Criminal Justice- Responsibility of the Media

Criminal Justice- Responsibility of the Media

The major things journalists should do when interviewing a victim

One of the major things that journalists should do when interviewing a victim is limiting interruptions. This allows the victim to freely express themselves and offer more helpful information. The second thing is distinguishing themselves as journalists. Journalists ought to identify themselves when interviewing victims so that the victims can comprehend that they are talking from someone from the media (Arve R⊘Ssland, 2007). This may help the victim effectively choose the information they intend to make public. Journalists should also motivate the victim to address them by clarifying why the story is important for the casualty to give as much relevant information as possible. It is also important to recognize the victim’s experience so that they can provide an appropriate reaction.

How journalism can affect the community

Journalism can affect the community by giving people the information they need to react to what is happening around them. For instance, if journalism exposes a corrupt leader, there can be disruptions in society as some community members push for the removal of the leader from office while others defend the leader due to differences in opinion. Journalism also provides relevant and current information guiding people’s decisions. For instance, journalists may report that food prices are about to increase hence enabling people to shop for essential food commodities before that happens.

Examples of things journalists should not say or write.

One of the things that journalists should not say or write about is sensitive issues that may affect victims, such as exposing a sexual assault victim’s identity and showing the victim’s face in public (Braham, 2016). Journalists should also not write about something that has not yet been confirmed. They have a responsibility to ensure that they have concrete information that can be proven before writing a story.

Solutions to ensure that reporters can do their job well without sacrificing the needs of the victim

One of the things that can be done to ensure that journalists do their job well without sacrificing the victim’s needs is rapidly answering questions about precision, reasonableness, and lucidity. The second thing is explaining revisions and clarifying information obviously and cautiously (Osborn, 2017). They should also specify the source of information and ensure that the source knows that he or she will be mentioned. If the source is not okay with being mentioned, the journalist should respect that.

References

Arve R⊘ssland, L. (2007). The professionalization of the intolerable. Journalism Studies, 8(1), 137-152. https://doi.org/10.1080/14616700601056908

Braham, P. (2016). True crime, crime fiction, and journalism in Mexico. Globalization and the State in Contemporary Crime Fiction, 119-139. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-42573-7_7

Osborn, M. W. (2017). Crime journalism and the urban gothic novel. A History of American Crime Fiction, 43-55. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316442975.004

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What are the major things journalists should do when interviewing a victim?

How can journalism affect the community?

Provide examples of things journalists should not say or write.

Reporters, especially those covering crime and tragedy, often experience vicarious victimization or post-traumatic stress disorder. What are some solutions to ensure that reporters can do their job well without sacrificing the needs of the victim?