True Journalism

Criteria for Authentic Journalism

C…., the owner of the “U….” was upset with me for mercilessly criticizing and chewing out one of her young reporters because of an article that he wrote unjustly attacking the Catholic Church. I am sorry, but anyone who insults my mother will feel the slap of a sharp hand on his cheek. He got what he deserved.

Newspaper editors don’t seem to know what a true journalist is anymore. To begin with, a journalist is a lover, seeker and defender of truth. He is to put on paper truth and only truth. Unfortunately, the great majority of journalists are simply paid liars, like the ones that spread the false news that Jesus’ body had been robbed from the tomb. Journalists are also to make the distinction between constructive and destructive truth and speak of the first one. I do not turn the TV on channel 2, 9 or 10 from Syracuse, NY to see several expressionless, dumb, dead, robot type, baby face, blonde, china doll anchor women telling me of local rapes, grocery thefts, cocaine dealers, etc.; things of which I already know of. These are destructive truths. Why do they never show a news item dealing with someone who visited a hospital, helped a hospice, spent time with an elderly person, etc.? These are constructive truths that uplift a community and inspire people to do good and wonderful things for others.  People also expect of journalists competent and noteworthy news work. To hear a reporter talking about a dog or cat that became sick with fever and needs help is stupid and silly and shows the laziness and incompetence of the reporter in coming up with something better. Human beings slaughtered in abortion mills should be the type of themes that they should investigate and denounce. These are the extremely important truths they need to spread to all.

Finally, a news report needs to have backing, foundation, and citations and shown all sides of the issue. If I am going to attack the Catholic Church, I am going to back it up with proofs and evidence and not because I heard this from an untrustworthy biased third party (as the prejudiced and incompetent reporter of the “U….” did). I can’t believe that so many years in a journalist school could produce such a nit-wit. I will also be objective and interview the authorities and legitimate representatives of the Church and investigate her official documents to see her side of the matter. It is in this way that an honest, competent, mature and real journalist prepares and presents his material.

Father Anthony Mellace