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[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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Joanne GerstnerSports Journalist in Residence
Jeremy SteeleSpecialist
David PoulsonInstructor
Eric FreedmanInstructor
Joe GrimmInstructor
Lucinda D. DavenportDirector & Professor
