Crime Reporting: Journalists, Proceed with Caution

Markita Briggs
mb702210@ohio.edu

The world of mass media is constantly changing. Not only can we get stories from a traditional newspaper, but from Facebook, Twitter, blogs and much more. The public requires information at a much faster pace, which may leave for an inadequate story. Crime reporters in particular are feeling the pressure of fast paced media more than ever.  According to a recent Poynter article, a local Tampa Bay reporter referred to this phenomenon as “feeding the beast” (here). The appetite for crime stories is growing, but so has the number of incomplete stories published to feed this hunger.

You’re never supposed to publish a story without getting all the facts first. However, journalists in today’s industry often find themselves running out of sufficient time to develop a story because of strict deadlines. As a result, covering breaking news is causing reporters to subconsciously become less compassionate toward stakeholders for the sake of getting a story out as soon as possible. The people most affected by this lack of sensitivity are more often than not the same individuals who have become victims of, or were directly impacted by, the crime itself.

We all know that certain stories are viewed as more important than others. What determines this level of importance is the relevancy a topic has to one’s audience. Unfortunately, it seems as if violence is one of those reoccurring issues. Almost every day the news outlet of your choice, whether it’s your morning newspaper or a 5 o’clock local news program, has a story about a recent crime that unfolded. Depending on the severity of the crime, it’s even possible that a regular program may have been interrupted to inform the public about what’s going on.

Our audiences expect us to inform them about these incidences so they can be aware of their surroundings and stay safe. But what we fail to keep in mind are the feelings of those on the other side. According to the Society of Professional Journalist’s Code of Ethics, our job is to identify sources whenever feasible because the public is entitled to as much information as possible on a source's reliability (here).

However, the code also emphasizes how we should show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage and be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief. We have to know where to draw the line.

Photo credit http://www.wichitasedgwickcountycrimestoppers.com/

Former University of Miami student Robbie Shiver made a good point in his article, “Trauma Journalism Requires Sensitivity, Judgment” (here). There is very thin line a reporter must walk when asking questions or investigating a situation. Emphasizing how a reporter should act with compassion, Shiver reflected on an incident during his high school years when one of his friends passed away. When a reporter came to scene to ask questions he did not show any sympathy. His lack of sensitivity infuriated many people, and he didn't get any information from the girl’s friends or family.

Your level of compassion toward a grieving individual or party can ultimately determine the kind of story you will end up having. In the article, “How the Media Treated Me,” loved ones of victims who underwent horrendous tragedies spoke on how well or bad the media treated them during their hard time (here). While some felt that the media was very kind, others felt disrespected. For example, a man named Donald Nibert had a 16-year-old daughter who was killed in a plane crash. They were stunned at the amount of media present at the JFK airport. He said at one point a reporter even crawled under a bus to capture of his wife crying. Nibert felt as though the media interfered with their grieving process. He went on to express how he feels the media has done nothing to change the way they deal with victims of tragedies.

We need to take extreme measures to get rid of these stereotypes that the media are insensitive to the feelings of our public. Our job is dedicated to serving them.  When covering these kinds of stories you have to remember your limits. Do not overstep boundaries and leave members of the community with a bad taste in their mouths. If you approach them respectfully, they’ll be more willing to speak with you and give you the story that you’re looking for. The key is common courtesy.