Abstract
This study examines the interplay between facts and assumptions presented in the movie Absence of Malice 1981. A reporter, Megan Carter, writes a news story on the front page of the newspaper that links Michael Gallagher, a businessman, to a murder investigation without verifying the information. The movie has shown how the reporter, Megan Carter, wrote the story without seeking confirmation and how a lack of verifying the information and premature reporting harm the people. Through visual analysis, this study considers the characters, plot, dialogue, and facial expression of the movie to analyze the importance of fact in the news story and how assumptions, prioritizing speed to cover the story, and a lack of verification of news can hamper the people and break the journalistic principles, i.e., accuracy, balance, and credibility. Furthermore, this study also draws connections to real-world instances of journalistic practices. This study highlights responsible journalism and the importance of cross-verification of information to safeguard the trust of the public and to maintain the credibility of the media houses.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Fact, Assumptions, Verification, Speed, Journalistic Principles
