OK, as a reporter I have to admit sometimes we do crazy things to get more information on stories.
Right now I just want anyone who reads this to always consider the things you put on Facebook/MySpace/your blog/etc/etc...
I have spent the day covering Oklahoma City's latest homicide. We knew early on a man was dead and that there was a chance one of his children was responsible. We now know that an 18-year-old has been arrested. So, where do we go to find information on the teen when no one will talk? First stop, MySpace. I have spent probably a good two hours of my day reading and watching some content that is so incredibly disturbing and sad. No details, because it's too much. Just let me say that this kid really needs prayers as does the rest of his family. His brother has posted comments about the situation and even posted a 1:20 of video that is just the teen sitting in a dark room with headphones on crying.
So this post is two-fold. Pray for this family because of some very obvious reasons..
And secondly, always consider what you post online. Remember even though you don't think a news station would ever have a reason to search for you there's a chance they will someday. If you have never posted anything questionable then fine, but just consider that everything online is public domain. If it can be found it can be used.
I'm sure there are many opinions on whether searching for information on people by using MySpace is ethical. Whether you agree or not it's what happens.
While I'm talking about this you should all know... IF (and hopefully this never applies).. IF something awful happens to someone in your family the best thing you can do is provide a "family spokesperson" to deal with the media.. it can be anyone.. even someone unrelated.. doing this will greatly reduce the extra stress media people may cause your family. Also, if you don't want us to find an unflattering (mug shot) picture of someone then please provide one for us that you feel comfortable with the rest of the world seeing.
OK. I guess that's all for now. Thanks for reading my randomness..
Actually, one more thing, if you simply think saying "well the media should just stay out of our business" sure that would be nice, but good luck. I'm just one reporter and while there are instances where I might agree with that statement my superiors and those at every other station would disagree.. and even if I don't make the call.. someone else will and the nightmare will just continue to happen.
2 comments:
wow...thanks for the tip.
I saw your report on this situation. I thought you did some great reporting and research. I was bragging to someone about how quick you were able to get information because of the brothers lack of discretion.
Sadly, once you put it out "there"(internet) it is out there for anyone to access any time...kind of fair game in my opinion.
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