Lesson 7: Coffee and Democracy

News is defined as a systematic, holistic approach of gathering truthful information and presenting it without bias. Or as Philip Graham puts it,

“The first rough draft of history”.

Newspapers provide insights into our current technology, desires and high-end 21st-century consumer products. It allows future readers to grasp a ruff understanding of our time.

In a journalism textbook written by Stephen Lamble; the news provides factual information for the public to make informed decisions, and to reflect society itself.

Although there is no “perfect” story, news values are used to determine newsworthiness, and spark potential interest. These include; human interest, impact, proximity, conflict and novelty items.

What stood out the most was Lamble’s distinction between news, comments and opinions. He argues that, unless it is a well-informed opinion piece, comments and subjective statements are unprofessional journalistic practices.

From a student perspective, journalism serves a watchdog role in a democratic society. If false information or opinions are written as truths, it would undermine the discipline’s role and generate public distrust. As a professional practise, journalism is a delicate balance of truth and value.

On the other hand, many published articles do not follow the conventional values mentioned by Stephen Lamble. In fact, some article, usually press releases, have no immediate news value. Starbucks launches new Irish Cream Cold Brew, and here's how it tastes, a media release written by Taylor Rock, outlines the “incredible taste” of Starbuck’s new drink – Irish Cream.

Commissioned by Starbuck’s as a part of their new holiday drink campaign, the article glorifies the simple yet complex sensation of the coffee beverage. Despite having no news value, the article was still published, as a means to serve a commercial purpose.

This is a prime example of the difference between public relations and journalism. The field of journalism performs a social function in a democratic society while public relations aims to improve brand or product image.

For us communication students, it is important to distinguish between these disciplines and ask ourselves; what do we want to pursue?

---

Lamble, Stephen. News as it Happens, OUPANZ, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, Accessed 4 December 2019, <http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/rmit/detail.action?docID=4771945>

Rock, Taylor. Starbucks launches new Irish Cream Cold Brew, and here's how it tastes, The Daily Meal, Accessed 04 December 2019, <https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/beverages/starbucks-launches-new-irish-cream-cold-brew-and-heres-how-it-tastes/ar-BBXH1Hb>