BRICK –– Questions on the media’s accuracy, fairness and story selection methods were debated by the public and moderators in the discussion "News Media and Society: How to Restore Public Trust." The discussion was part of a National Issues Forum series held at the Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library, Chambers Bridge Road, on Saturday.
About 20 members of the public gathered for a video and discussion on the implications of news media in today’s world, and the possible reasons and outcomes for the disintegrating levels of trust between the public and the media. The discussion was led by three trained moderators who presented three broad approaches to a particular issue.
Participants in Saturday’s discussion filled the conference room with opinions and personal experiences of how media coverage has become a major presence in their lives. The discussion heated up as moderators discussed three approaches to restoring public trust in the media.
One approach included strengthening journalists’ conduct by requiring a license for journalists, similar to licensing attorneys or teachers. The second approach asked for an opening of the marketplace, allowing more individual entities, rather than a handful of large corporations, to own media outlets. Approach number three asked citizens to take an active stance on what the media decides to cover.
A common theme mentioned was how news has moved away from the standard of simple, fact-based reporting. And according to those who attended, this shift has not been for the better.
Particularly in breaking news or high-profile cases like the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, news media may send out misinformation in a rush to get viewer attention, Brick resident Nancy Coll said. A lack of monitoring of journalists’ behavior, Coll said, leads to unethical behavior, where the public is not presented with the whole facts of a story.
Other themes or concerns common to group members included the possibility of true objectivity in news coverage and the debate over who should set standards in journalism. Others raised the issue of whether it was society’s desire or the news media’s need for ratings that puts emphasis on scandal and entertainment stories, which fill increasing segments of news broadcasts.
Despite the group’s realization of the far-reaching effects news media have on shaping an individuals views, many believed in the power and advantages of expressing opinions or concerns by writing to local media outlets, as in letters to the editor.
"I believe everything starts with one person," Lakewood resident Yvette Beron said.
Beron said writing to media outlets can give an individual a feeling of empowerment or a sense that they have some control in the news.
Many in Saturday’s group feared that an ultimate resolution was out of reach and that the points brought up in discussion would not go beyond the conference room. Others, such as Coll, came to a different conclusion of the impact of the discussion. If people come away with just a little resolve or awareness, she said, then something has been accomplished.
Valerie Bell, supervising librarian and coordinator of Brick Branch services, said people continue to talk about the issues after leaving, either online or in groups. Bell said she and other librarians were pleased with the large turnout for Saturday’s discussion.
"We are trying to do it on a regular basis," Bell said of the continuing series.
Saturday’s discussion was the fourth such discussion on media and society in the various branches of Ocean County libraries. Starting in September, the Ocean County Library will feature a discussion focusing on easing racial and ethnic tensions, as a continuation of the National Issues Forum. The discussion will be held at the Brick Branch on Sept. 13 starting at 10 a.m.
To register or for more information on upcoming discussions, call (732) 477-4513.