Ethical Journalism Newsletter: September 11, 2015

Ethical News And Debates

Readers will finish long stories—especially if they come from a trusted source

So why do some stories take off while others—of equal quality and intrigue—don’t? The answer is linked to the notion of trust. (Read more on Columbia Journalism Review)

The journalist’s guide to drones over (or crashing into) stadiums

If you see a camera crashing from the heavens, chances are very good it wasn’t supposed to be there — journalistic intent or no journalistic intent. (Read more on Nieman Lab)

Bild’s stance over Alan Kurdi image a typically bold move

In response to readers’ complaints about its decision to publish the image of drowned three-year-old Syrian refugee Alan Kurdi last week, the Berlin-based daily Bild pulled every one of its news pictures on Tuesday. (Read more on The Guardian)

Hungarian Camerawoman Caught on Camera Tripping Refugees

Hungarian TV news N1TV fired an employee for “unacceptable” behavior covering the refugee crisis. The station’s camera person, identified by news outlets as Petra László, was videotaped tripping refugees who were trying to flee the camp and police officers. (Read more on iMediaEthics)

Press officers to be given data to back up speeches – will journalists be able to interrogate it?

The Department of Health is to give press officers data so they can field press enquiries about claims made in ministerial speeches. It’s an important move, but of course it relies on journalists being aware that this exists, being willing to ask for the data, and able to interrogate it (or its author). (Read more on the Online Journalism Blog)