EOTO #3

Computer Assisted Reporting

Computing at Columbia Timeline

Photo: Columbia University

Initially, when I embarked upon this undertaking of computer-aided reporting, I assumed it would be nothing but another set of research presentations – collecting data, putting together several slides, and giving a report. However, as I continued on working in this medium, I discovered that there was a greater message for me: the future state of journalism, how journalism is evolving, and in what ways data is becoming a medium for telling stories.

The process of assembling my slides compelled me to view journalism through a new lens. Rather than merely focusing on producing written content or covering events, I now needed to comprehend how journalists utilize vast amounts of data (such as in spreadsheets and databases) to find stories that are otherwise hidden from view. The realization that patterns can often reveal corruption and/or policy failures within a given context shocked me at first; this realization transformed journalism from an "art" to one that was more akin to "scientific investigation."

Evolution of Data Journalism

Photo: Andrea Lehr in Content Marketing

 I found it fascinating to discover the history behind it all. The way things started in the 1960's and how they evolved with computers and the internet helped me realize this is not just a trend but a
 transformation. Journalism has not changed over night, but has evolved over time as new technologies and tools became available. By now, it is very difficult to visualize any form of investigative reporting without data analysis.

Working on the slide for Sarah Cohen was probably my favorite part, as it made everything seem more actual, rather than just talking about the idea of "data journalism," that it is really data-driven journalism. Her work made me realize that data is more than just numbers and, if used correctly, data can be used as evidence to hold powerful systems accountable. That is the idea that has stayed with me the most. 

Creating the presentation itself proved to be a much more difficult task than I anticipated. I needed to put some thought into how to display the information clearly and make it visually appealing. I wanted my presentation to be professional yet easy for others to understand, especially because of how technical the

Sarah Cohen in 2011

Photo: Wikipedia

subject matter can be in some cases! The challenge of keeping a good balance between the visuals, text and flow helped me clearly recognize the importance of communication—not just what you say but how you present it as well.

This project has given me insight into how I perceive journalism and data today than I did before. When I think of data now, I consider it to be both a mathematical/scientific concept and a means of communicating storytelling and seeking truth. The experience of creating the presentation has opened my eyes up to the idea that journalism of the future should not only report on what happened but will also include research into the information provided to serve the public good by analysing data and unearthing things that might not otherwise come to light.

This project was not only about creating slides; it was also about understanding the way information is used in the real world and how much power it can have when used appropriately. On a personal level, it helped me appreciate how much work goes into producing all of the news that we see daily.

Shock and Awe: When the Press Echoes Power Instead of Questioning It

A film review of Shock and Awe

Photo: The People's Movies

After seeing Shock and Awe's movie, it left me with a feeling of frustration. I didn't feel frustrated about what I'd learned; rather, I was frustrated about what I learned many people knew that they disregarded. Rob Reiner directed this motion picture to put together a narrative that included a few Knight Rider reporters and their desire to report the truth instead of being a mouthpiece for the government in gathering information pre-Iraq conflict. What really touched me the longest about the film was the story itself, but then I also realized that all of it seemed very similar to things I've seen in the past.

There are some really big differences that stand out in this film (as portrayed) between the Knight Ridder newsroom and those of bigger media companies that have greater influence. For example, while many large media companies appeared to be almost eager to share stories that reinforced the Bush Administration's assertions regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in Iraq, Knight Ridder reporters demonstrated a much slower, more skeptical approach to reporting. They asked the tough questions. They made every effort possible to do thorough investigative work. However, perhaps their greatest strength is that they were willing to be wrong (or at least uncertain) as opposed to confidently passing along misinformation as if it was fact.

Left: James Marsden, Right: Woody Harrelson

Photo: Screen Daily

On the other hand, journalists featured in the movie appear to be less of an investigator than someone who is a character in the movie with a script that has already been decided. Reporting is kind of like a player in the herd; if everyone else has written it, then this should be true as well. But since journalism isn't supposed to function this way, there lies the true issue.

A theme that pops out of the film is the tension generated during times when you can feel a war coming on. The tension between how the government's actions are framed in terms of their urgency, necessity, and justification as opposed to how journalists should check against the veracity of the government's statements rather than simply provide them.

The film shows what happens when one of these two sides or checks/balances is tipped too far in one direction such that rather than keeping a check on the government, much of the media becomes an arm of the government in support of its policy decisions during wartime. The Knight Ridder group faced challenges against not only the government but also the media for being sceptical which cut them off from the rest of their media colleagues, creating a sense of insulation from their media peers and producing a difficult situation in terms of creating visibility for their works.

I was taken aback by the amount of friction that existed not just between journalists and government officials, but also amongst members of the same profession—journalism itself. The reporters at Knight Ridder were not only disputing official narratives but were also disputing the opinions and reports of their colleagues. When you think of the magnitude of professional isolation, it raises a very difficult question: how frequently do journalists censor themselves for fear of being outliers?

The film demonstrates that there are consequences to reporting truthfully, including losing credibility, losing access to information, and losing opportunities for career advancement;

A shot from behind the scenes

Photo: Beyond The Lens Online

however, those who were willing to sacrifice these things ultimately stood vindicated.

The journalists from Knight Ridder are seen as heroes not due to being flawless, but rather because they did their jobs correctly. They ensured that the information they provided was verified and did not buckle to external pressures while maintaining their commitment to providing journalism for the people (instead of journalism for the powerful).

This is a strong message to current journalists; it is better to be correct than it is to be first. It is also a great lesson for the public on how to be media-literate; just because many outlets report the same story does not mean it is an accurate story.

The parallels between Knight Ridder's history and our current state are not difficult to recognize; from the way in which we cover geopolitical conflicts and political discussion, to the way we discuss domestic policy, we have these same disagreements today as we did a few decades ago. The government continues to provide the frameworks in which the narrative is formed. The media also continues to strive for attention from its audiences. We are still confused as to what is true and what is false.

What has changed is the speed at which information is disseminated, and at which false information can be disseminated. As a result, the Knight Ridder style of reporting (slowly, thoughtfully, skeptically) is even more relevant today than it was at that time.

In retrospect, its clear that there was a plethora of red flags available; the media should've acted more responsibly; and the general public should also have asked more questions, but hindsight always does tend to "clean up" those situations that were as messy as can be at that time. Nevertheless, I felt that this film continues to keep us accountable as it asks us to consider whether or not we would do a better job today than back then?

As we progress through the imagery of the suggested searches, the repetitive nature of how we label enemies, how we visually shocking images in a campaign to garner support, and how each intervention has a clear before and after narrative, it appears there is also a systematic formula in how these interventions happen; there is a sequence of preparation, justification, action, and consequence, with the consequence seldom receiving the same amount of media or public interest.

And that’s when the question really lands:

Hmm, I wonder what comes next?

Post #3

Ethics and Sensationalism in Five Star Final

"Bad news sells papers."

    While watching the 1931 film “Five Star Final,” I reflected on how journalists' obligation to their readers can sometimes come second to profit. The movie focuses on Joseph Randall, the New York Evening Gazette's managing editor, who feels pressure from the publisher to increase sales. Randall is then forced to send reporter T. Vernon Isopod to investigate a murder case that happened twenty years before in order to gain new readers. The murder case involves a woman named Nancy Voorhees who has been able to rebuild her life and has been living peacefully with her family. In order to make money off of this story, the newspaper exposes Ms. Voorhees’ past to create a spectacle. As new evidence continues to surface during the investigation, the devastating impact on the Voorhees family continues to increase.

    I was struck by how much this movie illustrates the concept of yellow journalism discussed in class. The staff of the newspaper clearly focuses on dramatic headline and shocking details to attract more readers. Their primary concern is generating more circulation rather than providing accurate and fair news. This strongly illustrates to me that journalism can easily turn from providing information to using people’s lives for entertainment. Watching the editors knowingly go after a harmful story helped me to see how significant ethical decision-making is to the profession of journalism.

The newsroom staff gathered around Joseph Randall, reacting to a breaking story

    This film also got me thinking about how powerful newspaper institutions were in the past. The characters in this film all shared traits with today's press barons, controlling what information goes public, with emphasis on profitability and competition. As I observed their decisions, I kept reflecting upon how much power journalists actually have in determining the stories they publish and the way the stories are framed. Ultimately, it made me consider the implications of having this power used responsibly; but, it also made me think about how it could be abused if financial success always took precedence over reporting the truth.

    One other thing that stood out about the film for me was the lack of ethical considerations made by characters in regards to the subjects they wrote about. Journalists have a responsibility to present accurate information as well as to reduce the amount of harm that their writing may bring to an individual. The reporters from Five Star Final recognize the harmful and damaging effects that Nancy’s story may continue to inflict, but yet they keep searching for new information about her past. Watching these scenes made me feel uncomfortable, as it illustrated how far the search for an interesting story may impact a reporter’s feelings of empathy or compassion for another human. At times, I found myself evaluating if any character in the film had really considered the effect of their reporting prior to publishing their stories.

    At the conclusion of the movie, we see how unethical journalism can have very negative implications. The newspaper chose to pursue sensationalism over reporting ethical, legitimate news and ultimately caused Nancy and her husband's destruction. For me, this ending really illustrated the treacherous power of irresponsible journalism. The consequences of reporting a story entail not only the headline, but real individuals whom the publication may cause to suffer as a result of its publication.

    Entertainment-wise, I was left with a lot to think about in terms of how the world of ethical journalism has changed since Five Star Final was created more than 80 years ago (1931). However this film applies to
today’s media (and the ethical journalism that exists today), it was a constant reminder that all media has a responsibility to balance the public's right to know, with compassion for the people they’re reporting about, and respect for the people involved in the story across all parts of the story, including both the reporters and the persons being reported about.

EOTO #1

Women's National Press Club (1919-1971): A Legacy That Still Speaks To Me

In 1919, at a time when women were still fighting for the right to vote and broader professional recognition, a group of determined women journalists in Washington, D.C., founded the Women’s National Press Club (WNPC). Their decision was not simply organizational; it was an act of resistance. Women were excluded from membership in the male-dominated National Press Club (NPC), which had been founded in 1908 and served as a central hub for political networking and influential speakers. Rather than accept exclusion from professional spaces where presidents, diplomats, and policymakers gathered, these women created an institution of their own. Their actions reflected not only ambition, but a refusal to be defined by systemic limitations. Alice Paul, one of the main founders of WNPC and protester for women's suffrage, set the standard for women in the club. Together, their goal was to make President Woodrow Wilson treat women's rights as constitutional amendments by allowing them to speak in the news.

Photo: msmagazine.com (Gil Klein)

Alice Paul (activist and party leader) stands outside of the Lafayette Square headquarters holding a banner that uses President Wilson's words against him. Wilson's quote reads: "The time has come to conquer or submit. For us there is but one choice. We have made it."

The Women’s National Press Club was established to provide women journalists with professional support, networking opportunities, and access to prominent speakers. At a time when women in journalism were often confined to “society” pages or marginalized beats, the WNPC positioned itself at the center of political journalism in Washington, D.C. It ensured that women were present in the same rooms where national conversations were unfolding. This access was transformative. By hosting notable figures, including U.S. presidents and international leaders, the club elevated the professional legitimacy of women journalists and expanded their visibility within the field.

Although the Women’s National Press Association, founded in 1884, also supported women in journalism, its focus centered more heavily on literary advancement and press development. In contrast, the WNPC strategically emphasized direct access to power structures and professional influence in the nation’s capital. This distinction highlights how the Women’s National Press Club was not only about recognition but about positioning women within elite networks where decisions were made and narratives were shaped.

Photo: wpcf.org

Eleanor Roosevelt at her first
press conference as First Lady

The historical impact of the WNPC extended far beyond its founding years. By the time the National Press Club admitted women members in 1971, the work of the Women’s National Press Club had already demonstrated the necessity and capability of women in high-level journalism. In 1985, the two organizations merged, symbolizing a significant shift from institutional exclusion to formal inclusion. The club’s legacy continues through the Washington Press Club Foundation, which promotes journalism education and gender equality within the profession.

What makes this history stand out to me personally is not only the institutional progress it represents, but the mindset behind it. The women who founded the WNPC were told that they did not belong in powerful professional spaces. Instead of shrinking their ambitions, they expanded them. They built something strong enough that the very institution that excluded them eventually had to change. That story resonates with me deeply because I have experienced moments where my own goals were questioned. When I expressed my desire to become a dentist, I was told by my boss that it would be too difficult for me and that I should consider being a hygienist instead. The implication was clear: aim lower, choose what is easier, accept what seems more “realistic.”

Like the women of the Women’s National Press Club, I realized that other people’s perceptions of my limits do not determine my future. Their story reflects the power of striving for what you truly want, even when someone suggests it may be too hard. The WNPC represents women refusing to accept ceilings placed above them. It represents resilience, ambition, and the courage to create opportunity when it is denied. That legacy inspires me because it reinforces a truth I am learning in my own life: progress begins when you decide that “too hard” is not the same as “impossible.”

Me in 500 Words

Photo: Victoria Sinchi

Graduating from Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School 

with Julia Xenos and Professor Venturini

The Person Who Carries You

By Giulianna Reid

For as long as I can remember, my nickname in the household was "Miss Independent".

I wanted to braid my own hair, so I taught myself.

I wanted to feel pretty at school, so I watched countless make-up tutorials.

I wanted to help people, so at only 9 years I decided to work in health care.

That independence followed me into high school, where I believed strength meant doing everything alone and never asking for help. Then I met Julia, and the story I told myself about who I had to be began to loosen its grip. We were teenagers navigating lockers, exams, and big dreams, but she had a calm confidence that felt steady beside my constant motion. Julia listened in a way that made silence feel safe, and she asked questions that pushed me to think deeper about my choices.

Photo: Selfie

Julia Xenos 

I was used to charging forward alone, yet she walked with me, matching my pace, reminding me that companionship did not weaken my drive. Whenever I stumbled, Julia never rushed to fix things, but she stayed present, proving support could be quiet and powerful. Through late-night talks and shared bus rides home, she showed me that trusting someone else was not surrender, but strength.

I started to let her see my doubts, my fears, and the pressure I placed on myself to always succeed. In return, Julia shared her own vulnerabilities, creating a balance where growth happened because we lifted each other. She challenged me kindly, calling me out when I hid behind independence instead of asking for what I needed.

Over time, I learned that leaning on someone did not erase my capability; it expanded it. Julia pushed me to be the best version of myself by believing in me, especially when my belief wavered. She celebrated my wins, grounded me in losses, and reminded me that no one becomes whole in isolation.

Our friendship quietly rewrote my definition of independence into something softer, stronger, and more human. Today, I still value my self-reliance, but I carry the wisdom Julia gave me everywhere I go. I know now that asking for help is not failure, but an invitation to connection and growth.

Meeting her in high school changed the trajectory of my life, shaping how I love, work, and show up. Julia taught me that independence and interdependence can coexist, creating a life built on courage and community. I am better because she walked beside me, and I am braver because I no longer walk alone.

This is the quiet, lasting gift of friendship, and it continues to shape the person I am becoming. When I think back to that fiercely independent girl, I smile, grateful she met someone who taught her to reach out, breathe, and trust, knowing that leaning in did not dim her light, but helped it shine wider, warmer, and far beyond what she imagined.

Because Julia believed first, and stayed, patiently, until belief became shared. between us, always, steady, honest, and true.

Photo: Selfie

Julia Xenos and I