News link of the day
Next to free speech a free and inquiring press is the very foundation of democracy and citizen freedom. The US press has failed its mandate miserably for a long time, not just since Bush came in to powre (although notably more so since then). In light of that failire it is good to see the existence of sites such as The Nieman Watchdog Journalism Project from Harvard
The goal of watchdog journalism is to see that people in power provide information the public should have.
The Nieman Watchdog Journalism Project grows from this premise and this goal: to help the press ask penetrating questions, critical questions, questions that matter, questions not yet asked about today’s news. NiemanWatchdog.org seeks to encourage more informed reporting by putting journalists in contact with authorities who can suggest appropriate, probing questions and who can serve as resources.
What sets us apart.
There are already many very good journalism Web sites. Nevertheless, we think our function at NiemanWatchdog.org – suggesting questions the press should ask – sets us apart.
The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University was founded in 1938 “to promote and elevate the standards of journalism in the United States.” For many years now the program has included international reporters and editors as well. Nieman Fellowships enrich outstanding practitioners by bringing 24 of them to Harvard University for a year of study in fields of journalistic specialty.
NiemanWatchdog.org carries this process a step further. It seeks to bring the richness of Harvard and other centers of learning to journalists around the world and to other interested groups and individuals as well.
