The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/23/09 Section: Opinions

Reckless reporting

Trying to exploit professors' research trips yielded an unethical news story.

As student journalists, we are hungry for stories that localize the state of our nation's economy. But a professional news organization, WSB-TV, was reckless in its attempt to inform Georgia taxpayers about what appeared to be irresponsible state spending.

The WSB-TV reporter, Justin Farmer, said the University used state funding to foot the bills for professors to take lavish trips all over the world.

The report is based on what we believe to be a blatant misunderstanding. WSB-TV's rport focused on all travel expenditures from the state, but neglected to research the sources of the funds.

Farmer cited specific professors - Stanley Fletcher, David Chu, Howard Lee, William Fitt and spent much of the segment discussing Fred Mills, a School of Music professor, and Richard Neupert, head of the film studies department.

He reported Mills and Neupert spent state funds to "to play the trumpet at concerts in Italy, Russia and Argentina" and "travel to London and France to study French film," respectively.

One problem - neither professor used University-allocated state funds for either trip. Each professor's trip was funded entirely from external sources. Perhaps Farmer would've realized this error had he contacted the professors. Farmer and his crew drove to Athens and filmed shots of campus and interviews with Dean of Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Garnett Stokes, yet made no effort to contact the professors to confirm their trips were statefunded.

Not only did the segment ridicule Mills and Neupert for their professions - areas that require traveling, but Mills, Neupert and other professors mentioned now may face decreased chances of receiving funding from donors for research in the future.

The clumsy reporting of WSB-TV reminds us of two integral aspects of journalism: verification and accountability. Although everyone makes mistakes, it is a journalist's best interest to prevent them by using all possible avenues. It is also their duty to take responsibility for those mistakes and the people they may have affected.

For this reason, The Red & Black urges WSB-TV to run a correction addressing the faulty information.

Journalism as a profession is already facing a precipitous time, and WSB-TV is not helping its industry's credibility.

- Chelsea Cook for the editorial board

Parties & politics

The editorial board decided not to endorse a particular SGA party.

Special fees, Gmail, Social Security numbers - all hot button items on campus. Student Government Association elections begin today, and your vote this week will determine what happens to these areas next year.

The editorial board met with both parties Sunday afternoon. Our observations:

Laura Ann, Brittany and Alfred of the Remix Party all walked in dressed nicely. They want availability, approachability and advocacy with office hours and outreach, particularly through a new blog. Their two main goals include a service certificate for students who work more than 300 hours in the community and a 24-hour safe ride program to run off-campus, which will be funded through an outside partner.

Katie, Cameron and Joe of the New Deal all wore suits. They handed us three packets - what the executive ticket promises to do, what they hope to do and what their senators promise to do. Their main goal is to gain control of all student activity fees, instead of just small club allocations, and allow students to determine how to best use the money.

Student safety, parking and e-mail are important to both groups, and neither can ultimately influence what the Board of Regents says about special fees. It boils down to personality and experience.

By appearance, the Remix Party is personable and relatable, and the New Deal is all business.

Simply put, the Remix Party is great for students but could be in over their heads with administrators. New Deal members have more experience with administrators and look like they have it together. But if they win, they need to carry it through, drop the jargon and remember to relate to students.

But it's your choice. Vote on OASIS now through Thursday.

- Carolyn Crist for the editorial board

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools