Oneline Module Sample

LESSON 1

|JENNIELOU G. PIGAO |

LESSON 1 (

Campus Journalism- A Better Understanding

I. INTRODUCTION

Hello students! Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening! How are you? Kong Hei Fat Choi in advance! ( Am I expecting for a couple of moon cake and tikoy to be delivered in our house? HEHE. Just kidding! Anyways, I am sure everybody would love this year’s Chinese New Year Celebration because it was already declared by President Aquino as National Holiday! And take note, holiday means NO C-L-A-S-S-E-S! Thank God! ( Stress free faces even for a day ( but of course, there are always those exemptions—having heavy load of assignments huh? (Unfortunately)). Do you agree with me?

This is our first meeting online and I am looking forward for a little bit introduction of yourselves for our class profile. Of course, basic information is a must. You can also include your hobbies, interests,current work ( if you are a student perhaps you can include your year and course) and other trivias about yourselves.I’ll read your sharing as we go along with our lesson.

Don’t worry, I’ll share something about myself too as we move on. (

Our course is all about the basics in Campus Journalism. We will learn about News Writing, Feature Writing, Editorial/Opinion Writing, Editorial Cartooning and Literary writing which includes poem and short story writing. We will also tackle the hottesst issues local and abroad.It may sound complicated at first glancebut once you are in the writing situation, you may think of it just like a piece of cake. All you just need is the PASSION in writing.

When I was in my first year in College during our English 2-Writing in the discipline subject, I can still remember the question of our Instructor, “Are writers made or born?” It made me think for a while. But after my long and deep thinking, I managed to answer the question.

I would love to know your opinion too. Are writers really made or born? I’ll read your answers as we move on with our lesson.

The lesson that we will discuss will focus on Campus Journalism in general. You are expected that at the end of the lesson you will:

a. Define Campus Journalism. b. Explain why a Campus Journalist should be responsible in his/her writings. c. Enumerate the different Dos and Don’ts in Campus Journalism. d. Discuss the Journalism Creed. e. Reflect on the importance of Campus Journalism in the society. f. Describe the qualities a Campus Journalist should possess. g. Display interest in writing as well as criticizing an article.

I hope you will be able to achieve these objectives. I know you can. You just need to be patient, to be open-minded and to be realistic. Open your hearts to reality and you will see the beauty in writing.

II. CONTENT/DISCUSSION

Campus Journalism is basically defined as “that enjoyable activity of the staff of the campus paper in collecting, organizing and presenting news, writing editorials, columns, features, and literary articles, taking pictures, cartooning, copy reading, proofreading, dummying & writing headlines”. The Campus Journalism Act of 1991 in the Philippines is perhaps one of the strongest laws protecting the rights of the youth, particularly student journalists, and preserving the integrity of student publications. However, in many cases, many institutions do not follow these rules, or balatantly disobeys the law. And we cannot blame them; being owners of the institutions editors belong to, they believe that they must have complete control over the publications, even if the law provides otherwise. I would want my opinion to be taken hypothetically. There are many advantages to a free student publication: First, it trains the students on journalism and provides an avenue to concretely practice truth, fairness, and balance. These are values taught better by experience, and supplemented by the classroom. Second, it provides check and balance for the administrators, the student councils, and the students. Campus journalists and publications become the students’ eyes in things that the institutions hide. Third, it safeguards democracy in the campus level. Campus publications, being an independent entity, is accountable to nobody but its readers and protect democracy and freeedom of expression while encouraging the readers to do the same. Campus journalism is important, for it safeguards the halls and the posts of democracy and provides the student readers a deeper perspective; things that happen under their noses. As journalists, let us help in protecting its existence by enforcing the law protecting it. Do you agree? Read the experience of a student journalist by opening this link: http://asiancorrespondent.com/39022/campus-journalism-and-the-shaping-of-public-opinion/ It could give you more insights. Being a campus journalist requires many responsibilities. To enrich our understanding abut the responsibilities of a journalist, I took an excerpt from Danny Arao’s blog—a true-blooded journalist himself. Here’s the clip:
As an educator and practicing journalist, I often get interviewed by students for academic requirements they are required to submit. The interviews usually cover a wide range of topics in the fields of media, communication and journalism. For those who can’t make the time to see me personally, we normally just correspond via email. Last March 5, a student emailed some questions on campus journalism and it is only now that I realized my failure to get back to her. Nevertheless, it’s never too late to answer her questions which I find to be both probing and timeless.
In a few words, what do you think is the role of the student press in a college community?
Just like the role of the press in society, the student press (or campus press) helps provide relevant information to students so that they could make informed decisions. There are so many issues confronting students. Campus journalists should help make sense of the reality not only by providing the data but also the analysis.
To borrow a mathematical equation, INFORMATION = DATA + ANALYSIS; where the term DATA refers to “observable reality” and the term ANALYSIS refers to the framework used in making sense of what one observes through any one or a combination of his or her five senses.
In changing times like ours where several distractions abound, how can the student press disseminate information effectively?
Ironically, the so-called distractions could also be the vehicles for information dissemination. Many of today’s youth (especially those in urban areas) spend a substantial amount of time in front of a computer. For those who use the latter for recreation, social media are indeed distractions. But social media could also be used to share relevant information to one’s defined network.
The challenge for campus journalists therefore is to not just confine themselves to the print medium. Their publications should maintain a Web presence. They should seriously consider opening accounts in popular social media like Facebook and Twitter and encourage their target audience (students) to be part of their “virtual groups.”
To become a catalyst of change, what do you think is the characteristic or the characteristics a student journalist must possess?
In terms of writing skills, a campus journalist should be able to write well and to write fast. In terms of disposition, he or she should develop the “nose for news” or the ability to discern which is newsworthy in analyzing issues and events. But the ability to provide in-depth analyses comes from a campus journalist’s understanding of the history and context of the prevailing social reality. Through a much deeper understanding of what is happening around him or her, a campus journalist is able to analyze the prevailing social contradictions, as well as realize the reasons for the age-old social conflicts.
In one way or another, student journalists are considered ‘torch bearers’ of the college community. What advice can you give to an aspiring student journalist to become real ‘torch bearers’ by correctly distinguishing ‘truth’ from those that might disguise as ‘truth’?
They are torch bearers in the sense that they try to shed light on issues. As regards the latter, there should be no distinction between local and national issues, but simply issues that affect, directly or indirectly, the lives of students. In the discussion of issues, what makes campus journalists different from their so-called professional counterparts is their duty to relate all issues to their respective communities.
A discussion of low wages, for example, should take into account how students are affected by having an equally lower allowance. In other words, campus journalists should not try to imitate the discussion in, say, the mainstream media where analyses are often done in the context of a much broader audience. The main responsibility of campus journalists is to their communities, and their analyses must therefore have that necessary focus.
Campus journalists must therefore keep in mind their role in their respective schools. To become real torch bearers, they should help open the minds of students to the situation not only on campus but also in society as a whole. Truth-telling is fulfilled when they are able to present both the data and the analysis of issues.
A handful of factors surrounding the student press might influence them not to disclose the truth. This could be happening at this very moment. Do you think student journalists today are still possessing the courage to fight for the truth? Or are they easily manipulated by their environment?
I personally know campus journalists both in high school and college who know how to fight for their rights. At the same time, there are those who get harassed and intimidated by school officials. By joining student organizations that promote and uphold campus press freedom, campus journalists are better guided not only in going about their work but also in helping fight for their rights. What’s important to stress at this point is that campus press freedom is integral to student rights. Related to this, campus journalists should see themselves as part of the student movement and not separate from it.
You just heard a Campus Journalist’s voice. What do you think of the student’s idea? Do you agree? In general, as budding campus journalists and future professional journalists, you should always bear in mind these points:
A journalist writes what for the society that he observes.He presents whatever,is consumed by the society people which may consist of different classes, religions, categories and characterists.So,while presenting any report of news,a journalist should be very careful and aware of his responsibilities towards the present sensible society. He must deliver such news as it serves a common purpose and fulfill major’s interests as well.Any presentation or writing of a journalist, should never inflict any part or group of our society regarding its belief, ideals,religionand rituals anyway. The writing of journalist should be inspiring not only in keeping ‘social harmony’ but also in achieving social development at the sametime.
There are basic responsibilities of any journalist. They are social, legal and professional. • Social Responsibiliy:- Press reflects the social images or pictures of our society.The whole activities of the press imparts many events of our society with a view to present them later on, in decent manner to the society people. The intention behind such approachs and activities, is to make the society people to well-informed as well as well-aware of round about happenings.So,every presentation of any journalist should be fair, balnce, truthful,inspiring and meeting the needs of common. A journalist can highlight so many unsolved areas of the society by seeking solution for the same through the activity of journalism and must not overlook or avoid this great part of responsibility towards the society.The presentation of journalist should, initiate an environment of understanding within the society and continue the same in sustained manner to uphold it satisfactorily.Development of any society mostly depending upon the imparting of creative and objectful journalistic activities. • Legal Responsibilty:- While working as a journalist, one should be well conversant with all legal clutches those may generate complicacy or bring trouble any way. For this reason, a journalist must not intervene or inflict to someone’s privacy or confidential matter until it is required to be brought to the notice of public. Any libelous or defamatory presentation taking with someone, any organization or group, is not permittable and should strictlybe avoided by the journalist. Libellous and defamatory writings or pictures, may instantly resound or repark among the public with larger acceptance, but it is not pertinent as well as not complying with the standard of professionalism. • Professional Responsibility:- A journalist should have sincerity and commitment towards its profession. The news ofany event that is going to be published for the audience, should be delineated very clearly and faiely. A very good homework in this regard for every event, should be done by the journalist with a view to present to the audience confidently and satisfactorily.. The presentation must be truthful and unbiased above all and shall never bring any embarrassment or complicacy to the organization anyway in future. The objective of any journalist is to disseminate the correct and fair report in undistorted manner, to the audience rather than crowding them intentially or allegedly to meet the present challenging situation.in the news world.. A news report should be created with greater care and responsibility as to maintain its degree of standard at higher level by avoiding anykinds of inclusion of undesireable and provocative part or portion.A journalist definitely,would require a high degree of professionalism in presenting any performances to the audience on behalf of any organization, and could be achieved so. by dint of die-hard efforts and searchin abilty, and being respectful to the works ,understanding with the surroundings and accountability towards the society as well. A journalist must follow the newspaper editor’s deadlines.

You should also observe the rules in Journalism. I will tell you some of the Dos and Don’ts in Campus Journalism. You can browse the internet for additional information.
Journalism’s do’s:

Accuracy: Make sure the facts are right and the right facts are there. Tell who, what, when, where, how and why. Verify, verify, verify.
Fairness: Make sure to present all sides, arguments and opinions. Make sure readers and viewers know what’s being presented as opinion and what’s being presented as fact.
Context: Tell the whole story. Frame it in the proper background. Give readers and viewers a sense of why the story is important at this time, in this place. This includes deciding what is newsworthy, offering news in the public interest as well as news that interests the public.
Truth: Keep reporting, one piece at a time. Let the facts fall where they may, and you’ll give readers and viewers a chance to begin to find the truth. Understand that no one person has a monopoly on truth, that we can only search for data, events, issues and ideas to help readers and viewers form their own opinions.
Journalism’s don'ts :

Plagiarism: Never use the words and ideas of another without giving credit to the source.
Sloppy reporting: Don’t fail to check the facts. Don’t forget to check all sides of the story. Don’t forget to verify, verify, verify. Don’t overlook relevant details — the who, what, when, where, how and why.
Bias: Try to avoid it. Don’t allow your news reports to be influenced by your own opinions. Even if you think you’re right, let others make their case.
Conflicts of interest: Don’t report a story if you are not completely independent of that story.
Poor news judgment: Don’t offer news to readers and viewers that is irrelevant to their lives and their interests. Don’t blow things out of proportion to attract higher ratings and readership.
Deception: Never, never invent characters, quotations or any part of a story. The moment you make things up, or deliberately lie, you no longer are a journalist. I hope if you will be on the field, you will always bear in mind those things stated. It could help you earn your credibility as a journalist if you will observe those things. In addition, let us also study the Journalism Creed. It was the version of Walter Williams. It serves as the bible for journalists. • I believe in the profession of Journalism. • I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of responsibility, trustees for the public; that all acceptance of lesser service than the public service is a betrayal of this trust. • I believe that clear thinking, clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism. • I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true. • I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible. • I believe that no one should write as a journalist what he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery by one's own pocket book is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another's instructions or another's dividends. • I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service. • I believe that the journalism which succeeds the best-and best deserves success-fears God and honors man; is stoutly independent; unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power; constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of the privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every man a chance, and as far as law, an honest wage and recognition of human brotherhood can make it so, an equal chance; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international good will and cementing world-comradeship, is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world. There are other versions of Journalism Creed in the internet but this is the most famous version that is widely used worldwide. If I would to ask you, are you willing to put by heart the creed and become a true blooded journalist? Reflect. For the first paragraph of our lesson,If you can remember, I have just said that becoming a journalist is just a piece of cake.Well, that’s my own perspective. I have committed my life writing without any hesitations nor I’m not afraid of being condemned as long as I know that I am right. I know you too can be as passionate as me SOON. I hope your passion for writing will not be deprived or totally be vanished after we will discuss our next topic. Philippines has been tagged as one of the most hazardous place for journalists WORLDWIDE. After the gruesome MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE that had killed more than 50 people that included media men, more and more killings have been reported increasing the number of killed journalists for the past 10 years. Read the article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maguindanao_massacre http://cpj.org/ The Maguindanao Massacre issue happened when I was in fourth year high school—the level wherein I am at the moment of planning what course will I suppose to get in college. I really planned to get AB Journalism, honestly. But my parents totally disagree about my plan. The Massacre also served as one of my favorite topics to discuss especially when I am ecstatic in writing. I will share my article for my column entitled FORWARD DEXTERITY published at Lorma Highlights, the Official Publication of Lorma Colleges about the Maguindanao Massacre. From the point of view of a 16-year old aspiring journalist:
MM: Lost in Space An independent commission has been formed,according to the Malacanang with regards to the gruesome Maguindanao Massacre on November 23,2009 that had killed 57 people including 30 journalists. The order was given by former President now Congresswoman Arroyo to eliminate private armies of the government officials in response for the threat journalists are facing. That was then. How about now? The case will turn a year this coming November without even an idea with will it gain justice or just like the other cases left buried 10 feet below the ground. The Ampatuan clan, which is the prime suspect in the said massacre was allegedly supported by members of the Philippine National Police and possibly the Military with high-calibre fire arms and weapons. The order that was made by Arroyo was an encouraging step then, wherein I admit I was one of those “concern citizen” who saluted her way back for the “wise idea” (not action,who knows? Maybe the order is not properly implemented nor inculcated.) On the other hand, I also thought that in attaining success of the order, it also depends on several factors requiring political will. And Alas! I was right. She did not afford to antagonize nor disarmed politicians which are mostly her political allies. (Obviously, she needed politicians in aiming for the House Speakership after winning the congressional seat.) And until now the case is still nowhere to be found. I am damned dissapointed. Journalists represent Democracy. Freedom to express and live. But what happened in Maguindanao last year is a sign that our country is condemning freedom. Thus, it has affected the country's image as tagged by the world as “the most hazardous place for the journalists.” It has affected our lives—we deeply sympathized with those deceased who served as instruments in aiming for the truth. It just influenced the budding journalists—numbers has been constantly decreasing, affecting their principles-- scared of the possibility of being tortured, discriminated and killed. I admit as an aspiring-trying hard journalist, the impact of the massacre slightly bewildered me, but I was influenced by my instinct to still write, my passion to deliver ideas and to be one of those clamoring for what is just. Is it hard to find the right path on the call of justice? It's not easy for now, I know. We cannot immediately eliminate the hazards, but we can possibly minimize the risks. I just hope the Aquino Administration will give the right answer. It has been 54 days since he is on power. Yet five activist and one journalist have killed. Don't wait for Maguindanao Massacre Part II. In order for us to clear our blurring minds. Again, it will be a year now, Justice for the Journalists! Lastly I expect budding journalists like me will not fear losing their passion, remember we are the next generation and the fight doesn't end there in Maguindanao. Even though the case is still lost in space. ###

The fight really doesn’t end with those killings. Remember the saying, if God closes the door, He opens some windows. And I believe that WE are of great contribution in the fight for those oppressed journalists. JOURNALISTS are in line with HONESTY and INTEGRITY. I hope through this course, your PASSION will really burst.

III. EVALUATION The lesson we discussed focused on the over-all Campus Journalism idea. From that, you are provided with an overview what TRUE JOURNALISM is all about. It’s not only just about writing, but putting passion in your writing. You don’t only write for the purpose of impressing others, but more on expressing. From that, you now have the grasp on how a Journalist should think, on how to fight for rights and how to go on with the freedom of expression. Being a journalist is not an easy task, I repeat. It can also be dangerous. But as long as you are on the right track, you are just and you are fair—there’s nothing to worry about. In no less than five (5) sentences, answer the following questions below. Share this on class to be send not later than January 26, 2012 at 12 noon.

1. State and explain one responsibility of a Campus Journalist.

2. Define Campus Journalism in your own point of view.

3. Why do Campus Journalists need to be responsible in their writings?

4. Do you believe in the saying “Pen is mightier than sword?” Explain.

5. In your own opinion, why do journalists need to stand for the sake of justice and truth despite personal threats?

ASSIGNMENT:
Make a reaction paper about the Maguindanao Massacre with a minimum of 500 words. Submit it not later than January 27, 2012 at 12 noon.

NOTE: Make an advance reading on News Writing. For your advance assignment, collect three (3) new articles of hottest news for 2011 and 2012 worldwide.

SEE YOU IN OUR NEXT LESSON! (

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