Senior Project Presentation given by: Joshua Roberts
Statement:
I stand by this project, and I stand by my work to the fullest extent. This project changed me, my perspective, and my overall ethics of professional journalism.
The Problem:
As citizens of the United States of America, we are witnessing one of the most divisive and controversial times in our history. Left or right, liberalism or conservatism, and right or wrong. This has either cemented people into a category in our political system or has completely stepped away from any form of participation.
We as Americans are starting to refuse to vote, take the time to diligently seek the truth, and we have completely parted ways with respectful debate and conversation.
Many claim politics has become divisive, contentious, and anger-inducing. Which, in some form or another, it has. Thus, creating the Left, the Right, and those who want no part of it.
The Idea and Purpose:
The One Nation Under God Show revitalizes respectful conversation and open debate. In this informative and professional channel, I provide useful advice on how to navigate these present-day topics, how to become better secondary researchers, and how to seek the truth amidst the noise.
I wanted to bring the country together by publicly viewing each side of the debate. I spent hours, each episode, researching all corners of government documentation, social media posts, news coverage, police reports, policy and bill releases, indictments, and, of course, what the American people are discussing.
The main goal and purpose is this: to provide the American people with enough tools to become better researchers during times of great debate and division, using facts, rather than pure emotion.
The Work and Project Outline (Time Keeper and Journal Included):
Each episode came with its unique set of challenges that gave me an opportunity to workaround.
First, I chose a topic that was presently debated, and then I dove headfirst into research to understand what was being shared, who was sharing it, why it was shared, and why we should care. Topics were discussed, such as abortion, LGBTQ+, the decline of the American family, illegal immigration, the 2025 government shutdown, cancel culture, propaganda, and the like.
This provided me with an opportunity to learn different points of view. In journalism, we learn that understanding both sides of the argument provides the best results. I studied, pondered, and interviewed.
Second, I would then establish a set of notes (Not a script) and be sure to cite my sources. I was on camera for an hour to two hours at a time, discussing all my notes to ensure they were communicated professionally and given from an unbiased perspective. I also shared my sources and notes with the public, offering them an opportunity to share their opinions.
I took this a step further and allowed each episode for anyone to comment on a forum page, what their thoughts. This public form of communication allowed all to be heard and to practice their research skills. This allowed me to show and not just tell.
I had a set of interviews for this project, such as Brother Christian Mawlam (Propaganda, Cancel Culture, and the effects of Media), Nicole Parker from Fox News (Discussed her experiences in the field of politics as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and others. Some interviewees requested not to be recorded on video, but were more than happy to share their opinions and expertise as I navigated some of the nation’s most controversial topics.
Third, I would post the episode promptly, after the editing process, I would then begin my social media presence. I created Instagram reels that were formed as highlights for the channel, offering the audience an opportunity to engage. There, on the official social media page, I posted daily inspirational quotes, scriptures, and advice. I also posted the forums for participation and posted several news articles and coverage daily to offer the news right to the audience’s fingertips. I kept up with the news, and I communicated daily with my audience.
The Show (YouTube) and the Show’s Social Media Channel (Instagram):
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OneNationUnderGodPodcast
Instagram Channel: https://www.instagram.com/onenationundergodshow
The Successes, Mistakes, and Mitigation:
Regardless of the perspectives and facts, there will always be people who agree and those who disagree. Politics and religion are two wide-open doors for anyone to have multiple opinions. I received negative and positive comments.
To mitigate the negative comments, I would cast aside my emotions and properly handle the situation by listening, providing constructive questions, and ultimately sharing facts from research I had previously done. For the positive comments and reviews, I professionally chose to further add to their points, offering them more to think about.
During this project, I experienced more success than I expected. The solutions were found to the challenges faced. The abundance of passion and energy was accompanied by facts and research. And the division and contention were extinguished with understanding, patience, and effective communication.
One of the mistakes I made in the beginning was that my passion for politics was overbearing. I knew I had to take a different approach to the show for the purpose to be fulfilled. I wanted to act by example and not by being a louder voice. The initial planning phases, research, and meetings had to be perfect for me to pull it off. I changed my approach and chose to begin each episode with a scripture and intertwine religion and politics harmoniously. This set me in the right direction, and it granted me the opportunity to share my testimony and calmly and boldly share my thoughts on the matter.
Final Statement:
To those listening, reading, or watching, I hope to some extent or another, you feel welcome, heard, and appreciated. How glorious it is that we all have different perspectives, opinions, and personas!
I pray humbly that each topic discussed was executed in a way that offered unique perspectives from each political party (Republican or Democratic). I hope that through this show you have inherited tools to assist you as you become a better researcher.
May God bless you and your families for years to come. And may God bless the United States of America!
Research and Notes (Samples):