Research

Task 1: Social Media

Which of the platforms do you use your journalism for and why?

I would tend to use twitter of LinkedIn for journalism, as Facebook and Instagram are just a little bit less professional. they tend to be a bit less formal and have a much younger demographic which are less likely to value or take journalism seriously. Moreover they would not have the attention spans with Video being the main driver on this platform.

2. What form ( podcast/pdf/longfrom blog video/series of tweets etc.) do you think investigative pieces should take to attract the most impressions on SM?

I feel that the best way is through short video clips of the best parts. It would be a good idea to have a video podcast and then edit this down. So as to get the best bits or the best hooks in the conversation and to use these to then in turn hook in the audience in. this is so that they may watch or listen to a long form conversation and ultimately read the actual article. The likelihood of them reading the article is low but nonetheless the merits of writing it are still there, in that they can have a very engaging and interesting conversation about the article. This is where the future of journalism and the written word will lie in taking the written investigative pieces and putting them into a more digestible convenient format in video or on podcasts. it respects the audiences time more and allows them agency over whether they want to consume the content.

3. How can you measure the reaction of your audience to your piece shared on sm?

It is very easy to quantify reactions in likes shares and comments. Some would say there is no bad press but its also good to be present and participate in the comments for fear of bullying or harrasment which could lead to your material being banned or taken down.

Task 2:Presentation of work

1.How useful did you find the feedback of your peers as posted on the pad-let?

I found the feedback to be very useful, it allowed me to more clearly see where my piece feel down as well as where other pieces got good. In viewing others attempts I could see that I did not have A,B or C. Specifically i gained form the structure elements to some of my classmates pieces.

2. Did you make any changes to your piece inspired by these critiques?

I more so took inspiration form how they structured their presentations to inform how best to alter my presentation to more clearly and effectively get my points across

3. How useful did you find the oral/written feedback from the editorial and industry team?

I found it be very useful I was encouraged by the level of interest and engagement I got from the editorial team. They were able to give me some great insights and contextualized my view of the audience. They explained that I should try to give the piece more balance by getting an older voice in the piece. Unfortunately I was not able to implement this due to time constraints, but ultimately I made the editorial decision that in light of the target demographic being younger and older peoples phobia and reluctance to adopt technologies it was not the right move for me. If I had to do it over again I would have en devoured to get an older voice in the piece.

I Have included here some of the many emails I sent trying to get an Irish politician to sit down with me. It was very difficult and in the end I only got Aodhain o Riaordhain because he walked by me in the street. He then gave me his mobile number and said we should meet for coffee it was great because he gave my article some real cultural context.

I took a picture of the flyer he wrote it on I’m not ashamed to say I kind of cherished it it just goes to show sometimes its about being in the right place at the right time. Thinking quickly on your feet pays of sometimes. i have also included some screen shots of or texts correspondence.

Below is a picture of my work space otherwise know as my filing cabinet is was a complete mess and look like a bomb had hit it but I was able to dig out different class notes given to piece together how best to structure an article.

Legal and ethical consideration of a journalist which i took into account while reserching and writing this story.

It was important for me as a journalist to stick to these principles as closely as I possible could. this is so that I may in my reporting report the truth in as fair and as accurate a way as possible. The importance of this in today’s society cannot be emphasised enough. it is vital to have a free and open press if we are to have an informed electorate so as to have a functioning democracy. freedom of speech being the hallmark of a democratic society.

I endeavoured to follow the National Union of Journalists code of conduct throughout my investigation the code i have provided below for your consideration.

Which is a set of rules established by the National Union of Journalists in 1936.

It states that “A journalist: At all times upholds and defends the principle of media freedom, the right of freedom of expression and the right of the public to be informed.”

A journalist:

At all times upholds and defends the principle of media freedom, the right of freedom of expression and the right of the public to be informed.
Strives to ensure that information disseminated is honestly conveyed, accurate and fair.
Does her/his utmost to correct harmful inaccuracies.
Differentiates between fact and opinion.
Obtains material by honest, straightforward and open means, with the exception of investigations that are both overwhelmingly in the public interest and which involve evidence that cannot be obtained by straightforward means.
Does nothing to intrude into anybody’s private life, grief or distress unless justified by overriding consideration of the public interest.
Protects the identity of sources who supply information in confidence and material gathered in the course of her/his work.
Resists threats or any other inducements to influence, distort or suppress information and takes no unfair personal advantage of information gained in the course of her/his duties before the information is public knowledge.
Produces no material likely to lead to hatred or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age, gender, race, colour, creed, legal status, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Does not by way of statement, voice or appearance endorse by advertisement any commercial product or service save for the promotion of her/his own work or of the medium by which she/he is employed.
A journalist shall normally seek the consent of an appropriate adult when interviewing or photographing a child for a story about her/his welfare.
Avoids plagiarism.

In addition to this I was aware of and followed to the best of my ability the Press councils code of conduct included below.

Principle 1 − Truth and Accuracy
1.1 In reporting news and information, the press shall strive at all times for truth and accuracy.
1.2 When a significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distorted report or picture has been published, it shall be corrected promptly and with due prominence.
1.3 When appropriate, a retraction, apology, clarification, explanation or response shall be published promptly and with due prominence.

Principle 2 − Distinguishing Fact and Comment
2.1 The press is entitled to advocate strongly its own views on topics.
2.2 Comment, conjecture, rumour and unconfirmed reports shall not be reported as if they are fact.
2.3 Readers are entitled to expect that the content of the press reflects the best judgment of editors and writers and has not been inappropriately influenced by undisclosed interests. Wherever relevant, any significant financial interest of an organization should be disclosed. Writers should disclose significant potential conflicts of interest to their editors.

Principle 3 − Fair Procedures and Honesty
3.1 The press shall strive at all times for fair procedures and honesty in the procuring and publishing of news and information.
3.2 The press shall not obtain information, photographs or other material through misrepresentation or subterfuge, unless justified by the public interest.
3.3 Journalists and photographers must not obtain, or seek to obtain, information and photographs through harassment, unless their actions are justified in the public interest.

Principle 4 − Respect for Rights
Everyone has constitutional protection for his or her good name. The press shall not knowingly publish matter based on malicious misrepresentation or unfounded accusations, and must take reasonable care in checking facts before publication.

Principle 5 − Privacy
5.1 Privacy is a human right, protected as a personal right in the Irish Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, which is incorporated into Irish law. The private and family life, home and correspondence of everyone must be respected.
5.2 Readers are entitled to have news and comment presented with respect for the privacy and sensibilities of individuals. However, the right to privacy should not prevent publication of matters of public record or in the public interest.
5.3 Sympathy and discretion must be shown at all times in seeking information in situations of personal grief or shock. In publishing such information, the feelings of grieving families should be taken into account. This should not be interpreted as restricting the right to report judicial proceedings.
5.4 Public persons are entitled to privacy. However, where people hold public office, deal with public affairs, follow a public career, or have sought or obtained publicity for their activities, publication of relevant details of their private life and circumstances may be justifiable where the information revealed relates to the validity of the their conduct, the credibility of their public statements, the value of their publicly expressed views or is otherwise in the public interest.
5.5 Taking photographs of individuals in private places without their consent is not acceptable, unless justified by the public interest.

Principle 6 − Protection of Sources
Journalists shall protect confidential sources of information.

Principle 7 − Court Reporting
The press shall strive to ensure that court reports (including the use of images) are fair and accurate, are not prejudicial to the right to a fair trial and that the presumption of innocence is respected.

Principle 8 − Prejudice
The press shall not publish material intended or likely to cause grave offence or stir up hatred against an individual or group on the basis of their race, religion, nationality, colour, ethnic origin, membership of the travelling community, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, illness or age.

Principle 9 − Children
9.1 The press shall take particular care in seeking and presenting information or comment about a child under the age of 18.
9.2 Journalists and editors should have regard for the vulnerability of children, and in all dealings with children should bear in mind the age of the child, whether parental or other adult consent has been obtained for such dealings, the sensitivity of the subject-matter, and what circumstances if any make the story one of public interest. Young people should be free to complete their time at school without unnecessary intrusion. The fame, notoriety or position of a parent or guardian must not be used as sole justification for publishing details of a child’s private life.

Principle 10 − Reporting of Suicide
In the reporting of suicide, excessive detail of the means of suicide should be avoided.

Principle 11 – Publication of the Decision of the Press Ombudsman / Press Council

11.1 When requested or required by the Press Ombudsman and/or the Press Council to do so, the press shall publish the decision in relation to a complaint with due prominence.
11.2 The content of this Code will be reviewed at regular intervals

Last update – March 2019

Below is a picture of the form that Orlagh handed out during class to try to quantify who and how were were contacting. In order to get people to go on the record, as part of our primary research. In the end many of the people on this form did not get back to me but it was valuable to get it down in writing to clarify who you have and who you have yet to get in touch with and get on the record for your piece.

Equally Jeff Johnston sent me on the Fine Gael press release relating to Universal Basic income.

Jeff Johnston
Sat, Mar 30, 1:24 PM (11 days ago)
to me

Hi Donal,

Thank you for your email. As per our phone call during the week, I wasn’t able to get to this until this weekend with work Monday to Friday and other commitments in recent evenings.

However, here you go. On basis minimum income I have the following comments:

PRESS RELEASE – BASIC MINIMUM INCOME

As a graduate of economics from Trinity College Dublin, the idea of a basic minimum income is something that Jeff Johnston, FG Local Election Candidate, became quite familiar with in his four years as an undergraduate.

When studying a module on the economics of public policy, incentives were always a key point of focus and concern. Creating the wrong incentives can misguide people into making decisions that are ultimately bad for themselves and for society.

For example, one month while I was working in retail part-time through college, a colleague who I had worked with was only €4 better off for that month for having worked than had she not worked and been on social welfare. She was deeply frustrated and even indulged the thought that she may as well not be working. To give her credit, she continued working and didn’t indulge those thoughts any further. Obviously, in this case, had my co-worker been in receipt of a basic minimum income instead of being in a social welfare system, where receipt of welfare is conditional on her employment status, this thought would not have passed her mind at all. In other cases, some of my co-workers wanted to make sure they weren’t working too many hours, so that they wouldn’t exceed a salary level that would disqualify them for some other benefits they are entitled to. Intuitively, a basic minimum income/benefits model would avoid such issues.

Now, it must be considered that trials of a basic minimum income have not led to the results that the above thought-experiment or economic intuition would suggest. Finland’s basic income scheme did not spur its unemployed recipients to work more to supplement their earnings as hoped but it did help their well-being, researchers said as the trial’s initial findings were released. The two-year trial ended in January of this year. Finland are now looking at alternatives to the basic minimum income model as it did not work for them. One could possibly argue that the amount given to recipients was too generous and eliminated the incentive for work. If basic minimum income was high enough of a level that people didn’t need additional income to get by, many could choose not to work and maybe economise their basic minimum income. Most importantly, in these considerations, people cannot be just thought off as “economic agents” and economic policy should serve the people, not the other way around.

Basic minimum income should not be excluded as an option on the table as a result of its trial in Finland. Maybe it was too high, maybe what didn’t work for the Fins could work for another country, and in theory it has a lot to offer as a public policy solution.
—

I would be grateful if you could send me on your final publication.

Best of luck with the piece and thanks for getting in touch.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Kind regards,
Jeff

And then there was the many many failed attempts first from dacvid norris and Ivan Bacik se below.

Thu, Mar 7, 10:08 AM
to david.norris

Hi David,

My name is Donal Carroll I am a journalism student in Collaiste Dhullaig and am writing a piece on the rise of the machines and technology.

I was wondering if you had any thoughts on our country and its state of reediness for a technological and economic singularity.

Many experts the like of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have pointed to universal basic income being the answer or part of the answer to this rise in technological innovation.

I am not sure if you are best placed to answer this question so if you are not, I would be eternally grateful if you could point me the right direction or put me in touch with a person who could or is.

Basically I have chosen you because you are my favorite politician and I feel you are one of the intellectual powerhouses in our government and as such I would be interested to get you thoughts.

any and all feedback would be very much appreciated.

Kind regards,
David Norris <David.Norris@oireachtas.ie>
Thu, Mar 7, 10:21 AM
to me

Dear Donal,

Thank you for your email to David Norris. David is out of the office suffering from a severe chest infection but rest assured that he will receive your email directly upon his return to the office next week.

Best wishes

Miriam

Miriam G. Smith

Assistant to Senator David Norris

Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer.
http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/about/oireachtasemailpolicyanddisclaimer/

Beartas ríomhphoist an Oireachtais agus séanadh.
http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/ga/eolas/beartasriomhphoistanoireachtaisagusseanadh/

David Norris
Tue, Mar 12, 9:20 AM
to me

Dear Donal,

Thank you for your email and apologies for the delay in replying but I believe Miriam was in touch to let you know that I was unwell. May I first of all thank you most sincerely for your kind comments about being your favourite politician – I was delighted.

However regarding your query – technological is something I know absolutely nothing about, as I have said in the past – “I am a computer virgin and hope to go to my grave a computer virgin!!” I do not know whether universal basic income is the answer to the rise in technological innovation! Perhaps it would be better if you talked to someone like Ivana Bacik, Ivana is computer literate and might be better placed to help you. She can be contacted at ivana.bacik@oireachtas.ie

With very best wishes for the future.
Thu, Mar 21, 11:00 AM
to ivana.bacik

Hi Ivana,

Following on from the previous email thread, I would be thrilled to get your thoughts on universal basic income and what if any plans we have in order to tackle the problem of automation.

As I mentioned to David, I am researching for a story about the rise of the machines and what impact technology will have on us over the coming years.

One thing that I can see a consensus on is the automation of certain industries being more inevitable than not.

An antidote to this would seem to the concept of Universal basic income. A idea that the likes of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have endorsed in recent times.

I am curious to find out and understand what in fact is the Irish governments plans to combat the looming threat of automation.

If I could get your thoughts on this or what you feel would be a good plan or is it the case that nobody is talking or worried about this.

It just feels like people are only focused on the short term and their quarterly targets.

Which is concerning amid the looming threat of automation and the potential loss of jobs in the automotive industry for example.

Any and all information you can give me regarding this would be very much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Donal Carroll.
Ivana Bacik
Thu, Mar 21, 11:25 AM
to me

HI Donal, thanks for the email – this is an interesting idea and I know we have discussed it within Labour, we had a presentation on it at my local constituency meeting last year. I don’t have any idea what the Fine Gael or government position is on it but I do agree with you that it is of particular relevance as a concept in the context of looming threats to jobs through automation.
Thanks again for taking the time to email me, I will check within the Party to see if we have any more information I can give you,

Best wishes Ivana

Rumple Stilskin <donal.carroll25@gmail.com>
Thu, Mar 21, 11:30 AM
to Ivana

Hi Ivana,

Thanks so much for getting back to me, yes it would be great to hear what your party’s plan is if any at all.

It is refreshing and reassuring to know that you are aware of this and have at least recognised the issue as being a real and present danger.

If you could point me in the direction of someone who would have specifics on this that would be great.

Thanks again for the feedback I appreciate you taking 5the time to correspond.

Kind regards,

Donal.

Tue, Mar 26, 11:22 AM
to Ivana

Hi Ivana,

Just following regarding our above email thread, I have been able to get in touch with Aodhan O Riordhain and am meeting with him for coffee later this week.

In light of the fact that my deadline is fast approaching I wanted to give you the opportunity to give some comment at all regarding this issue.

As Aodhan has taken this issue seriously and agreed to meet with me for a coffee to discuss i wanted to again get in touch to give you a second opportunity for comment.

Kind regards,
Donal Carroll.
Ivana Bacik
Tue, Mar 26, 11:24 AM
to me

Great thanks for letting me know Donal, what time is the meeting with Aodhan – just let me know and I will hope to get there too, all the best Ivana

And Then Lynn Ruanne these kind of stung the most as I would have been fans of both.

Thu, Mar 7, 12:05 PM
to lynn.ruane

Hi Lynn,

I first came across you on the “No Shame” podcast with Paddy Houghlihan. I found you and your story to be fascinating.

I am a first year Journalism student at Collaiste Dhullaig, I am researching for a project that I am doing on the rise of the machines.

The question of universal Basic income keeps coming up, with people such as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk espousing its virtues.

Moreover they see it as an inevitability in the coming years, I know this may not be your area of expertise, but I really like you as a politician and would really like to get your thoughts on this.

Admittedly I am at the very early stages of my research but I am curious to see if our government has a plan to tackle the pending automation of so many jobs across so many industries. with the stagnation of wages in the recent years seen worldwide.

Any and all feedback you might have in relation to this would be much appreciated. It seems like most company’s and countries are just focused on the mid to short term quarterly target driven motives. However the technological and economic singularity is right around the corner.

Countries like the United States and China have seen heavy investment into AI and all things tech. In China for example the landmark victory of an AI over a human in the game of “Go” (a military strategy game) have prompted such heavy investment of 400 billion into tech.

It makes me wonder and worry where does Ireland stand in relation to this 4th digital Industrial revolution.

This might not be your area of expertise and if so my apologies, but if you could point me in the right direction I would be eternally grateful.

Kind regards,
Sat, Mar 30, 12:46 PM (11 days ago)
to lynn.ruane

Hi Lynne,

Just following up on the previous email, wanted to know if you had any thoughts on universal basic income.

Would have loved to hear back from you, you were one of my favourite politicians but it seems you don’t answer emails.

I hope I am wrong and this one just slipped through the net.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,
Donal Carroll.
Lynn Ruane
Thu, Apr 4, 3:35 PM (6 days ago)
to me

Dear Donal,

Many thanks for your email I will make sure to pass this onto Lynn. My apologies in not responding to your first email, I hope you can appreciate Senator Ruane receives a huge amount of emails daily on top of her current work, which results unfortunately in some slipping through the net.

Kind Regards,

Aisling

Please note: Senator Ruane is a Designated Public Official under the Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2015. For more information, see lobbying.ie.

Oireachtas email policy and disclaimer.
http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/about/oireachtasemailpolicyanddisclaimer/

Beartas ríomhphoist an Oireachtais agus séanadh.
http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/ga/eolas/beartasriomhphoistanoireachtaisagusseanadh/
Thu, Apr 4, 4:10 PM (6 days ago)
to Lynn

Hi Aisling,

Yea I can Imagine Aisling, Aisling Smith? Notwithstanding David Norris, Ivana Bacik Jef Johnston and Aodhain Oriordhain all got back to me promptly enough. In the case of Aodhain he made time to meet with me for coffee.

I guess its true what they say you should never meet your heroes and I wouldn’t have minded so much be she was one of my favourites.

Thanks again for taking the time to get back to me just Aisling, I do appreciate it.

My deadline is not until the 11th would love to get anyone in Irish governments thoughts on the automation of the transport industry along with a number of others besides in the coming years.

It seems we have no plan while thought leaders point to UBI as a inevitability Zuckerber and Musk being two.

Does the Irish government or any of its politicians know what exponential growth means? Moore’s Law?

Blockbuster ignored Netflix when they came to them with their plan for the future it looks like our government and politicians have a similar short term focus on getting elected.

Its like Bertie said a politicians job is not to make change but to get reelected.

If answering emails is beyond you then there is little hope for any of us.

I am available to chat if either yourself or Lynne get a spare 5 mins.

I feel email correspondence is more respectful of your time but again i would be open for a coffee.

Kind regards,
Donal Carroll.

8:42 AM (9 hours ago)
to Lynn

Hi Aisling,

Just following up once more.

Lastly then I attemtpedt to get in touch wioth a podcaster by the name of Aidan Mc Cullen this one again died on the vine with him not getting back to me in time.
Thu, Mar 21, 11:52 AM
to TheInnovationShow

Hi Aidan,

I have recently discovered your show and I have to say that I am a huge big fan.

You are very succinct and have almost no fluff, I would be a huge podcast fan and I really enjoy your format.

You get straight to the point and you have very insightful and well thought out questions as evidenced in your guests reaction to your level of knowledge.

You don’t waste time or bore your audience in any way, which is very refreshing.

I am a journalism student and am researching for a story on the rise of the machines.

I have found your show to be of great interest and importance when researching for this story.

I originally had the piece titled the rise of the machines and the death of the spoke word.

However upon investigation the death of the spoke word and what we are losing became akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic.

So my focus shifted to the threat of looming automation of a number of industries.

As such I have switched my attention to focus on Universal basic Income and trying to get a handle on the level of preparation our own government is doing.

If I could get any comment from you I would be eternally gratefully, it would give my piece some much needed cultural context and an Irish perspective.

So in the slim chance that you have gotten to the end of this novel, I would love if you could give me a comment or a quote.

Regarding automation and universal basic income and how ready is Ireland for the coming 4th industrial revolution.

Kind regards,

Donal Carroll.
Aidan McCullen
Thu, Mar 21, 12:23 PM
to me

Hi Rumple 🙂 / Donal,

Thank you for your great feedback. I do attempt to be bias free and fluff free. If I can improve further what would you suggest?

As for the comment, could you give me an example of what you are looking for?

Also did you hear the shows I have done on Ai and UBI? They will be of help, Martin ford – rise of the robots and recently Calum Chace on the two singularities?

Thu, Mar 21, 12:28 PM
to Aidan

Hi Aidan,

Yes I have indeed you blew my mind 🤯 with those podcasts and many others besides.

I am out to lunch at the minute so am at a bit of a loss to correspond the way I would like.

However I will be sure to follow up with you in more detail just as soon as I get a chance.

Thank you so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate it.
Kind regards,
Donal.
I will defo follow up

Wed, Mar 27, 12:48 PM
to Aidan

Hi Aidan,

Sorry for not getting back to you Its just I wanted to be clear on the material and the type of angle or question I wanted to give you.

Basically I am planning to outline and explain in as clear a fashion as possible the concept of exponential growth where it came from how it works and the implications i.e UBI.

Then I would look to outline the difficulties in this and then potentially get an Irish politicians perspective on it. I am attempting to get in touch or get a comment from a number of politicians. Even one would do me just to give some cultural context to the piece.

The quarterly shortsightedness that companies like blockbuster faced would be a real life example of this and I would point to this as a cautionary tale.

Many of what I learned on the issue has been from your podcast, I also really enjoyed that pottery story about failing forward and often (I hope I have that right 🙂

From your perspective I would love to get your thoughts on how ready Ireland is or how ready any country is for this 4th Industrial revolution.

Or what the potential implications of not being prepared or at the very least an early adopter in this next phase.

Really anything at all you have to say I will most probably use to be fair I am a bit of a fan boy of the podcast.

I was trying to think of why I liked it so much and its just the immediacy of the information you have intro music but you don’t fluff it.

I mean i find myself fast forwarding most you-tube clips much less Netflix so I feel you kind of show an elevated respect for the user and their valuable time.

Anything that you can do to facilitate this is always much appreciated, also I find in the show notes it should tell you asap what the guest is a specialist in because on many platforms they chop and change it.

In many cases I will decide to download based on the show notes and if I don’t know the person, I’m basing it primarily on the first few words in the show notes and its very rare I will click into the show.

So based on the title of the show and the first few show notes, sorry I hope that helps because that’s what I will do when I’m downloading it so.

But yea really like your show keep up the good work are you on social media, ill check n like n follow or YouTube?

Any and all help you can give regarding the article and a quote from you would be very much appreciated and would constitute me Irish expert and give me great cultural context.

Kind regards,
Donal Carroll.

Legal and ethical consideration of a journalist which i took into account while reserching and writing this story.

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