Online News: news.com.au

Choppergate Victim Melissa Mallet Hired by Channel Seven

Melissa Mallet

I have followed the development of the Choppergate scandal with great interest, as I believe it represents many issues that are pertinent to modern journalism. The main conflict it demonstrates is the choice journalists' must make between accurate and reliable news, or fast ad entertaining news.

My personal opinion is that the sacking of reporters Melissa Mallet and Cameron Price, as well as producer Aaron Wakeley, was unjustified. Whilst it is undoubtedly of the utmost importance for a news channel to be regarded by viewers as reliable and trustworthy, I think the Nine Network has tried to keep their credibility intact by using these three employees as scapegoats. Although they were obviously primarily involved in the misleading reportage, I do not believe they should be held wholly responsible. The decision would have been influenced by a number of other people and factors, including the network's general ethos, as well as the pressure and competitive nature of the journalism industry.

Thankfully Melissa Mallets career, at least, has not been ruined by one wrong choice, and I hope that Price and Wakeley are also able to continue working in the journalism industry.

Online News: news.ninemsn.com

Terrorism a Threat to US September 11 Anniversary

The United States may be under the threat of terrorism on the ten year anniversary of the September 11 attack that killed almost 3000 people.

Reading this article made me think of Obama's quote following the death of Osama Bin Laden -

"Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

This quote demonstrates that returning violence with violence only serves to create a self-perpetuating cycle of hate.

I sincerely hope that everyone remembers these wise words in the lead up to September 11, and that the US is able to remember the tragic event of 9/11 in peace, without having to fear the potential of another attack.

Online News: news.ninemsn.com

New Discovery in Daniel Morcombe Investigation

My thoughts go out to the Morcombe family as they wait for a DNA analysis of the findings from the search site. It amazes me to think that after almost eight years Daniel might have been found.

Online News: news.com.au

As avid a user of Facebook as I am, the amount of negative news it has been attracting makes me doubt its overall benefits.

Students Bully Over Facebook
It's very concerning that Facebook cannot, or does not, stop people from taking advantage of the site to create vindictive gossip pages. I completely agree with the article in that sites such as this are the epitome 'digital dutch courage'.

Facebook Like Button Declared Illegal

"Facebook can trace every click on a website, how long I'm on it, what I'm interested in." The claim that websites which carry the 'like' button enables Facebook to illegally gather data on web user's habits made me realise that issues concerning Facebook and privacy extend far further than just the privacy settings of one's personal profile...