Media
Confirmation Bias
American society is suffering from a bad case of “confirmation bias.” What is “confirmation bias”? That is where one selects evidence that agrees with one’s own opinions. That is bad enough, but in our digital world, increasingly, the selection of evidence is being done by media corporate giants. When we “like” some post on Facebook, that “like” goes into an algorithm that creates an individual profile of our purchasing, political, social and racial tendencies. Decisions based on what sources will be directed toward one’s inbox will be a ...
BALLOONS AND CIRCUS CLOWNS
Grab your cell phone. Go to google maps. Click on satellite view. Search for Beijing, China. Zoom in. Want to sit on the roof of the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong? Zero in – you’re there. How about the Beijing Marriott Hotel? Not a problem. Wander around Tianamen Square? Go for it. Check out the curving roof ridges on the buildings in the Forbidden City? It’s all yours. Hungry? Head for Hongrongyuan Dumpling or Wankelai Beefsteak Hotpot. Heard they’re great!
Ah, but let’s head back to America. Do a search for the White House, Pennsylvania Ave. Wander around the ...
BULL FALLS RADIO
Hi Folks,
Today is an exciting day because I am finally able to announce the Minocqua Brewing Company’s partnership with two new progressive talk radio stations opening up in Central Wisconsin, and potentially even more around Northern Wisconsin very soon.
On August 1st, WXCO 1230 AM/98.9 FM, which will be called “Bull Falls Radio,” will be launched in Wausau. Also, the Stevens Point/Wisconsin Rapids station, WFRH 1320 AM/97.5 FM, otherwise known as “Locally Grown Radio,” will also be under the same new ownership. These stations are an ...
Some thoughts on the role journalism plays in society
Unity is more than just a good idea; it is vital. That isn’t to say that we must unite to create false equivalencies and accept fiction as though it were fact. We must restore faith in an objective truth, one of the tenets of good journalism.
Happiness, simplicity, and other worthy pursuits
The other morning, while watching snow gently falling, outlining the lampposts and trees, I felt peace. More than that, I felt happy. Soon after, I found myself asking, “why can’t others find happiness in these simple things?” Of course other people do, but maybe not enough.
Will, my significant other, has said to me, “sometimes I feel like asking people, ‘have you ever turned around to watch the sunrise?’”
It is a question that should be asked of people who resort to violence. Surely there must be some deep unhappiness that leads people to act as they ...
DO YOU TRUST THE MEDIA IN WAUSAU?
What is Beyond the Headlines?
“Beyond the Headlines” brings Wisconsinites together for discussions that explore journalism’s crucial role in enabling productive citizen engagement in American democracy.
What role do media have in society to inform the public and protect democracy?
What do residents expect from media and law enforcement? The national dialogue reveals a shaky trust between the public and law enforcement or media.
Where does Wausau fit in this picture and what has this exploration of Beyond the Headlines told us about where we’re ...
Beyond The Headlines Wausau … November 14
What is Beyond the Headlines?
“Beyond the Headlines” brings Wisconsinites together for discussions that explore journalism’s crucial role in enabling productive citizen engagement in American democracy.
What role do media have in society to inform the public and protect democracy?
What do residents expect from media and law enforcement? The national dialogue reveals a shaky trust between the public and law enforcement or media.
Where does Wausau fit in this picture and what has this exploration of Beyond the Headlines told us about where we’re succeed...
BUILDING TRUST: CREDIBILITY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE MEDIA
Can we trust the media? Can we trust law enforcement? Why or why not? And why is that credibility important? Join us in a facilitated community conversation on September 12 that brings together news media, law enforcement and the public to talk about how we can ensure we’re getting the true story. We’ll look at:
Why is credibility important when developing relationships between law enforcement and the media?
To what extent does the public trust the media and/or law enforcement - and why? What about the impact of so-called “fake news?”
What resources do law ...
Wausau Pilot & Review’s Shereen Siewert Presents to The Westies (Video)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/o7klqpDQdAE" align="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Shereen Siewert, investigative journalist -- and the founder and editor of Wausau Pilot & Review -- presented to The Westies Neighborhood Group on July 9, 2018, at the Wausau Labor Temple.
Wausau Pilot & Review broke multiple stories in the recent past including, but not limited to, topics related to the Wausau Chemical move, the Riverlife developer challenges, and the contamination issues in the Thomas Street Neighborhood.
...
NOW HEAR THIS
Once upon a time, people reserved loud outbursts for very special occasions.
HELP! FIRE! CHARGE!
In each case, the raised voice with its guttural message alerted anyone within earshot that an emergency required their immediate attention. Or in the case of warfare, now was the time to kill or be killed.
We respond to shouting both physically and emotionally as adrenalin dumps into our system. Our hands may form fists, our jaw clenches, our heart rate accelerates. Psychological studies have shown the negative effects of shouting.
In the mid-1980s, a certain ...
