By Tom Brennan
Not too long ago, the news industry was a very different world. Print journalism had very serious standards and professional ethics. These standards of professionalism followed into broadcast journalism, radio and the television. However, the intrusion of multinational and non-journalistic corporate ownership has changed the way news is reported. Although the ownership of a media source or outlet is to be disclosed after a story involving the ownership or chief stockholders, the political or economic agendas are omitted. In reporting about Israel this has often been a negative factor. How do we get accurate and factual news and reporting about Israel and how do we share it effectively?
The best sources for accurate reporting are often the oldest: newspapers. The most reputable newspapers in Israel today are Jerusalem Post and Ha’ Aretz. Both are available online. A new series of additions to these old standards are blogs and video. This website( News From Jerusalem) also hosts video from reputable sources such as the Jerusalem Post and its own staff of bloggers. The blogosphere , as it is called, holds the most potential and pitfall for news. Anyone can develop a blog and publish it to the web. High tech software makes these online publications appear professional and supply all the traditional trappings. However, this is where problems can occur. Blogs began as very personal opinion journals and most still are this type of publishing medium. The best bloggers are usually associated with a well-known host.
Today innovation made possible by the rapid development of internet technology has driven the Alternative Media into the arena of world media reporting. Major channels such as YouTube, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and the like can move a comment, smartphone video, posting or “tweet” into a position of being accepted as fact. Judgments based strictly on volume of views, shares and comments any item can be considered accurate and true: even when the item is intentionally false and intended to do harm. There are no standards, ethics or expectations of responsibility. The danger lies in the lack of accountability and immediacy. When referring, sharing or commenting on these networks remember the obligation to speak the truth in love and not bear false witness. When lending support to Israel or representing your church you are no longer speaking for yourself. You have assumed the mantle of an ambassador, and you have taken on serious responsibilities. The internet has opened up many doors and we should go through them with clear thinking and preparation.
Alternative Media is a mix of egos and self-promotion, opinion and rants. It is important to identify agendas with which the producer is associated. Checking their associations, relationships, past histories, affiliations (for organizations),outright mis-statements and errors, even how the material is presented are elements to consider in using this format to its best advantage.Ranters and ravers, poorly spoken hosts, crude presentations or hate and negative content should be considered inappropriate for engaging a positive audience. Staying on the high ground is the best policy.
Perhaps the most workable method for alternative media and social media novices is to use well recognized and reputable organizations’ websites and their Facebook, YouTube etc. sources. After all, there is safety in numbers and they have demonstrated their reliability and consistency.
Book reviews of materials on Israel often help promote these publications to those seeking professionally written printed materials. Just passing on a book or article you have read to a friend or even your pastor can move support for Israel further. Being able to move accurate information into the hands of an effective influencer is a very good way to witness to the necessity of bearing the truth as Israel suffers from lies, and overt and covert slander and libel.
The internet is another of the inventions that can be used for immense good or frightening evil. Properly using it involves balancing its advantages against Biblical principles. After all, we hold to the most demanding standards of all and dare not transgress any of them.
Editors note: As Israel becomes more and more the center of attention in the World it is imperative that you arm yourself with Truth when its about what is happening in Gods Land! Most modern News has a very ant-Israel slant. They use many tactics to distort your view of what is really happening in Israel and thus influence your opinion.
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