Department - Author 1
Journalism Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Journalism
Date
3-2013
Primary Advisor
Dan Eller
Abstract/Summary
Given the changing nature of journalism in today’s society, a “sink or swim” mentality has been adopted across publications throughout the media – it is imperative to keep up-to-date with changes that occur throughout the industry, or the fate of a publication may be in jeopardy. One key factor in keeping a given media outlet afloat in these uncertain times in journalism is accuracy, which in turn affects a publication’s perceived credibility. In order to maintain readership, it is vital that publications maintain a high standard of accuracy in reporting, which can be severely altered by the inclusion of errors.
This study addresses the importance of avoiding and correcting errors in the media, and explores gaps in existing literature regarding accuracy and errors in student media. By utilizing interviews with experts in the field of student media, as well as a survey of sources cited in Mustang Daily, a daily student publication at California State University, San Luis Obispo, common errors, as well as causes of common errors, were identified. This paper presents recommendations for potential solutions for avoiding errors made in the media, as well as potential means for correcting errors once they are committed.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/joursp/62