Found this post on Twitter today titled “Eight key terms for determining legitimacy in journalism” I liked it enough to pass on and share. This post is mostly a note to myself of these eight aspects of journalism so I never forget them!
Veracity
Tell the truth, no matter what. Tell. The. Truth. This is what your job as a journalist boils down to. If you can’t do this, go into PR (just kidding, PR friends).
Accuracy
This and truth telling go hand in hand. To be accurate is to be respect. If you make an error in accuracy, own up to it.
Transparency
This calls to mind the recent story about the Church of Scientology hiring reporters to conduct investigations. Be honest, be forthcoming!
Intellectual Honesty
Building on the concept of accuracy, don’t misrepresent things in order to further your agenda or to get the point of your story across.
Currency
One of the most fundamental journalistic principles! No, not money (although that’s important) but timeliness. If it isn’t current and relevant to your audience, why are you wasting your time?
Inquiry
Be nosy. It’s easy to write an article to meet your deadline, but have you checked all the closets for skeletons? Look at what was said during your interviews… why did they say that? Be nosy!
Utility
Always remember who you’re working for as a journalist: the public good.
Eight key terms for determining legitimacy in journalism – Jay Rosen: Public Notebook
