Why sources should trust us?

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Из курса от партнера Michigan State University

Gathering and Developing the News

186 оценок

Michigan State University

Gathering and Developing the News

186 оценок

Курс 2 из 5 — Specialization Become a Journalist: Report the News!

Journalists develop information through interviews and sources. The most successful journalists quickly master these important skill sets. The production of journalism relies on several elements: newsgathering, interviewing sources, researching and trying to find as much information as possible. The course will also teach you how to where to find information, interviewing skills and how to process information from various sources for publication.

Из урока

Earning and keeping trust

How - and where - journalists obtain information can determine if their news reports will be deemed credible and trustworthy by their audience. Finding the best sources for information and quotes is a process conducted by every professional journalist. You will learn the best ways to find information and sources for your reporting.

Why sources should trust us?4:25

Познакомьтесь с преподавателями

Joanne Gerstner
Sports Journalist in Residence
Michigan State University School of Journalism
Jeremy Steele
Specialist
Michigan State University School of Journalism
David Poulson
Instructor
School of Journalism
Eric Freedman
Instructor
School of Journalism
Joe Grimm
Instructor
School of Journalism
Lucinda D. Davenport
Director & Professor
School of Journalism

[MUSIC]

Welcome back to be a Journalist.

I'm Dave Poulson and in this lesson, we're going to be talking about trust.

Trust is what enables us to do our jobs.

We talk a lot about journalists building a network of sources that they can trust,

we need reliable information.

We need sources who will give us the straight story.

We need sources we can trust.

But, let's turn that question around.

Why should sources trust journalists?

And that's not an easy question.

In fact, if you ask around, a lot of people may tell you that they shouldn't.

They say journalists get the story wrong, that they sensationalize it.

That they broadcast false information, that they make up sources,

that they are obsessed with trite news and gossip, and that they're terribly,

terribly biased.

And you know what?

Some are.

Let's just get that one out of the way.

Just like the rest of society, there's some bad actors in journalism.

The difference between us and

the rest of society Is the visibility of these bad actors.

When we screw up, it's in a very public way, it's the nature of the job.

And it is unfortunate because it also tarnishes the reputations of

the many excellent and trustworthy journalists reporting out there.

Some journalists are among the hardest working, altruistic, and

noblest people that I know.

No one got into this work because they were motivated to become rich.

Most journalists seek justice.

They want to right wrongs, hold officials accountable,

shine light in dark places, explain a complex world.

They want to help get the best truth out.

These are all trust-engendering motives.

And the more you can demonstrate them in personal interactions you interview or

in the work that you produce, the more likely people are to trust you.

Sometimes the institution you work for may give you a bit of a trustworthy glow,

sort of a institutional legacy built on repeated good work.

But it really comes down to you building your own trustworthy brand.

Regardless of where you work, behave ethically and report honestly.

Build that body of work that you can point to when someone asks,

why should I trust you?

Remember, there's nothing that compels anyone to talk to a journalist,

we don't have subpoena power we can't get a court order.

So smart journalists are always thinking of reasons for people to trust them.

Why would they talk to you?

Maybe it's because no one really listens to them.

You can be that trustworthy and sympathetic ear.

Maybe it's because they want justice.

So suggest to them how trusting you to tell their story right

can secure that justice.

Maybe it's because they just want things to work better.

Encourage them to trust how public awareness of what doesn't work

can bring pressure for improvements.

Keep your promises.

If you agree not to report something they've told you, don't report it.

If you agree not to reveal their identity, don't reveal it.

The more you resist pressure to go back on your word,

the greater trust you'll generate, and that pays off.

You'll develop a reputation as a journalist to be trusted.

And when that happens, the people are far more likely to confide in you the makings

of really great stories.

Protect your sources.

Now usually people take that to mean that you should go to jail,

rather than reveal a source you promised anonymity.

That's a big thing, but I'm talking about things much less grand, but

equally important.

Sources often tell us things that they may not have intended.

And just because they set it doesn't mean we have to report it.

It's one thing to report everything said by public officials and

others who are used to dealing with the media.

But weigh carefully what ordinary people tell you

with an eye toward the greater good.

Our job isn't to embarrass people or to destroy their lives.

Treat them with respect.

Give them legitimate reasons to trust you.

They'll reward you with great stories.

[MUSIC]

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