Wednesday, April 12, 2017

South Dakota panel examined 'fake news' and journalism issues; such can be held anywhere

Journalists have a responsibility to combat "fake news" and district in the news media by educating readers how they gather facts, said panelists in a discussion Monday in South Dakota called "Fake News: Cutting Through the Noise," Dana Hess reports for The Brookings Register. Panelist David Bordewyk, executive director of the South Dakota Newspaper Association, said, "Our profession needs to do a better job of telling people what good journalism is about."

Cory Myers, news director of Argus Leader Media in Sioux Falls, the new brand of that Gannett Co. newspaper, said easy access to social media is one problem. Myers said "the credibility of journalism has been hurt by 'the ability of anyone to write content, take and manipulate photos'."

Cara Hetland, radio news director at South Dakota Public Broadcasting, said 24-hour news hurts the credibility of mainstream media outlets, while cutbacks have led to fewer journalists writing stories, making journalists lazy, Hess reports.

Teri Finneman, assistant professor of journalism at South Dakota State University, said one of the best ways to regain credibility is to hold more discussions like the one Monday. Finneman said allowing "citizens to see how a newsroom operates can help put a face on journalists and explain how they work."

More than 80 people attended Monday's event. Similar events around the country have attracted similar or larger audiences. If you need help putting together such an event, contact Al Cross, director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, publisher of The Rural Blog.

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