Selective editing? I
Tomas, a media and communication student, starts an internship at a national newsroom, eager to practise unbiased journalism. However, he soon notices that the editor alters his reports before broadcasting, removing parts Tomas sees as objective and reshaping the content to fit a specific editorial angle. This makes Tomas feel the focus is more on narrative than truthful reporting. One day, when Tomas is once again confronted with a major reshaping of his story, he considers if he should say something.
What would you do in Tomas' place?
- 1. I would notify my superiors and express distaste towards the altering of my story. I would ask, if such practice is common, and whether it could be avoided.
- 2. I would ask the editorial staff to be included in future editorial decisions of my work.
- 3. I would do nothing, as the decision on what gets published is not mine to make.
- 4. I would ask the editorial staff for clarification on why they changed the story, and if there was something I could have done better.
- 5. I would make a personal apology to the interviewee who was misrepresented on TV due to the edits.