Situation Definition
Bill Marimow’s speech was very enlightening. As a young journalist, I often worry if I will one day be a faced with a situation that will cause me to question my ethical and moral standpoints. Every journalist will at least once ask himself or herself if covering a story, printing a name, or taking a certain picture is right or wrong. Marimow shared a tips and personal experiences in order to help guide the young journalist in the audience to make ethically correct choices.
Two main topics Marimow discussed were attributing sources that wished to be anonymous and distinguishing when it’s acceptable to invade someone’s privacy.
Analysis
He shared with us a situation he encountered while working with the Philadelphia Inquirer regarding airline pilots who had been laid off during the holiday season. In pursuit of the story, Marimow interviewed a family who had been directed affected by the lay offs. After the interview concluded the family expressed that they did not want their names printed. Pressed for time, Marimow asked his editor what should he do. His editor then told him to write the story anyway. The editors response made Marimow pause and hesitate so instead he decided to not write the story and find another family.
I completely agree with Marimow’s decision to not write about the first family. They had shared information with Marimow under the impression that they would remain anonymous so to go against their wishes would be disrespectful and could possibly cause the family harm. The use of anonymous sources can also undermine a journalist’s credibility and is not worth the price (American Journalism Review, pg. 20). In feature story, such as the one Marimow was writing about the pilot and his family, names are crucial. How could the reader feel sympathy or any time of type of emotion of the family if they have no idea who they are?
Marimow also discussed invasion of privacy and the difference between public and private persons. When reporting on a public figure it is okay to defame them as long as it not actual malice, according to Marimow. This was actually set by the New York Times Co. v. Sullivan precedent when the U.S. Supreme court ruled that public figures couldn’t sue the media for publishing false information (A newsworthiness privilege for republished defamation of public figures, pg. 1025). The public has a right to know if our public officials are acting unmorally because those are the people we elect to guide our country. People who willingly live their life in the public eye, such as celebrities, are not immune to the media’s scrutiny, hence the tabloids and TMZ.
Private people, on the other hand, are to be treated with sensitivity. A journalist must consider how their story can affect the life of a person whose life is not willingly publicized. A journalist could easily uncover a fact about someone that could have negative repercussions in their personal and professional life.
Conclusion
Marimow made a statement that has stuck with me since his lecture. It is as follows:
“If any action, however slight, makes you hesitate and pause… Don’t do it. If you have a question about what’s right and wrong consult your editor” –Bill Marimow
This tip will mostly likely stay with me as I move forward into my journalism career. I know that I will be faced with situations similar to the ones that Marimow has shared with us and will have to ask myself, “Is this okay?” Marimow’s experiences are very important guides to help us, as students, prepare for the challenges we will face in or careers. He shared with us how he personally would handle so we can recall his words later on down the road.
I greatly appreciate Bill Marimow coming to speak with us.
SOURCES
Shepard, Alicia C., (1994). Anonymous sources.. American Journalism Review. 16 (10), pp.20
Matthew J. Donnelly, (2009). A newsworthiness privilege for republished defamation of public figures. Iowa Law Review. (), pp.1025