No Verdict on Proposition 8

After reading several articles about the Supreme Court hearings on Proposition 8, a decision has yet to be made. The Court still has to rule whether the issue of Proposition 8 should be held in the Supreme Court or if it should be decided by the District Courts. If Proposition 8 is found to be decided by any of the lower courts, then the District Courts ruling rejecting Proposition 8 will be in effect. 

From the actions and discussions in the courtroom many people believe the four, more liberal Justices don’t believe Proposition 8 is constitutional and the four more conservative Justices don’t want to overturn Proposition 8. Justice Anthony Kennedy and Chief Justice John Roberts who will decide whether Proposition 8 will be considered constitutional. Most people believe Justice Anthony Kennedy will be the deciding vote in the case because in two previous significant same-sex cases he was the deciding vote. Many gay rights activists are hoping Justice Anthony Kennedy will vote in favor of equality. If Chief Justice John Roberts votes in favor of equality, this would be a very significant win for gay rights activists. 

The decision stemming from the Supreme Court will have a major impact across the United States. Currently there are nine states allowing same-sex marriage, representing sixteen per cent of the American population. California is one of the most populated areas in America representing twelve per cent of the American population. If California allows same-sex marriage the amount of people able marry their significant other would be almost doubled. The decision in California might influence the decisions made in other states that are on the verge of allowing same-sex marriage. The decision in California will impact the future of same-sex marriage rights. 

The Supreme Court has been known to take their time with major decisions. Currently, many journalists are analysing the arguments made in the oral cases and the reactions by the Justices. We are unsure whether the Supreme Court’s final decision will be in favor of same-sex marriage, against marriage equality and in favor of Proposition 8, or if the Justices will decide this case is an issue to be dealt with by the lower courts. There is much speculation as to the outcome of this landmark case, but this decision will take time because of the repercussions of the decision. 

1. http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2012/07/john-roberts-supreme-court-gay-marriage-cases.html
2. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathaniel-frank/can-you-oppose-gay-marria_b_2973816.html

Agenda Setting in Journalism

This week in tutorial we discussed agenda setting in journalism.The way the media can influence which topics the public focuses on is very interesting. The angle of a story depends on the agenda set by the media.

Since I am from the United States I found it interesting the way the media in Australia portrays Aboriginals. Previously I have heard negative stories of Aboriginals from Australians. After learning the way the media negatively portrays stories about Aboriginals, I understand the power of the media’s agenda. 

Currently I am taking Australia People: An Introduction to Social Science, and I have learnt about the history of Aboriginals. There have been many guest speakers in our class discussing the hardships of being Aboriginal, and the media is only perpetuating stereotypes. As a journalist it is important to understand how powerful your agenda is and the impact your agenda will have on the opinions of the public. 

In all forms of media there is an agenda set. For example, in tutorial we spoke about the ways American movies set an agenda. As an American, I never realised there was an agenda set. After hearing examples from fellow classmates of movies which have an agenda, such as Saving Private Ryan, I can now see the agenda. Yesterday I watched a few American movies and I could see the agenda set in the different movies. 

There are people that form their opinion by the agenda set in movies and other media outlets. It is dangerous for some members of the public to form their opinions based on a media product with an agenda. The best way to form an opinion is by using various media outlets and exploring both sides of the issue and to make a decision based on the information you have researched.

I am very interested in learning about the ways the media sets the agenda in order to benefit their own interests. Agenda setting occurs in the United States with many social issues including same-sex rights, abortion, health care, the financial deficit, gun laws, and many other controversial topics. I used to believe that journalists were supposed to be incredibly objective and agenda setting tactics were used by public relations professionals. I am surprised to learn and be able to recognise agenda setting tactics used by journalists. Maybe one of the issues with journalism today is the lack of objective news stories. 

Brown Fights For Proposition 8

On March 26, 2013 the Supreme Court in the United States will hold a hearing considering whether to overturn or possibly declare Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Religious organisations, like the National Organisation for Marriage, are determined to keep Proposition 8. Brian Brown, the president of the National Organisation for Marriage  is a driving force in keeping Proposition 8. Brown is scheduled to speak at the Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday.

In 2008, Proposition 8 was passed in California. Proposition 8 defines marriage as between only a man and a woman. If Proposition 8 is overturned or considered unconstitutional it would be a great victory for gay rights advocates. The Obama administration declared their support for marriage equality, and urged the Supreme Court to overturn Proposition 8. 

After Proposition 8 passed, those who disagreed with the Proposition filed suit. Their cases were taken to the lower courts and the Ninth Circuit Courts and traditional marriage advocates lost in both courts. Then traditional marriage supporters took the case to the Supreme Court. Considering the outcomes of the two lower courts gay rights advocates hope Proposition 8 will be overturned and deemed unconstitutional. 

 Brown has raised millions of dollars from religious conservatives and has become the leading opponent of same-sex marriage. The National Organisation for Marriage played a large role in the passing of Proposition 8 and in working in numerous other states to ensure marriage continues to be defined as between a man and a woman. 

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court justices will hear oral arguments by Brown, even though the majority of polls show Americans disagree with his beliefs. Brown claims the passing of same-sex marriage will hurt children. Brown believes if the Republican Party supports same-sex marriage and abandons traditional values then there is no Republic Party. 

Brown is convinced the Republic Party will win the hearing by the Supreme Court. Brown believes gay rights advocates are making a huge mistake by challenging Proposition 8. Conservative Christian groups support Brown’s ideas and actions. Brown believes civilisation is dependent on marriage. Gay rights advocates view Brown as one of their biggest enemies because of his large influence. 

The Supreme Court hearing of Proposition 8 raises the question: is there a constitutional right to define marriage? The outcome of the Supreme Court decision will have lasting effects on the issue of same-sex marriage. 

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/23/us/politics/brian-brown-fights-same-sex-marriage-with-zeal-and-strategy.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes
2. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/15/brian-brown-cpac-prop-8_n_2883706.html

The Importance of News Values

During lecture this week we discussed the role of journalism and news values. Journalists need to know their role in society to fulfil their duties. To be an established journalist one needs to understand and complete their roles. According to Stephen Lamble there are five roles of journalism: journalists must report on all events and reflect all that is occurring in society, scrutinise individuals and institutions to find the truth, journalists must give a voice to people who aren’t often heard, journalists and the news media should protect and promote democracy, and journalists have a duty to keep people informed on events occurring in every part of the world (Lamble 35).

The roles Lamble has outlined will keep journalists focused on their main tasks. To maintain the integrity of journalism it is important to follow the five roles in journalism. I have heard many people speak about a decline in journalistic ability in the United States and one possibility might be that journalists lost sight of their main roles. It is important for a journalist to keep their roles in mind while finding and reporting on a story.

Journalists need to understand which stories to report on which can be based on news values. There can be more than one news value for each story. News values help to distinguish which stories are important and is a way to categorise which news stories are the most newsworthy. Journalists can use news values as a guide for finding an interesting story. 

News values change through time and space. In tutorial we learnt that a news story in a different country will structure stories differently based on their news values. For instance, we looked at a story from a country with a high amount of corruption, therefore the story began telling the readers the assailant had not been charged or arrested. In a different country with less corruption, the news values would be different and people would be more interested in the attack of the journalist. I never realised that news values would be very different based on location and culture. 

During tutorial I enjoyed finding the news values in different stories. I was interested in hearing the news values fellow classmates chose for each story. There were some differences in the news values for the story regarding Kate Middleton’s pregnancy. For instance, I said a news value was drama while another classmate said the news value was good news. People will see different news values based on their personal opinions. After this week’s lecture and tutorial I will read news stories and try to find which news values are associated with the story. 

1. Lamble, Stephen. News As It Happens: An Introduction to Journalism. South Melbourne, Vic.:    Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.

The Power of Constructive Criticism

In last week’s tutorial we were given an assignment to write a fairy tale as a news story. I was very keen to start my assignment. I had a hard time choosing which fairy tale to depict as a news story. I decided between Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood. Ultimately I chose Little Red Riding Hood because the plot of Sleeping Beauty became very complex. I figured out the angle of my news story for Little Red Riding Hood first and as a child I really enjoyed this story. 

Today, during tutorial everyone in my class brought in their fairy tale news story. There were some really great angles people took with their story’s. One classmate, Rachel, chose Hansel and Gretel. In her story she used very descriptive words. Another classmate chose The Wizard of Oz, his story was incredibly witty. After listening to my fellow classmates stories I was inspired to become a better writer. I realised the faults in my writing. I need to use more descriptive words. I can’t be afraid to go outside of my comfort zone and try to write a witty satirical story. 

In previous classes at my university at home I have presented my work for constructive criticism, but I rarely find this activity useful. During my journalism class today I found the constructive criticism I received to be very useful. I really enjoyed hearing feedback from other students. I want to become a strong writer and hearing other students writing styles was really helpful. 

This week’s tutorial was very helpful because I was able to see the writing styles of my classmates and learn from their writing skills. Also, I was able to receive useful feedback from my professor, Marie. I took a journalism class at my university at home, but being in a different country changes the rules. One of my weaknesses of writing in Australia is the different spelling of words. I will need to constantly be aware of my spelling. Hopefully my classmates and Marie will be able to help me. 

In my journalism class at home we didn’t share our stories and give each other feedback. I really enjoyed this exercise because I feel everyone in the class benefits from listening to criticism of their work and other people’s stories. I am really looking forward for more exercises during tutorials. This assignment was one of the best journalism assignments I have received thus far. 

Woodcutter Slays Wolf Becoming a Village Hero

On Monday March 11,2013 a local woodcutter heard screams from the forest and quickly ran to the scene. The woodcutter saw a wolf close to devouring a young girl, Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother.The woodcutter killed the wolf with an axe and saved the two victims.

On an exclusive interview with The Australian, Little Red Riding Hood describes her account of the wolf attack. Little Red Riding Hood said she was walking through the forest on her way to her grandmother’s house. She heard rustling in the bushes and shrubs as she walked. The wolf approached her in the forest and Little Red Riding Hood told him she was going to her grandmother’s house.

Little Red Riding Hood, arrived at her grandmother’s house, she notices many differences in her grandmother’s appearance including her eyes, mouth, hands and voice. The wolf hid her grandmother in the closet in an attempt to eat Little Red Riding Hood and later eat her grandmother. Luckily, for Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother the woodcutter heard their screams and was able to rescue the two victims. 

Police are releasing a forest safety plan later this week. The initiative is to better protect citizens against future wolf attacks. Citizens will have a better understanding of the necessary steps to take if they encounter a wolf. 

Should Big Sugary Drinks Be Banned in New York City?

Last May, Mayor Bloomberg of New York City proposed a portion control regulation on 16-ounce sugary drinks that would take into effect on March 12, 2013. On Monday, March 11, 2013 a Manhattan Supreme Court judge, Milton Tingling, halted the new regulation on sugary drinks. Mayor Bloomberg has called for an appeal, because he believes the ban is necessary for the health of New Yorkers.

The judge ruled the regulation was arbitrary because it didn’t apply to all food establishments in the City. There are numerous loopholes in the regulation. For instance, the regulation doesn’t account for refills. The new regulation might have unforeseen consequences. For instance, a person who usually buys at 16-ounce soda will have to buy a smaller 12-ounce cup and they might have to refill their cup which would increase their sugar intake. 

The regulation was halted the day before it was scheduled to take effect and restaurants were prepared for the ban. The ban was largely unpopular with small businesses. Many businesses would have lost money because they would have to reprint their menus. Businesses would not be able to sell their 20-ounce bottles of soda, costing them money to restock with smaller bottle sizes. 

 New Yorkers are outraged by the ban on sugary drinks. Some are genuinely upset about the ban on 16-ounce cups. Others are upset that Mayor Bloomberg is will to ban large sugary drinks but isn’t able to tackle the gun control problem. There are bigger problems facing the United States such as gun control and the financial deficit.

Portion control on sugary drinks is only covering up the root problem of obesity. Instead of Mayor Bloomberg trying to control our sugar intake, perhaps he should be more interested in the food people are consuming in America. There are over 250 McDonald’s restaurants in New York City alone. Maybe Mayor Bloomberg should be more concerned with eliminating the availability of fast food chains or implementing healthier foods in restaurants throughout the City.

Ultimately, the consumer chooses the food they will put into their body. A regulation or a ban on certain portions, foods, or sugary drinks won’t stop people from buying from other retailers in large quantities. People are able to make their own decisions and they will have to deal with the consequences of their actions. 


1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/11/nyregion/as-some-prepare-for-bloombergs-large-sugary-drink-ban-others-vow-defiance.html?_r=0

2. http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/03/11/last-day-for-new-yorkers-to-buy-super-sized-sugary-drinks-in-nyc/

Pass the Horse Meat, Please

In the United States the Obama administration has processed a horse-slaughter inspection application. The inspection for horse slaughtering will occur at a New Mexico facility. The application may be approved if the inspection results show that slaughtering horses for meat is humane and poses no health risk. Valley Meat Company LLC might become the first facility in the United States, since 2007, to slaughter horses for human consumption. 

On February 15, 2013 a scandal in Europe was revealed concerning the meat industry. Various meat suppliers in Europe were selling horse meat in products labelled 100% beef. The beef products contained up to 100% horse meat. Countries affected by the scandal include Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom. Investigation is still underway as to the number of European meat distributors selling beef containing horse meat. 

Consumers were shocked to find their beef contained horse meat and were appalled by the widespread distribution of contaminated meat. European consumers of meat products have responded to the scandal by buying less meat and choosing vegetarian lifestyles.  Meat consumers in Europe are distrusting of the meat industry, therefore choosing to stop their meat consumption. 

The consumption of horse meat is associated to health risks. Horses are often distributed numerous drugs which are illegal for human consumption. People in Europe who ate the horse meat may have health complications if the meat contained multiple illegal drugs. There are inspections underway to determine which drugs the horse meat contained. 

Animal rights activists are outraged by the scandal in Europe and the announcement by the Obama administration. There are currently no systems in the United States set up to track the medications distributed to horses. If the application passes, there is no way to ensure horse meat is safe for human consumption.

After this scandal was revealed the Obama administration has decided to inspect a horse slaughter house in New Mexico. The slaughter of horses for human consumption may be a result of the inspection. The Obama administration didn’t mention the scandal in Europe while they announced their moves towards possibly slaughtering horses for human consumption. 

These actions by the Obama administration raises some questions: Why is this topic being discussed so closely after the European scandal was revealed? Why start slaughtering horses for the first time in 5 years? Is there a possibility this scandal is more widespread than Europe? Are United States producers using horse meat in meat products too? 

1. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/10/world/europe/uk-horsemeat-probe
2. http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do;jsessionid=302A2269491BB773B68E135F843DE305?pageId=5531&catId=8

The Consolidation of Media Across the World

After reading and discussing commercial and public media in Australia I have noticed many similarities to the structure of commercial and public media in the United States. Commercial media in both the United States and Australia are very powerful because of the rise in media consolidation. Media consolidation is when media corporations own numerous media companies throughout various media channels, and expand their growth by buying more media companies. These powerful media corporations are also referred to as media conglomerates and includes News Limited in Australia and The Walt Disney Company in the United States. 

Overtime, there has been a steady increase in media consolidation. Media consolidation is a major issue in the media industry because every type of medium, every person working in the media industry, and consumers of the media are effected by media consolidation. Independent media companies are struggling to compete with media conglomerates. In the United States and Australia the consolidation of the media and the lack of independent media companies means that only a few firms are controlling the information provided to the public. Media consolidation might lead to a decrease in content diversity or media companies might have a bias view. Many people might argue that News Limited is bias. Since there aren’t more companies controlling the media, News Limited can afford to be bias. 

From my experience talking with the local people in Australia, people seem to be very aware of media consolidation. Most people I have talked to in United States don’t realise there are only five major media conglomerates because there are various media companies owned by a single conglomerate.

 In our tutorial we were asked to find articles on an Australian commercial media site which was an example of the sensationalism in commercial media. Since I am not from Australia I had a hard time finding commercial news sites which would have numerous sensational stories. I enjoyed learning about Australian news sites and finding sensational stories. American commercial news sites might have been easier for me to navigate because I am more familiar with their format. 

The consolidation of the media is a major issue in the United States and Australia. In lecture a fellow student said that if you get fired by one media conglomerate in Australia you will have a hard time finding another job in Australia. In Australia media conglomerates are incredibly powerful and you might have to move to a different country to start your career. I am greatly looking forward to learning more about Australian media and making connections to media in the United States. 

The European Union Bans Animal Testing For Cosmetics

The European Union has taken the lead in protecting animal rights when they announced after March 11, 2013 the use of animal testing for any cosmetics or toiletries sold in Europe will be forbidden. The ban includes any goods outsourced for production and distribution in Europe. Any country wanting to sell cosmetics or toiletries in Europe will have to abandon animal testing practises. 

The ban will have major effects on cosmetic companies located in Europe and countries selling their cosmetic products in Europe. Cosmetic companies currently testing on animals will have to employ different ways to test their products. Companies may need to reformulate their products to contain organic or natural ingredients instead of using experimental chemicals that would usually be tested on animals. The consumer may benefit by the use of organic and natural ingredients in cosmetics rather than the use of chemicals. 

The European Union’s announcement encouraged Shiseido, a Japanese cosmetic company, to end their use of animal testing. The European Union’s ban will have a major impact throughout Europe and overseas. Many internationally popular cosmetic brands are of European origin, therefore people overseas will begin purchasing cruelty free cosmetics. The European Union’s ban might encourage overseas cosmetic companies to abandon animal testing practises in order to sell their cosmetics in Europe.

Other countries, such as Israel, have proved that bans on animal testing can be successful. In 2007, the Israeli government banned the use of animal testing on cosmetic and household products within the country. In January of 2013, Israel has disallowed cosmetics, toiletries, and household cleaning products tested on animals from crossing the border.

In some countries, such as China there are laws requiring the use of animal testing of cosmetics. Hopefully with the ban of animal testing in Europe and Israel, China will be encouraged to no longer require the use of animal testing or even ban the use of animal testing. Many cruelty free companies, including Urban Decay refused to sell their products in China because they are required to test their cosmetics on animals. 

Hopefully the animal testing ban by the European Union will encourage other countries such as the United States and Australia to ban animal testing. The European Union’s ban is a major victory for animal rights activists across the world. The ban brings hope to animal rights activists that one day animal testing will be outlawed in every country. 

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/11/business/global/eu-to-ban-cosmetics-with-animal-tested-ingredients.html

University Life Down Under

After leaving home in the United States for the first time and travelling half way around the world to Australia, the past three weeks have been overwhelming. I started my journey in Sydney where I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visited the Opera House, visited Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary, and learnt how to surf. There was never a dull moment in the four days I spent in Sydney. The change in setting from Sydney to Townsville was refreshing. I was excited to experience Northern Queensland, but the reality of starting University life was daunting. 

There are numerous differences between James Cook University and the University I attend at home, Quinnipiac University. James Cook University has double the amount of students and the campus is at least three times bigger than my university at home. Assimilating to all aspects of being an exchange student including: University life, housing, courses, and cultural differences has been challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. Australia is an amazing country and I intend to learn inside as well as outside the classroom. 

Last week I started classes and the structure of the classes vary greatly from Quinnipiac University. At James Cook University, I have a two hour lecture and a one hour tutorial for each class. Tutorials are for class discussions and interactive learning, at Quinnipiac University all the classes are discussion based and I have class for a total of two and a half hours a week. The class structure at James Cook University has been the hardest adjustment.

 From the four classes I am enrolled in, JN1001: The Journalist and Society is the most structurally similar to my classes at home. The first lecture was interactive, we interviewed a fellow classmate and wrote a short story about them. Journalism in the United States and in Australia have some similarities and differences. In the United States I was taught to use the Associated Press Stylebook while writing journalism pieces, but in Australia the MLA format is used. There are a few words spelt differently in Australia than in the United States. In Australia there is social media, such as twitter and blogger involved in my journalism class and in the United States I only wrote journalism stories. The interviewing techniques and the goals of journalists are similar in Australia and the United States. 

I am excited to compare and contrast the journalism class I’m taking in Australia and the journalism class I took in the United States. I look forward to writing journalism stories, interviewing people, and learning about Australia media.