares it with them in social channels.” In this way, Odyssey is distinctly attuned to millennials–our lives, particularly our online lives, are defined by our mediated social circles, the way we hear about happenings local, national, and international.

Looking Toward the Future

Beyond gaining important leadership experience and practice meeting weekly deadlines, I have found in Odyssey an outlet to express things I would have never previously thought to write about. And I am learning that writing truthfully and emotionally about my own experiences often resonates with readers the most.

Possible topics are unlimited. I have written about everything from a review of “Supergirl” to heartfelt reflections about my sister and being a summer camp counselor. Interestingly, these personal pieces have clearly struck a nerve in others, based on the number of social media shares they have received. Other Cornell Odyssey pieces have ranged from campus libraries to the show “Friends” to the current conflict in Israel. Odyssey always gives students the opportunity to express their thoughts about absolutely anything.

Odyssey and its ilk represent the future of journalism. As a millennial and a Communication major, I know that I have an obligation and a challenge to bring traditional journalism into today’s world. It is a changing field, and my generation will help bring about this change. As Waxler says so well, “We are investing in the next generation of writers, and are using our proprietary technology and data science to bring content and ideas to the world.”

Interested? Check out theodysseyonline.com. Search for particular colleges on the Odyssey homepage.

Two-time Inside Chappaqua Guest Editor Lindsay Hand is a sophomore at Cornell University. 

 

Filed Under: Inside Thoughts Tagged With: Communication, Inside Press, journalism, Media, technology, theinsidepress.com

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