Jodi made some good points about what separates real journalism from bad journalism;

It’s not fake news just because you don’t agree with it. That’s the understanding those of us in the media have to reach with our readership.

But the prevalence of true “fake news” – accounts created by those other than journalists producing pieces designed to feel like news – puts a higher burden on all of us.

I have often been careful to tell my readers on here whether something is a fact, or if it is a rumor that I’m looking into. I never want anyone coming here saying, “South DaCola said this, so it must be true.” I try to encourage my readers to do their own research and to ask questions of their elected leaders. Ask them if something is true or not. Don’t just make the assumption that since Schwan, the Argus or South DaCola said it, it may be true or untrue.

I think I’m a little different than those ‘news’ sources, because I ask my readers to look for the real story. You may NOT agree with my editorial style or political philosophies, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeking the truth. The ‘News’ is only as good as the quality of information supplied to the reporters. That is why MORE open government and transparency only improves the quality of the news we receive. It’s easy to say something is ‘fake’ when we are not getting all the facts. Former Mayor Coors Light & Olives used blather all the time on various media sources that blogs or the Argus were ‘getting it wrong’. Well how would we know since your administration would never provide us with all the facts. This is why the Argus took the city to the SD Supreme Court over the siding settlement. What did we find out? We found out that the administration was lying about the settlement amount. This is why I tell people if you don’t trust me or another media source, look into yourself.

The only person responsible for spreading ‘fake news’ is yourself if you don’t bother to look deeper. This part-time blogger can only do so much.

3 Thoughts on “Schwan’s weekly column about integrity in journalism and ‘Fake News’

  1. Good thoughts and posting, sir!

  2. i12doit on July 4, 2018 at 6:40 am said:

    There are those who can’t differentiate the true from the false. They are insane. Then, there are those who refuse or won’t make the differentiation. They can be criminal. The asylums are full of those who “Can’t.” Jails and Prisons are full of those who “Won’t” or “Refuse.” When Politicians cockblock transparency on the public’s dime that is not democracy. Why would anyone not want to see if they were dealing with a nut, a criminal or both? The currency that we invest here is, our vote. Sometimes our investments fail and we can go bankrupt real fast with their poor decisions due to being crazy or selfish. Keeping some of our eggs out of the same basket, which is the right to look in to things ourselves and see what we really have should not be taken for granted. By keeping some eggs outside the basket, we reserve the right to oust the bastard’s by reasonable means should it be necessary. It’s good investment advice to tell people to check things out for themselves. That encourages a society of interdependency rather than codependency with all it’s trappings. Let’s stay healthy, safe and protected here. After all and in the end, the only things we have to lose is our minds and I don’t want someone force-feeding me their brand of unchecked medication as remedy for that which ails us as a society. Don’t forget to register to vote and then get down and dirty and cast that ballot. It’s like the condom of Democracy. Put yours on and be protected.

  3. D@ily Spin on July 4, 2018 at 9:55 am said:

    “Viewers know my style, which is to report without fear or favor” Christiane Amanpour CNN & PBS

    It’s sad that reporters in Sioux Falls report what they’re told to. If citizens knew how much corruption there is, voter turnout would be 90% like for the Mexico election. For national news I’ve started watching CGTN (China Global Television News app). When I compare outside perspective with ‘Fake News’ here, there’s subjective difference. It amazes me how a communist country can resemble democracy.

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