WLKY Media Critique: WLKY going French?

            On October 23, 2015 a video titled “French couple spend over $300,000 to look like real life Barbie and Ken” was posted to the WLKY website. This post is obviously alluring to readers because it sounds hilarious! However, this post would not deem acceptable according to the ten elements and seven yardsticks of journalism. First of all, this post violates one of the seven yardsticks, local relevance. Just by glancing at the title, readers can tell this story takes place in a French speaking country. The yardstick local relevance states the nearer some event is, the more impact it has on our lives. Therefore, a video that takes place in France should not be posted to a local news website in Kentucky. In addition, the post lacks the element verification. The video contains only the point of view of the journalist. To improve the video, the journalist can interview the French couple, friends of the couple, or even the doctor that performed the plastic surgery! There’s so many options! Plus, the video kept flashing pictures of Barbie doll merchandise which comes off as an advertisement to viewers. For example, the title includes the specific names Barbie and Ken, but the video shows a doctor and a lawyer Barbie doll. Apparently these dolls serve no purpose in the video other than advertisement. Overall, this video posted to WLKY’s website may be amusing but clearly presents no relevance to this community let alone the country in proximity and comes off as an advertisement. The link to the post is here http://www.wlky.com/video/buzz60/french-couple-spend-over-300000-to-look-like-a-real-life-barbie-and-ken/36014392