Thursday, October 04, 2007

Ethics and journalism?

Caller : I've got a story for you. But first, I'll have you know that I want the story to have a proper spin.

Journalist: Huh? What happened?

Caller : I'll tell you now I'm (--political party name--), so I want the story to be a certain way, I might as well tell you straight (laughs).

Journalist : Haha, yeah, you might as well.

Caller : Okay. Do you know this opposition student leader O?

Journalist : Yeah, we follow him for his rallies occasionally.

Caller: Why. Tell me why.

Journalist : I mean...well....there was an issue at his university, they were having a protest, so my colleague went over to find out what is going on.

Caller : Let me tell you, they have been hogging the limelight in the media and portraying themselves to be angels. Now, let me tell you something: He slapped a GIRL.

Journalist : Oh no. Oh dear. The girl is from (*censored*) faction?

Caller : Yeah. And I'm sorry, but a guy slapping a girl for whatever reason just doesn't go well with me. Now I want to know: how are you gonna write the story?

Journalist : I would definitely want to talk to the girl, know how it happened. There were witnesses? And I need to talk to O as well, to find out what he thinks.

Caller : But why? He's gonna tell you lies, I've known him to lie. Even the vice-chancellor is fed up with him. So what is your angle, can you assure me that he will be in a bad light, I mean, I just want people to know the truth.