reporting standards
sophia on Jun 23rd 2010
It is hard to compare standard news reporting with blogging because ultimately, they are two very different platforms. Blogging is a casual, quick spurt of news, while newspaper provide accurate, formal presentations of issues. Kilgannon stated that this was a “snapshot” of the musician, and a snapshot to me is only a mere glimpse, as oppose to an autobiography. The point I am trying to get across is that, under the circumstances, I dont believe the reporting violated any privacy ethics. Firstly, he was let in by the landlord and simply wrote a piece on what he saw, although to the family it may have come off a disrespecful, we should take into consideration that it was a blog, which should imply the informality of the whole piece. The relatives claim this was an inaccurate portrait of the jazz player. To some it may seem a little invasion but in today’s age, people invite others to follow their lives via facebook, twitter and other social networks. Although this may not be legitimate reporting under the standards, it is still freedom of speech. Readers should just be cautious and weary of what they choose to believe. Additionally, newspapers are not always correct, there is always room for error. It is important to distinguish the two different mediums and take what you read with a grain of salt.
Blogging is becoming more popular because of its accessibility and convenience. It is hard to limit it’s use and even control what is being written. Since this blog was part of a The Post, we should feel there is some responsibility what the reporting is writing about. I don’t believe Kilgannon meant to be hurtful, just to show a different side of the artist.
The publishing world should start to address these matters and consider what the best option would be to eliminate any future problems, although at this rate, privacy is very uncertain. Since the reporter had a relationship with the Jazz player, that may have pose a problem in terms of being bias. I do not find a problem with blogging as supplementary commentary as long there is still legitimate reporting.
Filed in Uncategorized | 2 responses so far
2 Responses to “reporting standards”
True true. But like I keep saying, if you want to flash around your NY Times status, you better be prepared to shut your reporting skills and learn to respect people and their privacy.
The fact is, yes a blog is laid back, but if you want that snarky label, then you have to live up to it too.
I agree with your views totally. This wasn’t some free-wheelin’ hotshot who wanted to climb up some social gossip ladder, it was a legitimate reporter doing something unique they saw an opportunity for.
It was a snapshot, meaning not a full story, and there was no violation of privacy because he didn’t break in or spy on someone.
If he mis-reported what he saw that’s one thing, but just giving a quick glimpse of the reality of the room isn’t an err. I’m sure anyone googling the musician will be able to choose from more than just this one article anyway.