Robert Scheer’s documentary Above the Fold introduces the audience to his life as an activist and journalist. Scheer documents his experience in journalism as an individual that is willing to pursue the truth irrespective of the risks involved. The events in the documentary capture Scheer’s career shifts as a journalist who is unwilling to compromise their moral principles and values to inform and educate his audience. The film enlightens the audience about the impact that the media has on society and the importance of reporting the news while observing ethical practices. Robert Scheer examines journalism from a unique perspective that enables aspiring journalists and those who consume news to avoid commercializing news.
The title of the documentary is used as a motif to allude to the importance of curating news to meet public needs. Scheer reveals the concept of delivering news as an integral part of communication in society; thus, as a journalist, it is vital to provide extensive information about a topic. The fold is a conventional phrase that was used in the world of print to describe the upper half section of the front page of a newspaper. This section is the most important as it bears the top story, and influences the readers' perception of the information conveyed in the newspaper. The film defines citizens as consumers that are targeted; thus, the news passed to them is designed to attract their attention. The title emphasizes the importance of headlines in capturing the attention of the reader. For instance, although a newspaper reader may not go through the whole newspaper, they will be inclined to read the front of the paper. However, Scheer encourages his audience to look beyond the fold.
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Scheer’s uses his experiences to educate the audience about the basics of becoming an ethical and professional journalist. For instance, he reveals the need to face certain risks and provide citizens with accurate and valid information through best practices. The media has the responsibility of informing the public about the current trends by delving into the issues that affect them rather than skimming through the surface. For instance, viewers are introduced to the concept of “fake news” and how it is used by some media and journalists to attract the attention of the masses. Through a historical perspective, Scheer demonstrates how fake news has controlled how information is shared, and news delivered, in the modern-day society.
Above the Fold demonstrates the exemplary journalistic practices that should be embodied when reporting the news. Viewers are encouraged to emulate Scheer’s commitment and dedication to telling the truth. Journalists are expected to act with integrity and deviate from compromising their values and morals to hide the truth. Each scene in the film captures Scheer as an exemplary social and political journalist who built his reputation on reporting news based on ethical practices even though his projects meant risking his career. Journalism and media are founded on truth and transparency, and this is evident in the film as Robert Scheer shows the audience how he overcomes the challenges he faced throughout his career.
Above the Fold is an educational film that concentrates on journalism and how the media can be developed to adopt ethical practices. Robert Scheer affirms that integrity and upholding the truth is the most important in journalism to prevent the negative influence of fake news. In a society whereby the internet plays a vital role in communication, the masses need to be educated on the values and principles of creating and sharing information. Scheer’s film is an exceptional teaching tool that both aspiring journalists and the public can benefit from.
Reference
Scheer, R. (2018). Above the Fold - A Profile of a Legendary Journalist (2018) . Retrieved from: https://usclib.kanopy.com/video/robert-scheer-above-fold Robert
