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Steve Doig addresses high school journalism
teachers attending the Reynold's Institute |
I had never seen "All the President's Men" in its entirety until tonight. While I'm sure I would have enjoyed it anyway, Mr. Doig's behind-the-scenes information made it all the more compelling. I was a teenager during the Watergate scandal, and I can remember how my parents and other adults reacted to the event. The reporting of these events forever changed the way many American citizens viewed politicians. Specifically, many would never give them their blind trust again.
Carl Bernstein speaks about Watergate in the following short clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHwH3CBA_PU&feature=relmfu
Donna Owen
McIntosh High School
Peachtree City, Ga.
I have seen the film before, but the presentation by Mr. Doig brought the film more to life. In addition, Steve was right--I really did view this movie in a new light due to all I have learned in 3 short days. Translating that to my own teaching, then, it would make the most sense to show the film half way through the academic year, or at the end. What an excellent catalyst for discussion on yes, ethics, but also a multitude of other journalism topics, as well as funny comments comparing your own high school newsroom to the one depicted in All The Presidents Men.
ReplyDeleteAmelia Wright
West Morris Central High School
Chester, NJ
Steve and Amelia are both correct. We all seemed to understand the film and '70s era in an entirely different light. I believe Steve and Mr. Doig suggested this film had an impact on J-School. It did. Not necessarily good, either. Many, though clearly not all or even most, students enamored by the glamour of prizes, awards and limelight of "investigative" reporting often seem to forgo many ethical basics including protecting sources, verifying facts, presenting yourself as someone other than a journalist and other questionable practices. Some felt the ends justified the means. The profession, our audiences suffered methinks. Still, with the new insights from Mr. Doig made me better understand the need for us to encourage good reporting from students, which in my case is a Black male Catholic high school less than one mile from President Obama's home. There's been several shootings at a mall just a block away. I wish the Secret Service circled around there, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks fior sharing that video. I'll make use of it.
ReplyDeleteSteve Elliott
Arizona State University
Phoenix