Annotated Bibliography

This annotated bibliography hopes to analyse and critically evaluate the academic and media news sources referenced below. The scope of the content, and in turn, the credibility of such content will be explored in terms of the authors, the medium in which it has been presented, and how each compares when contrasted. It is beneficial to note, that the media sources will be loosely tied in with the concept of fair journalism and how they fair in regard to the 'journalistic code."

Altmeppen, K.D., Arnold,L., & Kossler,T. (2012). Are the Media Capable of Fair Reporting?  Remarks on the Principle of Fairness in Professional Journalism. In Justice and Conflicts, 6 (1), 329-343.

This book chapter is dedicated to discussing the role that fairness, and in turn, unfairness, plays in journalism. The authors, Altmeppen, Arnold and Kossler, German academics working in journalism and communication institutions, stress that fairness cannot be attained in journalism without a degree of unfairness. They reason that, while it is the duty of a journalist to uncover and report breaking news and scandals to the public,they must also be fair to the public and their sources. The main arguments stem from this claim, one of which is journalisms need to constrain, and conversely, its need to weigh this constraint with the public’s thirst for information. In doing so they emphatically suggest that media are how people form their ‘own’ opinions. Much of the authors work is supplemented by acclaimed theorists; the text is littered with in-text citations, indicating the spread of like-minded scholars, and therefore suggests that their chapter is of substance within the academic community. The notion that journalistic objectivity is second to opinion, and that journalists have a duty to social responsibility, is not detractingly verbose. The principles of fairness in professional journalism are represented in an appropriate, and fair manner, the overall notion that journalism must be factual, despite the journalistic ‘code’ not easily allowing for this fairness, is represented clearly.

Ainsworth,M. (Producer). (2012, May 23). 7.30 [Television Broadcast]. Sydney, NSW: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The ABC’s 7.30 report offers a well-rounded perspective of the recent events surrounding Schapelle Corby’s sentence and Indonesia’s grant of clemency. By airing on public media, the report has not been constrained as rigidly as perhaps commercial media – meaning the truth and hard facts have not been ‘edited’ for fear of serious government intervention. In saying this, freedom may make room for unruly reporting. To begin, presenter Chris Uhlmann floridly recaps Corby’s ideal: “Four kilos of marijuana, a boogie board and Bali: the combination added up to 20 years in jail for convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby.” (Uhlmann,2012) Uhlmann then proceeds to veer off the Corby case, and onto discussing whether her clemency was a political ploy between the two governments in return for the release of Indonesian prisoners in detention centres. In fairness, they have consulted Tim Lindsay, founder of the Australian Journal of Asian Law, and chairman of the Australia-Indonesian Institute, assuring his reputable credibility. Stressing that the clemency is not a judicial decision, but instead a presidential decision, he refrains from bold claims instead stating “My point is just this…” (Lindsay, 2012). Tracey Bowden, 12 year foreign correspondent for the ABC, stretches this to mean that it is clearly a political ploy, detracting from a certain journalistic duty to provide the facts, and not only making it unfair on Lindsay, but on the viewers, by trying to sway opinion, which the medium does effectively. Compared with radio and newspaper articles by Tony Eastely and Michael Bachelard respectively, this report offers the most appropriate sources and details of events.

 Bachelard,M. (2012, May 23). Backlash in Indonesia against Corby clemency. The Brisbane Times. Retrieved from http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/backlash-in-indonesia-against-corby-clemency-20120523-1z4kz.html

Michael Bachelard, Indonesian correspondent and investigative journalist approaches this Brisbane Times piece in a one sided manner, in some ways accusing the Indonesian government of bowing down to the Australian government. The localised newspaper, while edited and no doubt influenced by media ownership, lacks the need for stringently corrected material as compared with the 7.30 report- aired nationally. Bachelard, who is largely determined to ensure his view prevails, milks this as he proceeds to denounce any opposing claims to Corby’s right to freedom, selecting quotes that urge the Indonesians government to be steadfast in their decision and not grant special treatment to foreigners, being sure to note that Indonesia is inconsistent. In terms of fair and just journalism, it is as though Bachelard is digging for trouble in mentioning Bob Carr’s denial of the political ploy, and then refuting it. This cannot be justified as fair journalism, even with the representation of all parties’ opinions. Bachelards pseudo-critical and opinions permeate into and are disguised by the medium of print.

Eastley,T. (Host). (2012, May 23). AM. [Radio Broadcast]. Sydney. NSW: ABC Radio National. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3508774.htm

Tony Eastley, 7 year host of ABC’s radio show AM, and former foreign correspondent, is no stranger to foreign affairs, making him quite credible in terms of knowledge, not only in international affairs, but about the way in which journalism works. The program focuses on the Indonesian governments involvement in the plea, what measures they have taken and how and why it has played out. Talkback radio, despite the ABC’s prestige, veers into the realm of informal, in some circumstances, it is not scripted, and if it is, loosely so. Essentially this means opinions permeate through the undertones in Eastley’s voice, exasperatingly introducing Corby as an “Australian Drug Smuggler” with no reference to her plea of not-guilty, opposed to 7.30, who carefully chose “convicted.” In addition, Eastleys stance on the issue is evident, “When are we likely to see Schapelle Corby walking out of prison?”(Eastley,2012), and likely to be misconstrued. The radio broadcast invites Matt Brown, Indonesian, and former war correspondent in the Middle East, to answer the pressing questions in his own opinion. This prevents false information, and provides a critical point of view. As the program continues, Eastley probes Brown, as he tries to uncover what he knows about the Presidents ulterior motives and the suspicious Supreme Court ruling of mental illness - something that is questioned.