------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * * * * * ANNUAL GOANETTERS MEET * * * * * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goanetters in Goa and visiting meet Jan 6, 2009 at 3.30 pm at Hotel Mandovi (prior to the Goa Sudharop event, which you're also welcome to). Join in for a Dutch dinner -- if we can agree on a venue after the meet. RSVP (confirmations only) 9822122436 or 2409490 or [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Santosh's pinpointing one of the fundamental rules of journalism that sources need to be checked with two independent sources is largely practiced by highly-rated newspapers and journals when a story is likely to create an uproar or raise a controversy. Run-of-the-mill stories are not necessarily checked in the strictest form. Lot of Indian newspapers and journals do NOT have fact-checkers as American publishing houses. Firstly, employing fact-checkers adds to the company's expenses and, secondly, fact-checkers are often found to repeat the jobs that reporters do. It must be said that the verification by two independent sources theory is taught to students of journalism as part of the routine studies. As we know all that we learn in schools, from journalism to business management, is hardly put into practice. As for Fred's story and the quote attributed to John Dayal, I feel it is fine. Dayal is obviously speaking from his official capacity. However, to make the story better it would need Fred to check the data with other sources that would demand time and patience. Any data coming from vested interest groups as well as from official sources need to be "verified" but in the hurry catch deadlines in the competitive world of newspapers it becomes very difficult, though not impossible. Fred has written a column and, as such, he is at liberty to quote people he chooses or write what he deems fit. And people like Santosh has a right to challenge his views. If Santosh can repudiate the data quoted it would expose Dayal. Following journalism principles laid in textbooks is one thing, doing practical journalism is another. Eugene Correia
