SPIKE has checked with all the gurus and everyone has pronounced Byron Buckley wrong. Last week, Byron argued hard that it was unfair for reporters to mention famous relatives of the subject of their stories, unless such relatives are crucial to the article.

Christine Bell, the veteran journalist and public relations specialist who runs Innovative Ideas, also disagreed with Byron. Read what Christine had to say:
"I believe that we would have to review. and perhaps discard. one of the foundation teachings about good journalism if I am to agree with Buckley completely.

When I began my practical stint in the (then) JBC newsroom - and with outstanding journalist Hector Bernard as the GM for News - we were told that the who, what, when, where, why and how were integral to good journalism; the order in which they are used in the story's lead is determined by the importance of the different elements and what will resonate most with the reader.

"This was reinforced when I studied journalism formally in the USA. What I always took that to mean is that if, for instance, Jamaica's governor-general were seen running down the street in a dishevelled state, the who - because of the status his office enjoys - would be what should take pride of place.

Of course, journalism that is fair would decree that if the GG's offspring had just won the Nobel Peace Prize, the relationship to the GG would be equally well highlighted.

"In the case of Mr Vegas (the example used by Buckley), he is so well known that his relationship to the other adult in question would not be bypassed . although, yes, it can be debated that it need not have been headlined. I do agree, too, that in this instance the man's designation as a "former policeman" might have been similarly powerful and would have reduced the need to headline a renowned relative's connection to him. "However, while I know very well and embrace the Rotary tenet of being fair to all concerned, isn't it a bit of a stretch to say that the headlining of Mr Vegas' name in an article about his brother is making Mr Vegas guilty by association?
- Christine Ann Bell, anjabel@cwjamaica.com

Spike's view

Well said, Christine!
Byron should also know that one of the main criteria for selection news is 'famous people'. That is because over the years we have learnt by experience that readers, listeners and viewers are very interested in the lives of famous people. There are countless magazines and newspaper columns devoted to providing info on famous people.

The truth is, what would often be a mundane happening ignored by even the laziest reporter, suddenly becomes news because of some well-known person who is involved. Two women could be cussing out each other in a supermarket and ordinarily a reporter would pass that by. But if one, or both, of them was the wife of Mr So-and-So Big Dog in society, the reporter might consider himself lucky!

What I would most certainly disagree with is something I saw which came off the wires recently when the story was about the son of a famous man; and the reporter gave some details of the famous man's background, as if the story was about him! Ridiculous!

Media movement

. Profile of a wedding
Spike's hardly-ever-wrong sources say 'Profile' host, Ian Boyne, is to re-marry. All the very best, Ian.

. Ragashanti walks
Kingsley 'Ragashanti' Stewart has walked away from his second radio show - Newstalk 93FM. A quarrel is said to have taken place but Spike is not yet in a position to give details.

Internship available at the Commonwealth secretariat
The Communications and Public Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking a young journalist from the Caribbean region, including Jamaica, to take an attachment with the Secretariat in London from July to December 2007.

The successful candidate will be paid an allowance to cover expenses. This includes a fixed monthly allowance to cover accommodation and a fixed daily allowance for living expenses. The total allowance amounts to approximately £1,800 per month (before UK taxes and deductions). A return air ticket (economy class) will be provided, as will additional reimbursements for some transportation and short-term accommodation expenses and visa costs. The deadline for application is May 1, 2007.

Candidates are requested to apply via e-mail, attaching their curriculum vitae and ensuring that full address and contact details are included. Those selected for an interview will be asked to provide samples of their published writing, as well as a short personal statement (of about one page) stating why they would like to be considered for the internship and a letter of recommendation from their editor supporting their internship application and allowing leave of absence from the newsroom for duration of the internship programme. Interviews will be conducted by phone.
CVs should be sent to the CNIS Editor at g.goh@commonwealth.int by May 1, 2007.

Photo gallery

The call is still out for photographs of journalists for Spike's photo gallery. Send yours to desal@cwjamaica.com or 40 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5.

Desmond Allen, aka the Spike, a 33-year veteran of journalism, is a former president of the Press Association of Jamaica and a past general secretary of the regional Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM).

The fear factor

Feeding the multitude

DANGEROUS PETS