Journalism and Law Now Less Mysterious, More Respected
Anelia Dimitrova’s journalism and law class has been an exciting and informative journey. I have been exposed to the strong connection between journalism and law. Further, I now have a greater respect and understanding of the two. A new reporter starting out in the field should know that what they are doing is truly important. Providing awareness and lending objective insight into the justice system is key to living the life we lead. Without honest reporting, the public would not have access to the facts needed to base opinions and points of views. These messages are necessary to direct our society in making decisions about our lives and community around us.
From the first night of class, we dove right in. Sometimes there was talk of subjects of private concern. We listened to 911 calls, discussed who we thought was at fault for a controversial rape, contemplated whether it was acceptable practice to video people who are at their worst, and much more. Class has been interesting to say the least. Each topic was entertaining and eyeopening. There were not two nights alike one another.
My view of law enforcement, the court process, and journalism is much different than it was was before taking this class. The hands-on opportunities and onsite visits have been great learning experiences and will leave a lasting impressions. We got to witness the evening news happening live. The visit to KWWL’s building happened just before they revealed their newly remodeled space to the rest of our community. The news anchors were even asking us questions during commercial breaks. Then, after the show, we got to watch their post-air evaluation of themselves. This was as real of a behind-the-scenes experience as you can get. We had the opportunity to ask questions of the new producer, and his responses we honest and real. He shared about the reaction to news coverage of the recent suicide of a high-schooler and the phone conversations he had with the boys father.
We went to jail. While we weren’t physically looked behind bard, Anelia kept reminding us to think about the air, or lack of fresh air, we were breathing. We were to imagine what it might be like to be stuck in jail for an extended period of time. The air was stale and everything was sterile. Freedom is a beautiful thing. I hope to never be faced with jail time. I don’t wish that upon anyone. We got to know Blank Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson. We found out he is a very hard worker and real person. He is smart and down to earth. He shared his most horrible week of his career. It was unimaginable. Hearing first hand account can only be described as seeming like fiction. We also learned that many inmates are repeating in the footsteps as their parents. Incarceration is oftern generational. At times, there are three generations of the same family all locked up within the Black Hawk County Jail.
Each of us were required to ride along with a law enforcement officer. My trip with UNI Public Safety Officer Staci Davis, was not near as intense as the tour of the jail. In fact, while tours of the jail can only be done on a very limited basis, ride alongs with law enforcement officers are actually an experience open to all of the public. Disappointingly few people actually know this opportunity is available to them. Officer Davis drive me around campus, and explained that while there are sometimes very serious situations, most of her time is spent calmly observing.
Inside the classroom, we had a variety of speakers visit and share their knowledge with us. We got to know several people who work to enforce the law. Each on them seemed mysterious at first, bu we go to know them as real people. We met a judge and a magistrate, who lead an interesting life as a married couple working in the same field. We were visited by UNI chief of police who explained to us about the Clery Act and the many reporting details she has to document related to that. She also shared about how reports of crime are treated by her team.
Another are we looked closely at was freedom of speech. Of course I have heard of the topic and have seen people justify saying whatever they please because of the First Amendment, but did not know much else about this constitutional right. As it turns out, there are limitations around how far free speech can be taken. And, deciding what is allowed is certainly not black and white. The process for determining if what was said is protected by the First Amendment can be difficult. One can not just look at a situation along with what was said, a judge has to go much further and actually interpret the law.
Anelia is honest and tells each story in specific detail to help us learn. The entire legal process is one I am now more familiar with. Reading a court decision is now possible. I have a greater trust and respect for law. Anelia’s passion for journalism shows and is contagious. She’s very dedicated and talented. My perspective on capturing footage of people when they are vulnerable has changed. I used to think that it was completely awful for reporters to be in the face of people facing tough times. Now, I see the importance for telling a story and capturing history. The raw video of past events shared in class made stories come to life once again.
Through taking notes in class, I learned the importance in order to telling a story later too. Also, pulling out the best quotes can be tough yet is important. We learned about our own tendency to pass judgement on others based on hearing little information or only one side of a story. Through examples, we saw how public protest can be an outlet for free of speech. We saw how reporters can bring justice through research. The Spotlight movie was especially powerful in showing this. Anelia made us think and asked us to share our thoughts.
As a new reporter, I would suggest being sure to document everything. You never know when a piece of information can come in handy. And, sometimes the larger story might be within another you are working on. We were shown this through Anelia’s coverage of a fallen solider’s funeral. From that, another important story developed. For class, we set-up a WordPress site to store all of our work. This is a highly effective way to always have work accessible.
Another important thing for a reporter to keep in mind is that there is always a way to access information. If there is something you would like to know more about, there is a way to find it. Gather as much as you can on each topic. There are all kinds of great resources on the web for information finding. We were shown how easy it can be to find recordings of 9-1-1 calls, youtube interviews, court decisions, stories from other journalists, the layout of a home’s interior, and so much other content.
I did not expect this class to be as hands on. The learning experience that comes from meeting people in our community is much more impactful than reading about scenarios and situations. This class has been uniquely rewarding and eye-opening. People fulfilling jobs as law enforcement of within the courts and at local media stations used to seem so distant and mysterious, but the truth is, they are just regular people just like me. They are real and fulfilling an important task. To inform. To enforce. To protect. And, to bring justice.
With all of the focus lately around fake news, I see now, more than ever, how hard it must be to be a reporter. My advice to a new reporter would be to not let that discourage them. There is great responsibility of law enforcement and reporters to continue staying strong. Despite what some of our country negatively comments, journalism and law enforcement are incredibly important to our lives. The way we lives and the things we have are because of these two fields. How else would people determine what is fair? Laws exist to help decide this and protect us.
It is important for a reporter to stay objective and present the facts. The stories presented become a guide for citizens to base their decisions. People determine how they live their lives because of the information they receive from the media and the laws set forth by the court. Journalism and law are very closely related and provide the framework for opinions people hold, shaping who they are and how they act. I would have never put that connection so strongly together had I not taken this class. My appreciation for all that reporters do is now extensive. My understanding of the court process is much more complete. I am thankful for my new perspective.
Journalism & Law 