Journalistic Integrity (Wednesday, March 22 - 6th period)

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

Rita smiled.

"Pop quiz, of a sort," she said. "I'd like you to respond verbally to several different scenarios - these are actual questions that many journalists are asked before they're hired. There are no right answers, per se."

Comments

Scenario 1

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

You have the opportunity to make an appointment to interview an arsonist sought by the authorities. If you inform the auhorities in advance that you plan to do this, your interview can be compromised and quite possibly terminated.

Which is the correct approach?

Re: Scenario 1

[likeguidelines.livejournal.com]

"They kin be hearin' the story jes like everyone else," Barbossa said. "Get me story first, then they kin find the arsonist on thar own. It be not me job t' do theirs fer them."

Re: Scenario 1

[pyramid-is-life.livejournal.com]

"To get the story and to hell with the police," says Kara.

Re: Scenario 1

[janet_fraiser]

"The safety of others is a primary consideration. I could do the interview perfectly well in jail." Janet paused. "Is reward money involved?"

Re: Scenario 1

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"There could," Rita replied. "Ethically speaking it should make no difference."

Re: Scenario 1

[janet_fraiser]

"Money is always a consideration, whether that's admitted to or not."

Re: Scenario 1

[imanaturalblond.livejournal.com]

"It's certainly a consideration. But in this instance it's irrelevant."

Re: Scenario 1

[janet_fraiser]

"I still stand by my answer. The question about a reward being involved was my additional curiosity."

Re: Scenario 1

[marsheadtilt.livejournal.com]

"I agree with Janet," Veronica said. "If people's lives are in danger, keeping them safe is more important than me getting my story."

Re: Scenario 1

[psycho-barbie.livejournal.com]

"Get the story, then tell the authorites."

Re: Scenario 1

[krycek-rat.livejournal.com]

"Story first, then notifying the authorities if the situation allows."

Re: Scenario 1

[threeweapons.livejournal.com]

"I'd notify the police. People's safety is more important than any story. Plus, the whole experience could make a good story too."

Re: Scenario 1

[mycanonhatesme]

"Definitely go for the interview. The authorities can be sweet talked into forgiving you later."