Truth, Sources, and Watchdogs

By Jessica De Vivo

Walking in the shoes of an on-the-go journalist in New York City is filled with excitement and suspense, as can be seen in Jo Kadlecek’s third novel in The Lightfoot Trilogy, A Minute Before Friday. Jonna Lightfoot MacLaughlin is an ambitious reporter devoted to the truth and standing up for what is right. As a reporter, she pushes to get her way and uncover the facts when she smells something fishy in the air. This may cause some to think of her as too assertive, however, her personality comes in handy with her reporting. MacLaughlin is determined to cover a concealed story concerning fraud at Regal University, even when her editor, Skip Gravely, wishes otherwise. In her mind, the truth is always worth fighting for.

Throughout her reporting and uncovering of the truth, one sees many examples of the journalism elements, derived from Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel’s, The Elements of Journalism. Not only is MacLaughlin devoted to the truth, but, in so doing, she verifies her research and goes to various sources to get the facts straight. Much of the novel focuses on the watchdog principle in that MacLaughlin tries to hold the institution of Regal accountable for its actions. In a discussion with Gravely, she tells him that the people of Regal should be held responsible “Because they didn’t do what they were supposed to” (Kadlecek 249). In MacLaughlin’s eyes, it is her duty to present the truth and hold people and institutions responsible.

All the President's Men

By Jessica De Vivo

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were the infamous journalists of the Washington Post who investigated the details of the Watergate scandal revolving around former President Richard Nixon. In the movie, All the President’s Men, in which Robert Redford stars as Woodward and Dustin Hoffman as Bernstein, the intensity of the life of the journalist devoted to the facts of the story is brought to life. Even when their lives may have been in danger, finding the details of the story and getting the truth out to the citizens remained the top priority.

In Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel’s The Elements of Journalism, much emphasis is placed on the discipline of verification in seeking numerous witnesses to the account and putting ample research into it. All the President’s Men clearly demonstrates this through the various scenes of picking up the phone and knocking on strangers’ doors to find the necessary information. The intense investigation can especially be seen through this time period in which journalists did not have the luxury of a computer to help them with their reporting. All the President’s Men portrays the immense time and energy Woodward and Bernstein prioritized to get to the bottom of the Watergate scandal.

State of Truth

By Jessica De Vivo

Pursuing the truth in journalism may not always be an easy, safe ride. Despite all of the Hollywood connotations associated with the movie, State of Play, featuring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, and Rachel McAdams, it truly demonstrates the risk-taking involved and the importance of chasing after the truth at all costs. Set in Washington, D.C., the movie portrays Crowe as a journalist in the midst of the political hype and drama of the city, along with Affleck playing to role of a politician and McAdams, a blogging journalist. A complicated situation arises regarding a woman Affleck had an affair with and the questionable circumstances of her death.

Amid the twist and turns of digging to find the truth of the matter, Crowe experiences near-death circumstances. Seeking the truth of the story even causes his friend, Affleck, to lose faith in him and ridicule him for it, “You're just seeking the truth. . . You're not interested in me. [I]t's all about you and you getting your story” (State of Play). A journalist must be careful to keep one’s integrity and not defame another’s name, however, sometimes, the truth is more important and does not always appease everyone. The movie makes many references to the importance of truth in journalism and it is a definite must-see for any aspiring journalist.

Good Night and Good Luck

By Jessica De Vivo

In the classic film, Good Night, and Good Luck, the archetypal journalist from CBS News, Edward R. Murrow, stated, “This instrument [the television as it portrays the news] can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends.” Murrow realized that the media had a duty to perform in illuminating Senator Joseph McCarthy’s actions regarding the communist scare. It must shed light on the truth, even when the truth is ostracized.

“Journalism’s first loyalty is to citizens,” as Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel stated in The Elements of Journalism (pg. 36). Murrow acknowledged this crucial factor and portrayed the truth to his viewers, even when his career was at stake. The media is responsible in its role of informing the public, even if it is not what they expect to hear. Murrow showed integrity in sticking to this responsibility. In Murrow’s loyalty to the citizens of the United States, he was also a slave to the truth. As a journalist, verification and truth-seeking may not be the easiest path to follow, but it is the righteous one. Journalists must keep their eyes fixed upon the old-time figure of Murrow and remain steadfast in their integrity.

The Role of Journalism in the Civil Rights Movement

By Jessica De Vivo

The televised media brought the atrocities of the Civil Rights Movement to Americans’ living rooms. The images resembled that of a horrific nightmare, only they could not be shrugged off in the morning; they were real and were happening to real people. Through journalism, the truth of what African Americans experienced was disclosed, even if people had previously refused to acknowledge its existence.

“All That Jazz” at Gordon College’s Homecoming

By Jesse Poole and Jessica De Vivo


Gordon College jazz ensemble, the Coy Pond Piranhas, was heard echoing from the Philips Music Center courtyard on the evening of Homecoming, Saturday, October 10. Conducted by music professor David Rox, the band featured both students and community members, with a majority of student musicians. Alumni, faculty, students, and parents still ventured out to experience “all that jazz,” despite the chilly, fall weather.

The finger-snapping music included the hit number, “Night and Day,” featuring the voice of Evangelyna Etienne ’12, music education major from Saugus, Ma. “It’s a lot of fun,” said Etienne, “you get to work with the whole band.”

Most of the pieces, however, were purely instrumental. “Have You Met Miss Jones,” “Big John’s Special,” and “La Suerte de Los Tantos,” were just a few of the songs performed. “It’s a great outlet for me,” said electric bass player, Sara Gassert ’10, music education major from Hingham, Ma.

Between 170-175 audience members attended the performance. Many found the “feel-good” music and laid-back atmosphere enjoyable. “I could sit out here for hours,” said Karen Curran, parent of a Gordon student. The talent of the group was outstanding. “The group is so together while still being relaxed,” said Alicia Tirrell, ’10, music education major from Mansfield, Ma. “I’m just amazed at how professional they sound,” said Curran.

After providing enjoyment to the Homecoming scene for at least 15 years, the jazz ensemble has been a major hit at Gordon College. “Jazz music helps you loosen up,” said spectator Ian Good, ’11, music performance major from Pocasset, Ma. The music department’s tradition has continued to bring nothing less than excellence and pure bliss.