In-class Assignment Questions

What is the "beast?"
The "beast" is the news cycle or news outlet.
What does it need to be fed?
The "beast" needs to be fed a constant stream of stories that will make people read.
What compromises (if any) might occur in trying to feed the 24-hour news cycle in print, TV and the internet?
The truth could be compromised if the pressure for stories is great enough. The stiff competition between news outlets results in a rush to get the story out first. In doing so, their may not be time to ensure all sources are truly credible. In one instance shown in the video, a reporter writes a story based on someone elses research and thereby takes that writer's credit by using their information to write a story without speaking to them. Reporters also have a team working behind them and many times find out what they will be reporting when they walk into work.
A responsible reporter will not report something when he or she is unsure of the credibility of the source or research.