Jim Pumarlo

Transcript

1. Black, White or Gray: Dilemmas on Deadline Ethical challenges at community newspapers: Potpourri Jim Pumarlo
2. Our agenda  Your questions  Everyday decisions  Rights and responsibilities  Checklist  Gaining access to information  Explain your decisions
3. Be transparent in conflicts of interest  You face a minefield  Seek advice  Develop policy  Communicate policy  No one-size-fits-all
4. Everyday decisions  Engagements, weddings, people items  Police, court reports  Blind-sided attacks  Public employees  Prominent citizens
5. Gaining access to information  Ask the question  If you’re denied access to information, don’t simply accept the rejection  Make certain officials cite the law which allows them to withhold information  Present your case based on the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law
6. Rights and responsibilities  Be prompt  Be sensitive to placement  Be consistent  Be fair  Be accurate  Be open to criticism
7. Is it news?  Is it true?  What is the impact of the event?  How would you treat story if you were the subject?
8. Explaining decisions  Implement the policy, and tell readers why  Explain in conjunction with reporting of a local news event  Periodic explanation of policies sharpens decision-making process and fosters communication
9. Community Newsroom Success Strategies “Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in a Small- Town Newspaper" "Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Campaign Coverage" "Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Coverage for Beginning and Veteran Journalists in the Age of New Media" Jim Pumarlo Newspaper Consultant Red Wing MN (651) 380-4295 jim@pumarlo.com www.pumarlo.com