Can We Please Stick With True Journalism?

By Nicole Graham on April 19, 2013

Photo credit- Google Images

Given all of the recent misreporting and media frenzy, it might be time to make sure those of dedicated to writing remember what true journalism looks like. Breaking a story in today’s fast-paced digital world is important, but accuracy still weighs in a little heavier. Break the story, but don’t report information until it is proven accurate through fact-checking. A journalist can break a story with minimal details and update the public after credible sources can confirm additional information. In times of uncertainty and frenzy, misinformation only adds to the chaos. It’s important to remember these aspects of true journalism for the sake of public sanity (and your job):

  1. Get accurate info- If you do nothing else, at least get the facts rather than some clip of information that might sound true. Reach out to multiple solid sources. Relying on only a few questionable sources in an effort to break a story diminishes a journalist’s credibility.
  2. Be patient- a true journalist understands the importance of waiting a little longer to let the story unfold. The big picture is oftentimes more revealing than the short story at the forefront.
  3. Remain objective- emotional situations can lead to improper reporting. Objectivity is a journalist’s greatest asset when the facts need to be laid out for the public. Report the happenings, not the emotion behind them.
  4. Stay open-minded- Remember keep your eyes and ears open. Many times, the best story is an accident. Focus on the story at hand, but be willing to travel a little off course if necessary.

 Journalists have a code of ethics to follow and a standard to strive for. Reporting to the public is one of the most difficult jobs a person can undertake. Just one reporting mishap can make an entire organization look bad. Breaking headline news is only beneficial when the facts are checked, well written, and relevant.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format