Murrow Symposium > The Murrow Standard with Harry Smith: The Human Side of the News: Journalism with Empathy and Integrity

The Murrow Standard with Harry Smith: The Human Side of the News: Journalism with Empathy and Integrity

Speaker: Harry Smith

Length of Lesson: 90 minutes

  • 10 minute warmup
  • 60 minute video
  • 20 minute discussion
  • Optional:
    • Journalism Profile Poster (20 minutes)
    • Ethical Dilemma Role-Play (20 minutes)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Analyze how empathy and storytelling shape journalistic impact.
  • Evaluate the ethical responsibilities of journalists when covering human-interest stories.
  • Identify the traits of integrity and professionalism in journalism as demonstrated by Harry Smith.
  • Reflect on how journalists can balance objective reporting with emotional truth.

1. Think-Pair-Share Prompt:

What do you think makes a journalist “great”? Is it accuracy? Passion? Influence? Something else?

Instructions: Write briefly, discuss with a partner, then share a few answers aloud.

2. Play Video

3. Post-Viewing Discussion Questions

  1. What does Harry Smith mean when he talks about “the human side of the news”?
  2. How does Smith balance being a compassionate storyteller with remaining a fair, fact-based journalist?
  3. What role does empathy play in effective journalism, according to Smith’s speech?
  4. Smith mentions many historical moments he covered. How does reflecting on these events shape our understanding of journalism’s role in history?
  5. What are some examples from the keynote where Smith prioritized the voices of everyday people? Why is this significant?
  6. How does Smith describe the responsibilities journalists have today compared to the past?
  7. What qualities or principles does Smith associate with Edward R. Murrow?
  8. Smith touches on the power of visuals and narrative in shaping public perception. How does this relate to media literacy?
  9. In your opinion, is it possible for a journalist to be both emotionally invested and objective? Why or why not?
  10. After watching Smith’s keynote, how has your perception of journalism changed?

Optional Activity 1: Journalism Profile Poster

Students will create a mini-poster that highlights Harry Smith’s career milestones, journalistic values, and storytelling approach. They must include one quote from his keynote that captures his philosophy.

Optional Activity 2: Ethical Dilemma Role-Play

In small groups, students are given a fictional scenario (e.g., covering a natural disaster, interviewing a grieving family, etc.). Each group discusses how to report the story ethically, balancing truth and compassion, then presents their decision-making process to the class.

Instructors

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Lesson Developers

Ben Shors

Chair, Journalism & Media Production
Professor
Professor of Practice