-
But even if I concede your point, if the industry can't determine how to resolve this "unintended consequence", then the only answer is to stop the practice.
Stop approaching sources? You're basically saying shut down the journalism industry. How would you propose reporting instead?
Do you actually think this is such a terrible problem that it justifies shutting down the fourth estate?
Fox-
Stop approaching sources? You're basically saying shut down the journalism industry.
Yes that's right.
That's exactly what I'm saying.
Jesus fucking wept.
If the industry can't distinguish between harassing those involved in "cases involving personal grief or shock" and journalism, then it's small wonder that all (yes, all) journalists are viewed as having been tickled with the cunt-brush.
-
It's not about 'approaching sources' it's about whether it's in the public interest. Gossip about an obviously upset/bereaved relative isn't in the public interest.
-
Stop approaching sources?
There's your problem. It's the journalist's choice whether some random bloke looking for his brother is a 'source' or not. If my brother ever goes missing after a terrorist attack I would just be a confused, angry and upset individual with no particular insights into terrorism or any other current affairs.
And journalists aren't stupid, so anyone approaching me in such a scenario would only be interested in bottling my tears and selling them on for a profit, I would not serve the purpose as a valuable 'source' by any definition of the term.
Scilly.Suffolk
Sumo
starfish&coffee
Again I must disagree: he complained about both individual approaches and the sheer volume of them.
But even if I concede your point, if the industry can't determine how to resolve this "unintended consequence", then the only answer is to stop the practice.