Jessica Shields: Blog 3- Oweida Lecture
Bill Marimow, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer gave his speech on the principle of Ethics in the Hub-Robeson Auditorium last night.
Marimow discussed the hesitation young journalists have with releasing information and the issue with releasing full names in an investigative story, such a rape assault victims.
Young aspiring journalists have to be careful when it comes to investigating stories. “When researching if something doesn’t feel right, if there is hesitation, or a pause, consult a senior editor about it” said Marimow. Even after, sometimes a second opinion if the editor makes you hesitate, or pause with the advice given. Marimow went on to discuss how a source offered free entertainment, but according to the Inquirer no employee was allowed to take it. He did not want to ruin the friendship with the source, so he asked his senior editor for advice, and a second opinion. It turned out he got to take the entertainment and keep his source as a friend.
Marimow was involved in a unique story, he said. A 10-year old boy named Isaac was involved in a drug bust. He was the look-out for a gang involved with drugs. Considering he was a suspect he had to be interviewed. His mother gave permission to be photographed and give his side of the story, but issues occurred when it was suspected that little Isaac’s mother may have been under the influence when she agreed on things. Based on age and the case, Marimow and a team of 8 to 9 people came up with the fact that they would not release little Isaac’s full name and only use a picture that shadows his face. Marimow said, “Decades after that decision, I still feel comfortable with it.” Releasing names will always be a sticky topic, especially in rape trials. It is an act of privacy and an old newspaper tradition. Based on a scholarly article, “the names of a rape victim are not allowed to be released during the time the rape is reported and when the victim testifies at trial.” These kinds of trials are more traumatic and personal than any other.
It is always better to be safe than sorry, ethical instead of unethical, and precautious to personal trials in the media. As an inspiring journalist, getting an opinion from a senior editor or even a second opinion will go a long way.
“61 Fordham L. Rev. 1113 (1992-1993)
Perspectives on Disclosing Rape Victims’ Names; Denno, Deborah W.”