The Role of the Media in the Civil Rights Movement

By Katie Thompson

The civil rights movement was a turbulent time in US history where issues of segregation and discrimination dominated society. It occured predominately in the South, and were it not for the media, the rest of the nation would not have known the atrocities occuring. Through the diligent work of reporters and news agencies, stories and pictures were published and distributed throughout the nation and the world. The scene that the media portrayed disturbed many around the globe, and was an impetus for the desperately needed change that needed to occur in the South.

Elements of Journalism visible in Good Night, and Good Luck

By Katie Thompson

Good Night, and Good Luck, (2005) directed by George Clooney, tells the story of CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow and his coverage and ultimate exposure of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare.

In the 1950s the fear of Communism in the United States was made worse with McCarthy and the scare tactics he employed. Few were willing to oppose him in fear of being blacklisted and accused of being a Communist. Murrow, however, was not one of these people and courageously decided to take a stand against McCarthy.

His reasons for going after McCarthy and the means by which he did so reflect some of the principle concepts in Kovach and Rosenstiel’s book on perfecting the art of journalism, The Elements of Journalism.

Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth, according to The Elements of Journalism, and this was something that Murrow fully understood. He sought the truth by first collecting all of the background information and facts on McCarthy that he knew would be pertinent and irrefutable to his case. He was then able to question McCarthy in such a way that the facts themselves could reveal the truth. Murrow felt it his responsibility to defend a cause that may be unpopular at the time and thus pursued the truth behind the things McCarthy was claiming and sought to reveal it.

Elements of Journalism also emphasizes that journalism’s first loyalty is to the citizens and that it should provide a “voice for the voiceless”. Journalists during the Red Scare were afraid to report on McCarthy and his scare tactics because they feared becoming his next target. Murrow recognized this risk but also recognized his responsibility to be the “voice for the voiceless” and to stand up to injustice.

In the end Murrow’s stand against McCarthy paid off, exposing the Senator for who he really was and what his true motives were. It was Murrow’s careful reporting and loyalty to the truth and to citizens that made it possible. In perfect accordance with the ideals of The Elements of Journalism, Murrow summed up the task of a journalist in simple terms. “Search for truth with diligence and report it.”

Former and Current Scots Assemble at Gordon to Trot the 3rd Annual 5k

By Katie Thompson & Abigail Solberg

The clouds gave way to the sun Saturday morning just in time for Gordon College’s 3^rd Annual Scot Trot, one of several athletic events during Homecoming weekend.

The Scot Trot featured 101 runners comprised of students, parents and alumni who’s registration fees, for the first time, went towards the Partners Program. The Partners Program provides financial support to students who otherwise would not be able to afford Gordon.

“I wouldn’t say there was that much money raised through registration for the Partners Program, but there were food donations which enabled us to give more money to the program,” said Jennifer Thorburn Migonis, ‘04 the director of development of events for Alumni.

The Scot Trot has been a success the past three years, primarily due to the fact that it is the only athletic event during homecoming that is open for all to participate in. “There are a lot of students running this year, as well as parents running with younger kids,” Migonis said.

For a few runners, the Scot Trot was the first organized race that they have decided to take part in.

Emily Bell, ‘12 from Harare, Zimbabwe, was one of these runners. “I enjoy running. I am not a big competitor, but I wanted to do this race to see how well I can do,” Bell said. “It helps that the money is going to a good cause.”

Another first timer at the Scot Trot was Donna Loy, the Application Assistant for the admissions office of Gordon College. “It was my first race and I was really excited about doing it,” Loy said. “I started running about two and a half years ago and even though I had a knee injury over the summer, I still wanted to be part of the Scot Trot.”

Loy is not the only member of her family to run for Gordon College. “My daughter, Sarah, ran for Gordon while she went here. Here’s a fun fact, I ran the 5k in about the time she runs the 10k. Even though I came in last, I feel like I won.”