Recent world events such as the death of Princess Diana have caused the public to ask the question, "How far can a journalist go to get a story?" Responsibility is an important element in the journalism field.
When the late Princess Diana was killed in a car accident, photographers and reporters were at the scene before help arrived. The media made it hard for the police and medical help to reach Diana at the crash site.
According to Paris police, the press not only made it difficult for rescue squads to help the princess, but they didn't do their own part in helping. In France, you're required by law to help victims of any tragic accident if you are a witness to it. Many would say that this is not only an example of irresponsible Journalists, but irresponsible Samaritans.
Freshman Amy Sibilia said, "The press should have helped the princess out before taking any pictures." However, one reporter did claim to have helped at the scene (before he may or may not have taken pictures.)
When the reporters we trust and rely on as responsible news sources become heartless in the way they get a story, it can be very hard to deal with. Situations like the one involving Diana, tend to give the press and media a bad name.
Responsible journalism is "reporting on what should be reported on...not tabloid journalism," said junior Liisa Laikko. "Tabloid journalism is intruding on peopleÕs lives, especially celebrities."
Tabloid journalism,however, is not usually considered a reliable news source. It is often a bit "lighter" and taken less seriously. Tabloid journalism includes publications such as The Inquirer and The Star. When it comes to tabloids, many studen ts said that they do not consider them a reliable news source. Nikki Speicher, freshman, said, "I do not read the tabloids because people like to exaggerate."
Laikko has a first hand view of the tabloid situation from her job as a Baker's checker. Tabloids sell for between $1.25 - $1.59 and she said that people are always buying them. "A lady once bought five of them at a time,Ó Laikko said. ÒPeople prob ably buy them for entertainment value, not for news."
Some people do believe the tabloids though, Laikko said, but "believability depends on the type of story. More people believe the stories on celebrities than those on the devil or UFOs."
Jenny Phelps, junior, reads the tabloids and said, "I think that some of the stories are true."
Jane Howard, senior, also reads the tabloids but for different reasons. "I read them because they make me laugh. They talk about people who are having three headed babies."
Not all tabloids stories are fun and games. Some stories and photographs are devastating, such as the photographs taken by the paparazzi of Princess Diana at the scene of her death. Sarah Phillips, sophomore, said she would not like to see these p ictures. Phillips does not consider the paparazzi journalists. She said, "Journalists get news, not chase people."
"Accuracy is essential," said junior Katie Michalski, "in responsible journalism, people use facts and don't blow them out of proportion."
In Journalism classes, students are taught that responsible news includes more than just getting facts. It includes credibility, accuracy, objectivity, and ethical principles. A basic ethical principle is for a responsible journalist is to always serv e the audienceÕs best interest. This audience can also be who the story is written about.
Freshman Mary Treinin agrees that journalists have the duty to act out responsibly. "They should know where to draw the line between doing their jobs and respecting peopleÕs privacy."
For the most part, students agree that responsible journalism is getting the news in an ethical manner. Speicher said, "A journalist has a right to get the story as long as they arenÕt hurting anyone or breaking the law."