Torch, Winter 2012

thought. Nor do I read only what I expect to agree with. So much of TV news programming is analysis and commentary, and with so many competing voices it’s difficult to discern truth from fiction. The best and most credible commentators maintain what Kovach and Rosenstiel call an independence from faction. Opinion givers will naturally fall on one side of an issue, but does their commentary reflect independent thinking or does it always fall in line with the agenda of a group they are trying to please? Ignore the ones who serve factions because the truth will often get lost. Preachers use pulpits and authors use books to spread their messages. How do you discern truth from error in those settings? Use Scripture as your filter. If the message doesn’t align, you may decide to attend a different church, change the radio station, or close the book. When two people you trust have different views, check more sources. The same is true for having confidence in the news you consume. Unfortunately, there is not a reliable source like Scripture to go to for validation, but your filter is there to help you, even if it’s not perfect. You should continually examine where your news comes from, and be open to adjusting your filter. If you believe everything you hear in the media, you will find yourself living in fear and flux as you listen to competing voices. It takes time and energy to listen, read, question, and weigh information, but when coupled with prayer and humility, it’s the only way to develop a discerning mind and heart. Although getting at the truth of a situation may not be easy or comfortable, you can trust that your response is based not on fear and uncertainty but on hope and truth. Jeff Gilbert serves as an assistant professor of journalism. He received his B.A. in broadcasting at Cedarville before working 22 years in the newspaper industry as a sports writer, copy editor, page designer, and sports editor. He has been at Cedarville since 2009. cedarville.edu/summer SUMMER CAMPS 2012 Something for Everyone! SPORTS CAMPS Sports and academic camps, including a new Journalism Camp led by Professor Jeff Gilbert , provide great opportunities to explore an area of interest, meet faculty and coaches, and make new friends! Winter 2012 | TORCH 17