In the field of media, there are a few quotes that are infamous, valuable and should never be forgotten. Unfortunately, this journalistic adage, “Get it first, but get it right,” was forgotten this weekend as a flurry of false news reports stated the premature death of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.
Pennsylvania State University’s Onward State publication, CBS Sports, the Huffington Post and BreakingNews.com were among the outlets reporting Paterno’s death more than 12 hours before he actually passed.
These types of incorrectly vetted news stories have many wondering if this is a result of technology, corporate pressure or both. It’s true that with Twitter, Facebook and online news sites and blogs, news travels faster now than ever. But is that a justified reasoning behind inaccurate reporting?
No matter the speed of technology or pressure to “break the story,” news outlets should be held to a higher level responsibility to report only correct, confirmed and researched information. In fact, the multi-facets of our advanced technology make the need for accuracy even more important.
And though the news outlets quickly responded with retractions and apologies, the damage was already done. In a time of grief, and a moment when privacy should have been granted, the Paterno family was forced to respond to the false reports. The premature articles also damaged the reputation of news outlets, reporters and editors.
With this story, we’re reminded of the importance of maintaining journalistic standards and to “get it first, but get it right.”
Follow Olson Communications, Inc. account executive, Veronica Graves, on Twitter at @vgraves.
Michelle Olson
Amanda Fier
Lynita Johnson
Katie Zinn
Veronica Graves
jenniferfranklin
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