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Reporting- Do journalists and reports sometimes go too far to get the headlines?

I just had some terrible news told to me. A family friend of close to 20 years was murdered. It was shocking and horrible to know that this man, who did no wrong to anyone, had his life taken away. He was a father to an adorable little boy, a good son, and brother.

His family's only request was that his name NOT be mentioned, or his photo posted in the paper. I woke up, got the local paper and there he was. His photo, with his name written below it.

Now, how does this reporter, and his editor, think that it is alright to go against the wishes of a grieving family and publish exactly what they didn't want published? They got the picture from the very well- known site, Facebook, along with his name, took it with no permission from the family or the person who posted the photo, and used it.

In my opinion, reporting should tell the news, of course, but not over- step that boundary of privacy. Respect for families that have lost loved ones does not seem to concern a lot of reporters. Not all reporters. But, there are a few out there who seem to have no conscience. Anything to get their story published and gain recognition.

Gaining recognition is not a bad thing. If you do it properly and follow the rules and respect the rights of the people you are writing the article about.

This person who published that photo and name of the victim, did not think about how his article would affect not only my friend's mother and brother, but his young son, as well.

Report the news. Get the facts, and above everything else, get permission to publish names and photos. Think about how your actions affect others, Be a good reporter, and you'll get noticed and probably get a good reputation as someone who has both a heart and a brain. You will be more trusted and people will want to read what you write, because they know you by past articles, where you have proved yourself a valid reporter who doesn't go behind others backs and print what you want to, regardless of the feelings of others.

There are rules every reporter must follow in order to avoid being sued, or fired from their job.

Permission is needed when a reporter wishes to publish a private photo. If a family requests their loved one's name not be mention, nor photo published, you do not go against their wishes. Unless a family member signs a release, then the reporter is violating their right to privacy.

Here is a quote from The Daily Press- Statement of Journalism Ethics;

"Our main objective


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Reporting- Do journalists and reports sometimes go too far to get the headlines?

  • 1 of 4

    by Emmy Cormier

    I just had some terrible news told to me. A family friend of close to 20 years was murdered. It was shocking and horr... read more

  • 2 of 4

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  • 4 of 4

    by Peggy Molloy

    The direction that I believe gets way out of line from the headlines, is that journalists seem to feel obligated to g... read more

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