Can We Please Stick With True Journalism

Can We Please Stick With True Journalism 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): 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. 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. 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. 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.