Accountability

I think all media, independent or conglomerate need be held accountable for their actions.  Be it independent student media, Democracy Now! or the Disney Corp. trying to cover things up.

I only write this because I just fired someone and now because of his actions, he's off all student media in Park.

See, coming into Newswatch and hanging out in my newsroom and doing my show while drinking isn't ok.  I've never been put in this position before.  An assistant producer can't write a show or design graphics under the influence.  So today, I had to fire someone.  I've never been so disappointed and upset in my life. 

I've seen it in another Park media group, who published something under the name of a person who didn't write it.  The person in charge doesn't want to believe it's happening.  It's sad, because good people make bad choices that lessen your outlets' credibility.

I feel that people are quick to jump the gun and attack conglomerate media about covering things up.  Where as Indys like Breitbart are defended for heavy editing by their fellow bloggers and indy outlets.  In fact, in some cases, it isn't until others point out problems that they publish corrections.  Sometimes, I feel that Indy media, like bloggers, sometimes get away with saying certain things because they aren't seen as a "real media source."

I think all media, big or small, indy or conglomerate, professional or amateur needs to be held to the same standards as a way to be held accountable for the things they say and the news they spread.

A Dedication to A Dear Friend

This doesn't have anything to do with Indy media, rather a huge supporter of everything indy related.  Kevin Michael was a staple of the basement of Park.  His larger than life personality was one that was an inspiration to all.  He was never afraid to treat his students like adults, like we were his colleagues and we were solving a problem together. The countless times he stopped my tears with a funny story or a story to put my tears into perspective made him a wonderful friend. 

Kevin Michael also appreciated Indy Media.  He helped independent projects for students any chance he got.  He saved my show more times than I can possibly count.  Kevin loved student media.  He knew how important it was.  He knew that we became better at our jobs and we would always be there because of student media.  Kevin is the reason I stayed at Park.  He also thought that everything dealing with school was stupid because classes interfere with education.

More than once he encouraged me to skip classes to go hunt down a story or dig further into a piece I was working on.  Usually after this class I'd go down on Thursday and sit and talk to him and learn so much.

Today it kills me that he won't be there and I went to his memorial and not to his office.

So Kevin, Park pushes on with out our best assest.  We miss you.