Question
The Assignment: You will find and read a media text about “data is really important now. people are giving up privacy for convenience. now with the pandemic are people allowing their data to be used to track the during quarantine?” So about data information online and surveillance with apps.
You will create an analysis of the text detailing how many sources the author cites and listing any statements that seem like the author’s opinion. To learn more about the process of journalism you will reach out to the author and try to schedule an interview via skype or phone. If the author is unable, then an email interview can be substituted. The questions you should ask the author are as follows: (But feel free to generate your own)
How did you gather your sources?
How do you vet sources that want to remain anonymous?
Who reviews your story before publication?
How are your stories selected?
How do you handle the feedback you get on-line?
How long have you been a journalist/reporter?
What are the most challenging kinds of stories to write?
What did you wish you knew about journalism/working in the media before you started?
You will then turn your research and interview into a 500-600 word article for the Digital Citizen magazine.
Here is a basic outline of the article:
1. narrative hook – a humanizing aspect of the story
2. define the crisis or conflict
3. interview – what’s being done?
4. summary and follow up on a narrative hook
5. how to get involved
6. Sign off
Be sure to keep all of your references and resources. You must have a bibliography on your web version of this article.
Solution
a Feature Article – How Journalism Works (Magazine layout)
Technology companies and app developers are spearheading the fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19). Three journalists, Paul Lewis, David Conn, and David Pegg, wrote an article about the use of technology in the UK in the war against the epidemic, titled “UK government using confidential patient data in coronavirus response”. Although the journalists appear to use their article, the journalists cite a credible source of information within their feature article.
The journalist wrote the article in the wake of the Covid-19 epidemic that has affected the entire world. The effort to address the epidemic has led to the collection and use of massive personal data. Paul Lewis, David Conn, and David Pegg reveal the use of the “Covid-19 datastore in the United Kingdom, which they are using to process large volumes of confidential patient information.
I interviewed one of the authors, who revealed how and from where they collected their information to write the article. The journalist indicated that they collected their information from credible sources, such as the documentary evidence from health care organizations and other government agencies involved in the collection of the personal data to report issues related to the epidemic. However, considering the sensitive nature of the epidemic, journalists use pseudo to hide the identity of the sources that would not want to be identified. However, they compare information from anonymous sources with other sources, such as hospital resources, as a way of vetting the sources. The interviewee indicated that their work undergoes a review process by the company’s editor before publication. Editors also select stories depending on their value to the audience. For example, articles relating to Covid-19 are more valuable to readers. They are likely to be published compared to those on other issues that are not directly associated with the epidemic. The journalist indicated that they use the feedback obtained online to improve their stories because readers are the most critical stakeholders in the media. Currently, the most challenging stories to write are those involving information collected from government agencies because they are busy addressing the crisis to give comprehensive interviews. A journalist wishes that he could know how to handle the big data before entering into the field.
Paul Lewis, David Conn, and David Pegg explored the subject of massive data available for technology companies during the current period of Covid-19. They collected reliable information from Palantir, a US big data firm, NHS documents, NHSX, and the NHS’ digital transformation branch (Lewis et al.). They also interviewed some of the people involved in the data collection process within the NHS. However, in some instances, they appeared to be giving their personal opinion, such as when speaking about the sensitivity and anonymity of data collected from patients.
The Guardian article reveals the critical role that technology companies are playing in the fight against the Covid-19 crisis it the UK and globally. Journalists provide information from credible sources about the actual process of collecting and processing patient data regardless of the need to protect privacy and confidentiality (Tylor 1278). Data security mechanisms appear to have taken a backseat in the wake of the epidemic and the demand for effective measures to fight it.
As a journalist, one can get involved in the collection of reliable information to inform readers about the current status of technology use in dealing with the Covid-19 epidemic. The media provides the opportunity for journalists to inform the world, about steps being taken by the government and other stakeholders to end the crisis. I choose to be the voice that will give the world the message that their data is necessary to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic.
Works Cited
Lewis Paul, David Conn, and David Pegg. UK government using confidential patient data in coronavirus response, The Guardian. 2020
Tylor, Julia. “An examination of how student journalists seek information and evaluate online sources during the newsgathering process.” New Media & Society 17.8 (2015): 1277-1298.