The international news is a source of knowledge about the world. How far can journalists be trusted? What are the qualities of a good journalist?

International news is a source of knowledge about the world. How far can journalists be trusted? What are the qualities of a good journalist?

Video lesson on the topic:

Vocabulary:

1. Diligence (n.) - careful and persistent work or effort. Example: Journalists should exercise diligence in their research to ensure accuracy in their reporting.

2. Incorruptibility (n.) - the quality of being honest and not influenced by bribery or other forms of corruption. Example: A good journalist should possess the quality of incorruptibility to maintain the credibility of their reporting.

3. Independent (adj.) - not subject to control or influence from outside; self-governing. Example: Journalists should have an independent printing policy to ensure that their reporting is not influenced by external factors.

4. Credible (adj.) - able to be believed or trusted. Example: High-quality texts are necessary for a journalist's work to be credible.

5. Negligent (adj.) - failing to take proper care in doing something. Example: Giving incorrect information in news reporting is a negligent attitude towards journalism.

6. Tabloid (n.) - a newspaper having pages half the size of those of a standard newspaper, typically popular in style and dominated by headlines, photographs, and sensational stories. Example: Journalists should avoid giving the perception of tabloid press in their reporting to maintain their credibility.

7. Incidence (n.) - the occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or other undesirable thing. Example: Journalists should highlight the incidence of important global issues to increase public awareness.

8. Transparency (n.) - the quality of being open and honest; free from deceit or concealment. Example: A journalist should maintain transparency in their reporting to ensure that their audience can trust their reporting.

9. Sensationalism (n.) - the use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement. Example: Sensationalism is a common problem in journalism, as it can lead to the spread of fake news.

10. Integrity (n.) - the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. Example: Journalists should have integrity in their work to ensure that their reporting is honest and accurate.

List of Ideas:

- Journalists should exercise diligence in their research to ensure accuracy in their reporting. For example, sometimes the information covered during highlighting current affairs is just the tip of the iceberg, and the main problem is not even covered.

Giving incorrect information in news reporting is a negligent attitude towards journalism. For instance, there is a lot of fake news, which is often published even in top newspapers and magazines. This can lead to misinformation and a lack of trust in journalism.

A good journalist should possess the quality of incorruptibility to maintain the credibility of their reporting. This is important not only for personal characteristics of the journalists but also for the legislation of the mass media in a specific country. Business can also contribute to the corruptibility of the mass media by advertising inactive products or promoting fake trends.

Journalists should have an independent printing policy to ensure that their reporting is not influenced by external factors. This allows for a more objective perspective and promotes transparency in journalism.

Sensationalism is a common problem in journalism, as it can lead to the spread of fake news. Journalists should avoid giving the perception of tabloid press in their reporting to maintain their credibility.

Journalists should highlight the incidence of important global issues to increase public awareness. This can lead to positive change and can have a significant impact on society.

A journalist should maintain transparency in their reporting to ensure that their audience can trust their reporting. This includes being open and honest about sources, as well as being willing to admit mistakes and correct them.

The Consequences of Untrustworthy Journalism

• Misinformation and disinformation can lead to confusion, panic, and even harm
• Inaccurate reporting can damage reputations and cause legal issues
• Lack of accountability can lead to corruption and abuse of power
• The public's trust in the media is eroded, resulting in a loss of credibility
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• Alternative Sources of Information

• Social media and citizen journalism provide alternative perspectives and can help to hold mainstream media accountable
• Fact-checking websites and organizations help to verify information and combat fake news
• Collaboration between journalists, experts, and organizations can lead to more reliable reporting

Sample answer 1:

In the contemporary era, individuals seamlessly immerse themselves in social media, broadsheets, and tabloids to stay abreast of current affairs. The integrity of journalists remains a paramount concern due to their profound influence on public perception, a power that, unfortunately, often translates into the dissemination of not only unverified but untrustworthy news. From my perspective, the escalating global rivalry among states casts doubt on the credibility of any journalist in the present milieu.

Primarily, the surge in unscrupulous journalism coincides with the onset of global instability. Media outlets, both traditional and digital, find themselves navigating a delicate balance between providing credible information and retaining a substantial readership. This delicate equilibrium results in compromised coverage and fosters an environment where appealing to alternative perspectives becomes a near-impossible feat. As a citizen of Russia, I find myself in a quandary, unable to exclusively rely on government-funded news due to its inherent bias, and simultaneously skeptical of opposition news sources, which, to varying degrees, also exhibit a lack of credibility.

Hypothetically transcending to a utopian realm where societal evolution has distanced itself significantly from primal instincts, a commendable journalist would epitomize an impartial, professional dedicated to the pursuit of truth rather than personal gain or ideological agendas. In this idealized scenario, truth aligns with Aristotle's teachings, where it represents accurate information obtained through both sensory and intellectual exploration. Unfortunately, the current stage of human evolution impedes individuals from relating to truth in such a pristine manner.

In summary, the prevailing state of checkbook journalism renders it inconceivable to place unwavering trust in journalists' opinions. Despite this skepticism, when contemplating an honest journalist, attributes such as justice, equity, and impartiality come to mind. While the challenges are evident, it is imperative to uphold these ideals for journalism to regain its credibility and fulfill its pivotal role in informing and shaping public discourse.

Sample answer 2:

As an undeniable fact, the impact of mass media on people's minds is profound. Given this reality, it is imperative that journalists possess certain attributes such as diligence and incorruptibility, allowing for independent reporting and high-quality written works that lend credibility to their profession.

A noteworthy quality of an exceptional journalist is their commitment to thorough research when crafting new articles or news reports. Often, current affairs merely scratch the surface of the issue at hand, with the main problem left unaddressed. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for reporters to present sensationalized or false information, intended to shock the audience. Sadly, in this day and age, fake news is rampant, even in esteemed newspapers and magazines. An infamous example of this is the UFO invasion in the Urals, which was later revealed to be a simple meteorite. These incidents highlight the need for journalists to double-check their sources and ensure the veracity of the information they present, in order to avoid the perception of tabloid press and remain a reliable source of information.

In addition, an essential characteristic of a trustworthy journalist is their incorruptibility. While this criterion is reliant on both personal integrity and legislation of the mass media in a specific country, it should not negate the role that journalists play in ensuring their work is factual and close to reality. The corruptibility of the mass media is not limited to the influence of public institutions, as businesses can also contribute to it by promoting inactive products or imploding so-called modern trends. For instance, a few years ago, a Russian cosmetics company released a new skincare product that was widely promoted by bloggers and digital newspapers. It was only later revealed that this product contained antibiotics, which contributed to its efficacy in enhancing the appearance of the skin. Had the mass media not spread the advertisement for this product, fewer people would have been at risk of health complications.

In light of these factors, it is unequivocally evident that only those journalists who possess the aforementioned qualities can be deemed trustworthy. Such individuals, who conduct meticulous research and remain incorruptible, are indispensable in providing accurate and reliable information to the public, an essential function of journalism.

Sample answer 3:

In the contemporary era, where technology serves as a cornerstone of daily life, the role of news in shaping our understanding of the world is undeniable. However, the credibility of journalists and the information they disseminate is a subject of considerable debate. The journalistic profession, characterized by its intricacies and occasional risks, demands a set of qualities that distinguish exceptional reporters. Delving into the multifaceted nature of trust in journalism reveals a delicate interplay of ethical considerations, accuracy, and potential external influences.

Trust in the field of journalism is a complex construct, intricately woven with ethical standards and an unwavering commitment to disseminating accurate information. Yet, this trust is susceptible to external pressures, editorial biases, and the allure of sensationalism designed to captivate audiences. To tread cautiously through this information landscape, consumers must adopt a critical approach, verifying information across diverse sources and assessing the reliability of each. For instance, the political leanings of a news outlet can significantly impact its coverage of political events, necessitating a cross-referencing of news from varied sources to attain a well-rounded and unbiased perspective.

The epitome of a commendable journalist lies in their honesty, diligence, and unwavering commitment to truth. Reliable journalists meticulously fact-check, eschew sensationalism, and guard against the infiltration of personal biases into their reporting. Integrity stands as a non-negotiable quality, acting as a shield against corruption and ensuring a journalist's incorruptibility. An in-depth understanding of the subjects they cover, coupled with a refusal to indulge in hyperbole, marks the hallmark of a trustworthy journalist. For instance, when reporting a seemingly minor scientific finding, a credible journalist would opt for a title that accurately conveys the research's significance, thereby averting the creation of misleading expectations and offering a nuanced, balanced perspective.

In summation, a journalist's trustworthiness hinges on their steadfast prioritization of accuracy over sensationalism, steering clear of the allure of clickbait. This unwavering commitment to truth not only safeguards the integrity of the information conveyed but also fosters a relationship of trust between journalists and their audience. As news consumers, it becomes imperative to navigate the vast expanse of information with discernment, critically evaluating the journalistic qualities that underpin trustworthy reporting. In this manner, the symbiotic relationship between journalists and their audience can thrive on a foundation of transparency, credibility, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of truth.