What we are reading
A weekly column on the stories on media innovation that are intriguing, engaging or alarming us
The Media Online | Live fact-checking: A big challenge for news media
Following a string of raids and arrests of corruption-linked individuals by the Hawks, South African journalists were stunned by the announcement that an arrest warrant had also been issued for ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule. Magashule himself confirmed that he was aware of the arrest warrant only for that to be contradicted by the Hawks who said there was no such warrant issued for Magashule. IOL was the first to break and run with the story, but as The Media Online’s Chris Moerdyk writes, the facts did not add up. Why would a news publication not take the basic step of fact-checking before running with the story? It’s journalism 101. According to Moerdyk, live fact-checking could help counter the proliferation of fake news and disinformation. “Perhaps the time has come for live fact-checking. Introducing a way of instantly exposing lies and deception in TV news, newspapers, and online.”
Journalism.co.uk | What should journalists and newsrooms do when facing online abuse?
It is often said that journalism is a thankless job. Hours of research, tracking down sources, coming up with original story ideas, being shot down, long work hours, and in recent years a growing amount of social media abuse. The harassment can be quite distressing and journalists are increasingly speaking out and hitting back at vitriolic internet trolls. Quips such as “it’s part of the job” no longer suffice and more newsrooms are taking steps to protect the well-being of their reporters. Journalism.co.uk notes that women journalists bear the brunt of the abuse and Facebook users are the biggest culprits.
TechCentral | A government licence to use social media? That’s Lesotho’s plan
If the Lesotho government has its way, online behaviour will be regulated through a law that will compel social media users, bloggers, and online radio to obtain an ‘internet broadcasting allowance’ in order to post content. TechCentral reports that the proposal was posted by the Lesotho Communications Authority and asks for the input of citizens and industry stakeholders. You have to read it to believe it.
HBR | How to manage a hybrid team
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that most people can do their jobs from home and be equally, if not more, productive. But with team members who have varying home lives, this can prove challenging for managers trying to balance fairness and leadership. As life starts to return to normal and more and more people return to the office, the Harvard Business Review asked experts how leaders can manage this transition.
