Something that has been ingrained in us since we began down this winding, bumpy road that is the ‘journalism degree’ is that with great speed must come great accuracy.
No one, I repeat, NO ONE wants yesterday’s news on today news-site. Neither do they want today’s news reported incorrectly. So as the online world of news and information rapidly expands, at what cost is the need for the fastest and most up to date news post having on the quality and readability of online journalism?
There is no doubt within the heavily saturated news environment that the web is, that there will always be conflicting stories and bogus scandals, something that I have previously discussed. However, with the same stations, sites and blogs covering the same stories, the need for speed and the hottest grabs to secure readers are pertinent.
Take the recent ‘Choppergate’ scandal to rock the Channel 9 news team. In an embarrassing turn of events for the station, it was revealed that two live crosses regarding the Daniel Morcombe case were faked, the chopper being some 90 kilometers away from where they claimed it was when on air. Three staff were sacked following the incident, and the most senior editor in Queensland resigned after the scandal broke. Obviously, the loss of their jobs has severely shaken the three junior staff, whose future careers may have been brought to a premature end all thanks to the need for one sensational news story. Choppergate journos seek legal advice
Clearly more than just healthy competition, news organisations may be going to extreme and even unethical lengths to secure the news story first, disregarding the need for accuracy and integrity.
Rival news station Channel 7 were quick to point out the flaws in the news broadcast, reporter Peter Doherty bringing about first concerns over the story. Similarly, reports regarding a decline in viewers who have lost trust in the network can be read here .
It is after all a dog eat dog world when it comes to modern news and rivals will always be quick to point out your blunders.
Unfortunately in regards to ‘Choppergate’, the need for a quick fix outweighed the need for an accurate story. Certainly this case proves that it was not worth the risk and further demonstrates to us why accuracy is JUST AS IMPORTANT as speed. (Maybe even more so...?)
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