Week 9

You are the chief editor of a large metropolitan daily newspaper. One of your reporters is caught fabricating sources and making up facts. How do you handle the situation, from disciplining the reporter to explaining it to your readers?

As the chief editor here at the Phoenix Gazette I have a large amount of responsibilities, as I am always short on time.   Do not get me wrong I love my job; the fast pace, the atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with the cities I love.   There is much going on here at the station and on the agenda today is something I have the unfortunate job of dealing with.   I have to talk with Frank, who is one of our lead reporters and a go to guy.   He has however been making up facts and fabricating sources.   This is not tolerable, and as such I must deal with it.   I will start by telling him that he is a valuable member of the team and as such we would love to have him continue to work here.   There are certain changes that must be made though.   First, Frank needs to understand that the public is relying on us to provide accurate and un-bias stories on a daily basis.   That is why Frank will be writing a formal apology and a promise to provide honest and accurate information, which will appear in his next column on Monday.   We as newsmen and women have a responsibility to be honest and truthful in today’s society.   This can prove hard at times because we live in 2011 with instant access to the news via the web.   The speeds in which we are now expected to release the news puts a lot of pressure on our company.   Not every thing people read, especially on the web is accurate and truthful.   Unfortunately, this is the case with Frank. If Franks actions continued it is not only unmoral, producing the wrong reputation we want for the station, but is illegal and puts my back against the wall to react with strong actions.   It seems there are so many ways to connect with our audience these days.   There is everything from the...