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Commentary

Commentary

  • There's the awards, the in-depth reporting, the great photos, and many other things that news outlets can brag about. One thing that most journalists are still working on however is earning solid trust from most of the public. A distrust and even dislike for news folk isn't necessarily new, (and in more than a few cases, not unwarranted) but in the last decade it seems that politics, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the endless void of Facebook has made many more civilians villainize "The Media™". So to break down what journalists SHOULD do, whether they do it or not, and why they should do it, we brought in someone who has made the clarification and explanation of media ethics their life's work. Dr. Chris Roberts at the University of Alabama is the authority on media ethics-- he's quite literally the vice chairman of the ethics committee of the Society of Professional Journalists. In part one of our in-depth conversation on what news media should and shouldn't do in their pursuit of the truth, he lets our listeners know what the news outlets you engage with should be doing, and how to know if they're doing it.
  • This week on StoryCorps, Doris Cox and Margaret Broadnax discuss their experiences in the Civil Rights Movement, as well as how many problems of the past continue to linger today.
  • Craft tokens, messy dating shows and angel numbers! Sapphic Craftin' is celebrating two years of bringing queer, sober and creative spaces to Mobile. In this episode of Quick-Fire Quips, co-founders Saige and Audrey talk about building chosen family in the South and what they hope to see for the future of the local LGBTQ+ community. Plus, the best analog hobbies—from felt embroidery to sewing— and a shared love for Black Cat Vegan Bakery pastries.
  • This week on StoryCorps, Snookie Parish and Michael Lewis remember their childhood in the Mill Village in the midst of segregation and integration, and how blissfully unaware they were of the societal problems that surrounded them.
  • This week, Don reviews The Art of Becoming a Citizen: A Memoir by Gail Godwin.
  • APR news has covered the war between Ukraine and Russia a lot. When President Joe Biden said, ‘We will walk softly and carry a big javelin,’ he was paraphrasing Teddy Roosevelt and his saying about carrying ‘a big stick.’ Biden was also giving a nod to the Lockheed Martin plant in Troy, that Alabama factory makes the shoulder fired anti-tank missiles. And then there's the perspective of Alex Drueke.
  • Cameron the Capitol Cat became a regular sight at the Capitol Building in Lincoln Nebraska, and has been featured in the newspaper, television, even in cartoon strips - now that's a real political cat!
  • With 29 albums under his belt, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inductee and recent Alabama Distinguished Artist Award winner Eric Essex isn't slowing down. On this week's episode of Quick-Fire Quips, he sits down with Baillee Majors to tease his upcoming album, Things Above. But it’s not just about the music— also takes us behind his music education work in Alabama schools, reveals his Marvel comic book nerd status and names the three albums he'd give to an alien invasion!
  • In this edition of Alabama Out Loud, APR’s Aydan Conchin explores free and low-cost public beach access along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. As visitors head to the coast throughout the summer season, communities continue balancing tourism, safety and coastal conservation efforts. 🌊☀️🏖️
  • May is mental health awareness month, and organizations across the United States use this time to educate Americans on how to both understand mental health issues and offer support to people who are struggling. We're joining those voices with our last Simplified episode of the month: an informative chat with Dr. Abby Horton, an Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing. Dr. Horton has over a decade of researching wellness and mental health on her resume, making her the perfect guest to answer questions from Lacey (and the listening audience!) about what goes on in our heads and how to best take care of them.
  • This week on StoryCorps, we return with Ty Cramer and Steve Romein as they discuss how Common Power branched out towards Selma, Alabama and the significance it has for education and voting rights.
  • This week, Don reviews Ode to the Bones by Carolyn Haines.