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The Story of the Year

Since the chief-staff makes the decision, I would tell him that I might have the story of the year. Plus, that there is the issue that another media could have the story as well. Even though, it is a slow news day today I would explain him that I need at least two days on the story. This way I could do more investigation and create a better hook for the story. At the same, I could beat the other media which has the same story. If the other media is broadcast, the society might already know the news. However, if the chief-of-staff disagrees, I will give my best to write a strong story in one day.

The Loss of 120 Jobs

As a journalist it is my duty to report on the filth in the kitchen. On the one hand, I really do not want that 120 people lose their jobs and on the other hand I do not want that more guests and staff become sick. However, my responsibility is to inquire into the story, to warn the public and to consult the public health department in order to protect the people. Otherwise, I would be a bad journalist. Besides that I would keep my sources confidential because I would not like to put their lives at risk; people who lose their jobs can become very unpredictable and aggressive. Additionally, if the resort’s manager refuses to comment, I would state it in my article.

The Production Process Has To Be On Time

If I was the late sub-editor for a daily newspaper, and a solicitor prohibits to publish the defendant’s name because of a judge’s order, and there is no time to call anyone without delaying the production process, I would delete the name of the defendant; even though the solicitor sounds drunk. Additionally, if there is enough room on the front page, I would state that circumstances require to keep the defandant’s name confidential. If I publish the defendant’s name, I might get into trouble if the judge had prohibited to publish the name. Additionally, I would not have had enough time to find another front page story. My job is to ensure that the editorial department meets its deadline to satisfy the production and distribution processes. To ensure that the solicitor was not lying, I would consult the solicitor or judge the next day to clarify the issue.

Police vs. Editor Angle

The editior is my gatekeeper and not the the police officer. As junior journalist, I would listen to my editor because he or she decides what is being published. I do not think if I write from the police’s angle that my editor would publish the story. Besides that I really do not wan to lose my story because I have not listen to my editor. I think he knows the best because it is his job.

Police Media

The NSW Police Media releases information to the media to let them know what is going on, to warn the public and to ask for assistance. They decide what is relevant to know about a case. According to Mr. Tamplin who is a police officer in Hunter Valley, journalists think differently. Journalists think that they should receive the same information in order to decide themselves which information is relevant. The NSW Police Media, however, disagrees and tries to restrict information. Especially, if evidence is lacking or if a subject needs to be protected. Police needs to keep their information for investigation as Mr. Tamplin explained. Thus a lot of information is generalised. For instance, the police would not release details of a particular gun used in a crime because it could hinder investigations. Furthermore, the police always try to find evidence before a case is being published. If a car accident happens and a man dies, they take a blood test in order to find out whether the dead man was driving the car or not.
All in all, I think it was really interesting to hear a police officer’s view on media releases. However, I do not really agree the way the police operate. In my opinion, the police should release more information that is useful or helpful to the public, especially if a crime happens.