Does breaking news for online pass through editorial sieves before being posted? Do news organizations have clearly defined and transparent policies for reporting breaking news online? These are some of the questions that confront audiences as they consume online content. With online news services provide too much of real-time breaking news to audiences, there is a concern that online breaking news has little news value.
One of the key ethical principles of journalism is to report stories containing the facts and not personal views. But in this era of media convergence, it seems the pressure to break the news has compromised the way journalists work.
The Standard Group on its online platforms on October 17 broke the news of Robert Matano being admitted to hospital in a way that calls for discussion on whether the language was proper.
In the entire article, the writer neglected to talk to medical experts within the hospital but published a report that lacked diversity of voices might lead to speculation. The question is: Did hospital administrators deny journalists opportunity to seek more information about the patient?
“Tusker coach Robert Matano has been admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Nairobi West Hospital, The Standard Sport can confirm. Speaking exclusively to The Standard Sport before his condition worsened, Matano revealed he was unwell,” the story said.
It was a serious health issue but the writer decided to focus on the career of Matano as opposed to his health. This suggests that some media outlets don’t give particular attention to online content. By deciding to mix issues, the writer chose performance-based descriptions going by this quote: “A strict disciplinarian, Matano has earned the nickname The Lion for his uncompromising approach to football matters, coaching philosophy that calls for absolute fitness of players”.
1 thought on “Let us have the facts before breaking the news”
Hello,
Thanks for your observation. I am the one who broke the news. Your feedback will go along way to helping other journalists in their reporting or breaking stories.
However, as you have rightly pointed out thus, “It was a serious health issue”, you will appreciate that one risks crossing the thin line on what is ethical if one sinks deeper into a serious health situation.
I revealed the Oxygen procedure because that is normal especially in this COVID-19 situation. A reporter, like me, without proper training on medical issues like this is “safer” staying with what is known.
You should also have given me the credit for reaching out to the club officials. As for reaching out to Hospital authorities, there are standard procedures (patient-doctor confidentiality) they would also follow before releasing any information. This is why I chose to stay within the ethical by informing the public of The Lion’s distress.
Regards,
Robin Toskin