OBJECTIVITY IN JOURNALISM: A Matter of Principles

From the early days of the birth of this country, the Press was thought to be "the best instrument for the enlightenment of man," said Thomas Jefferson (Gibbs  and Warhover 17).  Since that time, Journalist have approached their work endowed with the responsibility of providing truth and accuracy to the public, often times at their own peril.

Still, "Journalists begin to realize that realism and reality - or accuracy and truth were not easily equated," and fair does not necessarily mean balanced (Kovach and Rosenthatl 39).  Still other Journalists have unwittingly printed information without verifying the source of the information.

Today, in order to be of reputable service to the public, a Journalist must add a fourth leg to their three-legged  responsibilities of storytelling, information gathering, and conversation.  They must also realize that they need to show their objectivity through following a verification process.

In addition, by explaining to the public their transparent, “watchdog" approach in gathering and printing information, it would provide some measure of security to communities in a democracy.

In order to eliminate the stigma of potential bias, the Press would do well to incorporate the "journalism of objective method," and intellectual principles of a science of reporting and thoroughly reject the journalism of assertion (Kovach and Rosenthal 89). 

Non-Traditional Students Cause Spike In College Enrollment

The faces on college and university campuses are changing these days more than ever.  School isn't just for recent high school graduates anymore as thousands return back to college campuses.  Faced with an ever changing job market and corporate downsizing, many Americans have opt to return to institutions of higher learning to facilitate career changes, or simply to enrich their lives. 

Across the country, Continuing Education programs such as the Pauline E. Drake Scholars (PEDS) at historic Spelman College, are experiencing a surge in enrollment of non-traditional students.   The program offers the opportunity for African American women 25 years and older  to continue their education and earn Bachelor degrees at their own pace. 



Alonda Turner



PEDS current president, Alonda Turner, a 2013 graduating Senior, majoring in chemistry is one of those fortunate students.  A military spouse, she successfully balances work and home life as she pursues her educational goals.  Turner states that she, like many other PEDS students, come to Spelman after delays from community college, and other life changing events.  



The same holds true for PEDS students Adrienne Scandrett and Roslyn Miller.   Scandrett, a devoted aunt, dedicated much of her time and resources into the raising of a young niece.  After much selfless sacrifice, hard work, and grueling two day testing, she was certified as a Professional Secretary and certified  as a Administrative Assistant.

For Scandrett her success at those programs was  a source of inspiration, "at that time, I made up my mind to go back to school to complete a bachelor degree" she says.  Currently, she is on track to graduate in 2014 with a degree in Psychology.



In Miller's case, after a stressful career as a Radiological Medical Transcriptionist, the Philadelphia native   reached a point when she knew that she just "couldn't do it anymore" she state emphatically.  "One day I just pushed my chair back and knew that I wanted more," she continued.  

Instead she opted for a three hundred-sixty degree turn in favor or a career that offered fun and excitement.   Miller recently packed her bags and enrolled at Spelman College as a PEDS student majoring in Drama and Dance.  “The way that I see it, it’s time for me now” she said proudly, as she walked away to catch an awaiting shuttle.

Photography and Graphics, Courtesy of Lori Moore Photography