The Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts and Journalism departments at San Francisco State University are pleased to announce the annual Bob Brown Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for the 2009-10 academic year.
This scholarship has been established by the National Broadcasting Company to honor television photojournalist Bob Brown, who was killed in November 1978 while on assignment in Guyana.
The scholarship award will be $1, 500. In the event of a tie in first place, the award will be divided.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be enrolled at San Francisco State University at the time of application and at the time of scholarship award as a fulltime undergraduate major in Broadcast (BECA )or Journalism
- Be at least in their upper sophormore year but not be graduating earlier than May 2010
- Have passing grades in all subjects taken at college level (current semester grades not included)
- Submit copies of unofficial transcripts showing all college work
- Be capable of living up to the high standards exemplified by Bob Brown- "courage, sensitivity, talent"
Submit a 500 word autobiography and a 750 word essay on the following:
Multi-Olympic gold winning swimmer Michael Phelps recently was in the news for his actions out of the pool. Phelps was photographed smoking marijuana from a Bong by an attendee of a private party. The story and photo made world-wide headlines. Several corporations severed commercial ties with Phelps because of the photo. Michael Phelps was also suspended for three months by the US-Swimming Association. Phelps issued an appology shortly after the photo appeared.
In your essay you should examine the issues related to this example: such as the ethics of publishing a photo taken in a private situation; the rights of privacy, the rights of privacy for a public person. You should also discuss the ethics of paying for the photo.
Using the code of ethics from nationally recognized professiona organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists, Radio-Television News Directors Association and others, identify the ethical issues raised by this situation. Also, stake a position that you would take. Defend your decision using professional codes of ethics.
Application forms are available in the BECA and Journalism department offices
Submit applications to the Journalism Department, HUM 305
***Deadline: Thursday, 4 p.m., April 30, 2009 at Journalism Department.
