As we’ve discussed during the blog, journalists are expected to multi task in the way the obtain and produce content for different types of media. But does this mean that ethical standards are being affected by the increased for demand of content and the ability to learn about technological advances?
Both BBC Somerset’s Journalist and the CNN Reporter have commented on the lack of time they have. The issue of checking sources and even proof reading your own work are things that may be placed to the side if journalist’s responsibilities increase. This could cast a dark cloud over the profession, if several cases do get highlighted.
Although there has been few current examples, we are at the beginning of this new world in which we will (hopefully) be working in – a media world, that previous journalists have not worked in. I think ethics and regulations should still be of up most importance when writing content for whatever media – otherwise our reliability and reputation is at risk, as a profession.
AUDIENCE
An interesting comment made by John Lilley today after Live @5 regarding the future of content for different audiences. The BBC and other broadcasters should be aware of different treatments for the variety of audiences. For example an internet treatment would be substantially different to a local feature of BBC Radio. This is should be kept in mind, when re-working a feature/story for different media platform.
The making of a new BBC Natural History Programme hopes to alert us of the trouble that faces many species in the world. The show will mix Steven Fry, the rare animals and an idea which started over twenty years ago. “Last Chance to See“, was originally a radio series presented by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine in 1987.
One of the mammals the series is focusing on is the white rhino, a species which is close to my heart. Since seeing the species at Longleat as a child, and then in the wild in Nakuru National Park in Kenya. The one thing I was ignorantly unaware of until visiting Nakuru was the difference between the two subspecies – southern white rhino and northern white rhino.
Southern white rhino at Nakuru National Park, Kenya.
The subspecies I saw at Longleat, in every other zoo and in Kenya was the southern white whereas the northern white is virtually extinct in the wild, and the programme highlights this. Civil up rest, poaching and general distribution in numerous unstable countries were reasons that caused the species demise. With eleven in captivity and no potential breeding, the subspecies has a very unlikely future.
So what is the answer and will the human race learn from this one example, which is by no means an exception in the natural world? Should we collect and breed endangered species? Big fauna are appearing less and less in zoos and wildlife parks, because of their behavioural needs and the ethical issues surrounding suitable conditions. This includes diet, migration, substrate or housing – all are issues which are pushing large animals from our zoos. All of which I totally agree with.
Conservation in-situ (remaining in native countries) allows the best conservation, but as seen with the northern white rhino, it’s not always practical or suitable. As our world’s population heads towards seven million, the amount of land remaining for other species is limited and our political, social and economical wars will inevitably push many other species towards extinction.
A dog from Devon has been taught basic commands through sign language. It is hoped it will make Zoe,the eighteen month dalmation more appealing to visitors at the RSPCA’s Little Valley Animal Shelter. A deaf collie puppy called Blue was also taught sign language commands at the same place in 2006. The commands are shown below:
Sit: put hand up to the shoulder
Lie down: hold out hand with palm pointing to floor
Zoe, the deaf dog who has learnt sign language commands [BBC]
It’s a unique example of how humans can help deaf pets, as the reverse is a more common. There are over nine million UK residents who are deaf or have limited hearing.
Dr Marshall at Auburn University in Alabama, has developed hearing aids for dogs. The only restriction is some hearing must still remain for the procedure to work. A tube is inserted in the ear canal and then the aid is placed in a collar mounted container. The cost of such a procedure (minus the surgery) is between $20-25,000! Smaller breeds have been found to tolerate the device more than larger dogs. I doubt it looks very aesthetically pleasing, but then is this even an issue if it improves the quality of life for the animal?
On the other paw, research has shown deaf dogs and cats do not seem to be majorly affected by the loss of the sense. Perhaps the more ethical, realistic and cost effective option is sign-language for dogs?
ADDI Concepts have designed jackets to help save two of the worlds most endangered species. Bullet proof jackets have been created for the scarce Bengal tiger whose population has decreased 95% in the past century.
Although the concept in theory is slightly hilarious, the company can not really be expecting to find an NGO or country interested in taking forward the idea?! Firstly, how would they hunt successfully with a jacket that would weigh the animal down and reduce its camouflage ability?
The other species that a jacket has been made for is the polar bear. I find it utterly rediculous that the life vest is orange – wouldn’t white be slightly more subtle?! Also the amount of body area the vest would cover will certainly affect the amount of sunlight that is transmitted via hair to their black skin – potentially killing them before global warming does!
Well, I doubt our children will be watching polar bears with illuminous vests or tigers with bullet proof jackets. If this does become reality, just imagine having a 220kg tiger running towards you, as you’re using all your bullets to try and kill it – it might help make the battle slightly more even!
Describing their music as Upper West Side Soweto (what is it? – Wikipedia doesn’t even know!) Vampire Weekend are a four piece band from New York. The song ‘A-Punk’ is THE song that signifies my first few months in Falmouth. The song has accompanied me during many occasions in Cornwall, from the morning shower to surfing in Porthtowan, a trip to ASDA and shopping in Truro.
As African popular music influences their style, the song allows you to drift back in time, to summer when the days were long, hot and sunny. In the case of the UK this was a very long time ago, but nevertheless the mix of instruments and random lyrics keeps you fixated. What a bonus – you even get to shout oh oh oh and hey hey hey, how can you not like a bit of repetition?
As you can tell I’m slightly obsessed by this song, but I think my reasons are justified and something that will make all you bloggers satisfied – Vampire Weekend gained a record deal through a variety of blogs!
As Obama prepares to follow in the footsteps of forty three other presidents an increasingly important issue has to be tackled. Bush continued to reject environmental issues throughout his presidency. In 2005 at the G8 summit, he rejected the G8 deal which would help to tackle Climate Change.
Bush campaigned to curb carbon emissions before coming into power and then in my opinion did very little to minimise the USAs’ output. After not joining the proposals to curb climate change in 2005, he did say ’the US was investing in clean energy techniques!’ – and they definitely need them! The USA is the main carbon dioxide polluter in the world!
Climate change has helped the continuing decline in many global species from the amphibians to Emperor penguins who have declined by 50% in the past 50 years. Obama can’t allow the USA to be selfish and push the rest of the world into many natural disasters - can he?
Obama has been campaigning for new energy options, which in turn will help curve unemployment, this also includes eventually switching to biofuels. Ways to prevent air and water pollution are both of high priority in his agenda. Obama is also supporting the protection of National Parks and The Great Lakes and plans to strengthen laws against animal fighting. All positive one would think.
It all sounds good and it would appear the USA are finally pulling their finger out, but in reality will Obama stick by his words? Also, is a long term effect like global warming really going to be important when there is global recession and two wars in progress. We can hope.
Posted by Chris Ellis 
