I found this article regarding a reporter who threatened a
source out of frustration. Apparently,
the reporter was not able to obtain the information through interviews and
threatened to publish an individual’s name as one of the people responsible for
withholding information from the public.
The person complained and was compensated by the reporter’s paper. In addition, the reporter was investigated
and forced to stop their (as they were called) bullying tactics.
We have all seen (on TV) where the media camps out in front of a sources home and the homeowner demands that they leave the property. Is this going too far? In many cases, reporters have to go to great lengths to get the story. Who draws the line and when is it appropriate to cross it? Thoughts?
The article also has some good information on journalism ethics and advice to those who might think that they are obligated to speak to the media.
Link:
http://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com/articles/when-the-media-goes-too-far.html
Charles, I've never written an article that required heavy investigation such as NYT Reporter David Carr's article did.
ReplyDeleteYou were in June Ehrlich's class last semester. Carr was in the NYT documentary, Front Page; fact checking with the head of a corporation. Now, Carr was aggressive, and I was so proud he was a Minnesotan. Sometimes dark behavior requires aggressive action. No one wants to go on record or respond to allegations against them of sexual improprieties against females in the work force.
The lady from your story was compensated by receiving a subscription to the newspaper--I chuckled. Probably the last thing she wanted.
A brief excerpt, reporter Jonathan Bernstein, Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc. [a source that,I suspect, would lead one to support corporations and want to limit power of news reporters]: "the paper not only apologized to the assistant in writing, but gave her a free subscription -- and the reporter became the subject of an internal investigation. His bullying tactics stopped."
I do think if the reporter was going to extremes over nonsense, he should have been re-directed. Bernstein never states the reporter was fired!
I'm always happy when you post, because I can disagree with someone, but I hope it is respectful disagreement. I have tossed in a bit of teasing regarding the newspaper subscription. I trust you know, I do have deep respect for you; you're a terrific writer.
ReplyDeleteThink of all of those coupons!
ReplyDelete