Despite the changes in technology, the core principles of ethical journalism do not change:
Seek the truth. Act independently. Minimize harm.
Here are some interesting observations on the state of journalism.
From Michael Gartner, ombudsman of Brill’s Content magazine, who describes what “no comment” really means: “If the story is fair and balanced and sourced, you can bet a ‘no comment’ means, ‘You’ve got me — anything I say will simply confirm I’m a jerk or a crook or something in between. Nothing I say will help my case.’ If the story is unfair and hyped and anonymous, you can bet a ‘no comment’ means ‘You’ve already made up your mind about me and nothing I say will change that, so I’m not going to waste my time talking to you.’ ”
My comments: We rely too much on readers making these judgments when more explanation could be easily provided. Brill’s Content has another commonsense suggestion. When saying a source was not available for comment, explain how many tries were made. One phone call? A visit to his house?
From Tom Rosenstiel in Neiman Reports, explaining why sources are granted anonymity, called the “rule of transparency”: “It would mean that if you are granting somebody anonymity, you have to write in the story why. And it’s an interesting little device because you discover that if it looks ridiculous — if your reasoning looks like you just couldn’t think of anybody else to call — then don’t do it.”
My comment: Sometimes the reason for anonymity is more interesting than the quote. For instance, the source did not comment for fear of retribution or the source was ashamed.
From Carol Guzy, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who was arrested while covering a demonstration, in News Photographer magazine: “There is a delicate dance that occurs between the power of authority and the power of the people, with journalists squarely in the middle.”
My comments: There are times when news photographers are given less access to a crime scene than the general public. While a reporter can stand far from the action, photographers must get close. Therefore, photographers are in more danger while performing their jobs.
From Robert Bynton, visiting professor of journalism at New York University, in Columbia Journalism Review; “Old media has an advantage it must nourish: credibility. Newspapers seem to have realized that their strength is sticking to old values — distinguishing fact from rumor, acting as elite authenticators of information. Now that the new media have provided a level field, old media has a unique opportunity to play in it.”
Motto on the wall of Branch Rickey, the executive with the Brooklyn Dodgers who hired Jackie Robinson to break the color barrier in baseball: “He that will not reason is a bigot. He that cannot reason is a fool. He that does not reason is a slave.”
My comments: Newspapers generally should foster a civil tone of public discourse. Print is well-suited for that. Yet there are times that making people angry is the necessary first step in gaining attention for a worthy issue.
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