Errors and the Law

This week's readings included a discussion on the law and ethics that help to shape the content boundaries of your newscast. As journalists we strive to be truth seekers and to advocate/share that truth accurately with the public. As the article makes very clear, errors (even those that are seemingly minute) can bring about big problems for the reporter and about big lawsuits for the station. The article references a case where file video was used for a story about alcoholism. Through the story's b-roll, specific & identifiable people were visually linked to the addictive problem...and that was a problem for those people. Lawsuits were filed. It just serves as a reminder that you must pay attention to detail when it comes to what video you shoot, choose to use, and how that video pairs with the narration of the story's script. It is always important to review all news segments with a critical eye for misleading video/narration and for inaccuracies to protect against any threats of libel. As the article states, "the best defense is that the story is accurate and true."

However, that truth has to be upheld in court. While you may know that your story is seamless, you have to prove in court that what you claim is true. This reminded me of the big case files that Jamie Greber still keeps a hold of. The folders contain all the paperwork important to the basis of a story, from court docs to studies. I remember during our meeting when she pulled it out thinking, "wow, she's kept all the documentation to stories she completed years ago." I need to make sure that I start keeping track of all the information I compile to produce a story, especially if it's controversial, because you never know when someone might bring about a complaint.

The death of Princess Diana was a huge story around the world and dangerous close calls with paparazzi happen to stars 'til this day. The article mentions that this was a pivotal moment in helping to define privacy laws for public figures. As journalists, while we always want an ambundance of info and the exclusive story, we must also remember to maintain boundaries and no what lines not to cross.