Week 3: Student Response to Discussion One and Two

Jan 24, 2018Jan 24 at 4:15pm

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As the editor of the Town Times, it is my obligation to ensure that I not only report accurate information but also to ensure that the story is reported morally. With that being said, I would not include Damon or the other accused child in the story. Although they have been accused, until it’s proven this information could only be considered hearsay. Not to mention mentioning Damon’s name could damage the relationship I have with the prosecutors office. As a journalist, maintaining the relationship with the prosecutor’s office, is a definite priority, considering we could always get the most up to date information on crimes directly from them. Outside of the prosecutor’s office, publishing Damon’s name could damage my professional relationship with the general manager, who is also Damon’s uncle. Although the agreement between the paper and the prosecutor’s office is unofficial and I have the right to publish the information obtained, it would have consequences which may not be worth the risk. “If we choose to exercise the right and actually do what we are entitled to do, then we incur responsibilities for the way we choose to act and the consequences of our decisions for ourselves and others” (Jacquette, 2007).For instance, if it later comes out that maybe it was equipment that caused the fire, I would have to issue a retraction statement. Even with a retraction statement, the story could still be found some where due to the advancement in technology. Which could affect future opportunities for the boys. The only circumstance I would publish the names of the accused, would be after prosecution. In this particular circumstance with the unofficial agreement with the prosecutor’s office, even after prosecution I would leave them unnamed.

References:

Jacquette, D.(2007)Journalistic Ethics:Moral Responsiblity in the media.Upper Saddle River,New Jersey.Pearson Education