Student journalists can ward off prior review, Hazelwood with TAO pledge

Student journalists can ward off prior review, Hazelwood by taking TAO pledge #25Hzlwd   http://jeasprc.org/tao-pledge/ ‎

by Kathy Schrier
Hazelwood stories: Student journalists who take the TAO of Journalism Pledge, promise to be “Transparent, Accountable and Open” in their practice of journalism. Upon taking the pledge, they may post the TAO of Journalism Seal with their masthead. It’s a public promise to do the best journalism possible, and a way to tell readers/viewers and school administrators that their trust is valued.hazelwoodcolor

The TAO of Journalism Pledge was introduced four years ago by the Washington News Council as way for professional journalists to rebuild credibility in a rapidly changing media environment. The idea caught on, worldwide. Now journalists across the U.S. and as far away as Mozambique have taken the TAO of Journalism Pledge, and post the TAO of Journalism Seal with their work.

The Journalism Education Association endorsed the idea three years ago, and included a TAO of Journalism Sign Up Day on the Wednesday of Scholastic Journalism Week. This year, student journalists are again encouraged to Take the TAO of Journalism Pledge on TAO sign-up day, Wednesday, Feb. 20.

Here’s how you do it:

  1. Go to taoofjournalism.org and click on “Take the Pledge.”
  2. Click on “Students: Click here to make it official.”
  3. Fill out and submit the short online form.
  4. Take a photo of your staff taking the TAO of Journalism Pledge.
    Send a copy of the photo to kathy@wanewscouncil.org to be posted on the TAO website.

What you will get:

  1. Downloadable versions of the TAO of Journalism Seal that can be posted online or with your printed masthead
  2. Once the Seal is in use, your program will be listed in the “Directory” on the TAO of  Journalism website
  3. Temporary tattoos of the TAO of Journalism Seal for every member of your staff
  4. A poster with the text of the TAO of Journalism Pledge to display in your staff room
  5. Improved credibility and trust in your student media by school administrators and your audience in general

TAO OF JOURNALISM: EARN TRUST. TAKE THE PLEDGE. CARRY THE SEAL.
FEB. 20, 2013 – DURING JEA SCHOLASTIC JOURNALISM WEEK

 

Written By: John Bowen