Watching the
watchdogs
Excellence in Teaching winner
Dr. Mike Simmons addresses
ethics in journalism
by Vicky Sn
The Collegian
Dr. Michael Simmons,
recipient of the 1990-91 Council
of Fellows Excellence in
Teaching Award and associate
professor of English, discussed
modem ethics in journalism as
part of the Provost Speaker
Series last Thursday.
His speech, entitled "Who
Watches The Watchdogs," began
with the example of a
Washington Post reporter who,
in 1981, wrote a story about a
child heroin addict. This young
reporter was nominated for a
Pulitzer Prize for her feature.
Simmons cited one more
award-winning story, discussing a
young television reporter’s series
about illegal pit bull fighting in
Denver.
Problem. Both of these stories
The Collegian
Thursday, March 26, 1992 Vol. XL No. 21
were works of fiction. The
newspaper reporter's editor called
the Pulitzer Prize Committee to
explain that the story was a
complete lie. The pit bull story
was set up by the reporter, who
in turn was convicted of dog
fighting and conspiracy.
Further, Simmons said media
critics took these cases very
seriously, calling them "one of
the most serious breeches of
journalistic ethics in history."
Simmons discussed the
constitution's first amendment
and it's superiority over the
government controlled press as it
exists in some countries.
"We recognize that credibility
and objectivity are possible only
when a press is independent from
outside influence and pressure,
and we smugly applaud our
constitution for preserving those
(continued on page 2)
Making his point: Dr. Simmons, recipient of the 1990-91 Council of
Fellows Excellence in Teaching Award, speaks on the ethics of journalism
last Thursday.
resigns, Hilden takes
§OC president's post
serving as third different SOC
president this year
. jjffi.-.liffiftt* Raw,it became increasingly difficult to tend to
The CoUegUm them while trying to keep up with the
changing tides within the Student
Government Association (SGA)."
Chris Hilden, Royer's former vice
president, will serve as president until
the end of the semester. Hilden was
elected to the vice presidential position at
an SOC meeting earlier this semester
after Royer took over for Fuller.
"I feel confident that I can handle the
work that is required of me now, the
SOC will not suffer and it will continue
to effectively serve the students," said
Hilden.
SOC is the organization responsible
for overseeing and advising new and
existing organizations, revising and
creating new constitutions and monitors
the supplemental and initial budget
request process.
Hilden
For die second time this year the
Student Organizational Council (SOC)
has lost a president due to personal
demands.
Lori Royer, president of SOC since
the beginning of the semester, resigned
from the SOC post two weeks ago, citing
lack of time and other personal
obligations as influencing factors in her
decisioa Royer took over the position
after former SOC president Steve Fuller
resigned for similar reasons.
"I could not devote die necessary time
to the position without taking away from
my many otter obligations," said Royer.
* Although I'm experienced and
knowledgeable about the processes and
responsiiibties Cm Student Government)