Originally posted by Odium
To quote Noam Chomsky;
In order for democracy to be "democratic," the media has to fulfill two functions:How do you plan to make sure the ATSNN is kept at both of those levels? What are the challenges to keeping those functions alive and well on ATSNN?
- The Media must report the news fairly, completely, and without bias.
- The Media must function as a watchdog for the public against abuse of power.
www.abovetopsecret.com...
I started the above as a response to your post but my post grew legs and became an entity of it's own not unlike ATSNN. As previously explained ATS has given birth to ATSNN and nourished and cared for it. Now ATSNN is growing flight feathers, it is still in it's infancy but is already seeking out it's own identity, settling into it's own niche.
I have addressed in my op ed the sad state of journalism today. I would like ATSNN to be a forefront of bringing the realism back, bringing back the heart to the news. I propose to firstly begin to achieve that goal by 'leading by example" which I have always strived to do. I have treated ATSNN with utmost respect and care for others to see and possibly follow and surpass. I have so much more to offer ATSNN. I am still in the same infancy as ATSNN, constantly changing, constantly evolving, constantly growing. I propose to achieve that by being just as active if not more so on ATSNN but working with contributers and encouraging the best of the best. Assisting to bring out the inner heart in the contributers. The soul of the story. Not just recite by rote. Encourage strong well worded and written unbiased intros using great sources easily accessible and credible and then encouraging powerful comment and opinion. Not just one line. "I think this is a good idea" comments. Comments that come from the heart, that express thought and feeling that evoke a questioning response in readers, a thirst for more and a ponderance of news from another side of a multi facted gem.
Encouraging Good titles to intice readers, good grammar and story writing. And most of all encourage the contributers to go and there and get the stories. Ok its not as easy as pie to go out and get a story especially with todays modern ways of thinking, Why Should I ...I am Not Getting Paid. But it doesn't cost much to read an article and pick up a phone, visit a library, or even research deeply on the net, not just the first few search results of headlines but to research companies involved in for example pollution issues, or companies suspiciously awarded contracts. Search for the reason, the reason that this story made news, the real story and the real reason. Ask to interview witnesses via phone or email, approach companies for interviews or statements. Get exclusive ATSNN material.
To denying bias. My op ed says how it is. The only way to deny bias is by "Eyewitness News".
These are some of the challenges faced by ATSNN today. These will be my challenges. ATSNN, if successful in achieving the goal of eyewitness reporting, well researched pieces, good strong debate and opinion. Everyone is biased, we are conditioned by society to be so. For ATSNN I feel it is important for contributers to acknowledge the bias within and learn when to use it with a opinionated comment and when not to use it in a well formed well written intro.
I feel it is important to work for alternative views on pieces submitted. The article in question may for example be a pro Cindy Sheehan Piece. I feel it is important to give readers links and comments if possible on the other side of the arguement which further allows the reader to formulate a truer opinion in order to debate their thoughts.
This further stops the bias creeping in.
I feel the political conspiracy side of ATSNN is of utmost importance. Once again ATSNN is going to be referenced at many times into the future and stories that may to some have little revelance now, may take on new light when re read some time later. This is the great thing about archiving the stories. We are writing history. This is the record of events for the future generations to reference from. This is why it is of utmost importance to tell it like it really is. This is why it is of utmost importance to have the highest of standards and the best of quality. This is our voice. This is our chance to include events into records that tell a true story, that do reveal coverups, that do report suspicious activity.
This is our chance to be the watchdogs as such. To make sure the truth is told. That we don't fall to "controlled status" that we retain the freedom to write it how we see it and how it is.
How do you plan to get ATSNN out to a wider audiance? Do you wish to see ATSNN stick as it is now, with people reporting stories they see on Yahoo!, MSN, etc or move to ATSNN having its own journalism team? [Not just Op/Ed's] If the second what ideas do you have to help boost this effort?
I think I have summed up how I feel about seeing ATSNN stagnating the way it is by just reporting feed fodder. I still think many if not most of these stories have merit and a place on ATSNN but there is a huge gap for "Eyewitness News".
----My plans of getting ATSNN out to a wider audience will be along shortly after I have had a shower and a typing break... My answer to the journalist team will be along with it
I wish I
could vote for all three of you actually. There's not a candidate in the ATSNN race that would not be a sterling choice in my opinion. 
