Free Essay On Journalism

In the profession of journalism, the likelihood of reporting and spreading inaccurate information is of great concern (Accuracy in Media, Inc., & Accuracy in Media, 2010). Unlike in the traditional media outlets, rushing to become the first in reporting breaking news does not appeal to the society as giving accurate information. Essentially, it is important for journalists and other information givers to release accurate information no matter how long it will take to obtain such information.
The need to have accurate information especially during disasters remains critical to media organizations. In the past, the media has committed mistakes in giving wrong information because of the need to become the news breakers. For example, the media compromised accuracy for speed during the coverage of Boston Marathon Bombings (Deppa, 2014). In situations of emergencies, accurate information is necessary to allow the response team to work effectively. The public also have a right to access accurate information to avoid risks especially during the acts of terrorism. Giving wrong information leads to confusion and slows down the response process pertinent to address the emergencies. Thus, news reporters should always prioritize accuracy rather than the speed of releasing information.
The social media users are not efficient in killing rumors especially during disasters. Unlike in the televisions, newspapers or radio, information spreads very fast online through various social platforms. With the ability to have images and scenes of events posted online by various people who may have been on the site of disaster, it is agreeable that the users of social media cannot obtain reliable information and shun rumors. Furthermore, it is also possible that rumors can be generated and shared by the social media users until people believe in the wrong information. Because it is hard to regulate who posts what and how it is shared, verification of information in social media is a challenge.

References

Accuracy in Media, inc, & Accuracy in Media. (2010). Accuracy in media: For fairness, balance and accuracy in news reporting. Washington: Accuracy In Media, Inc.
Deppa, J. (2014). The media and disasters: Pan Am 103. New York: New York University Press.