Today, misinformation spreads fast.
It’s a terrifying reality, considering trust in our government and the media feels increasingly fragile. As a result, the requirement for journalists to be fair, thorough, and transparent has never been more important.
One of the most basic but essential practices in ethical journalism is contacting sources on ALL sides of a story.
It’s not just a courtesy; it’s a professional obligation.
Why Reaching Out Matters
1.Fairness and Accuracy
Every story has multiple angles. If you only talk to one side, you risk publishing a skewed or incomplete version of the truth. Unless you’re going hard on data alone, contacting all relevant parties ensures your reporting is balanced and that readers get a full picture of what’s happening.
Reporting on a court case? Don’t just quote the plaintiff’s allegations. Reach out to the defendant too. Their side of the story, or even their silence, as I have experienced over multiple instances, adds vital context, telling you what you need to know.
2. Credibility and Transparency
Readers trust journalists who play it straight. Reaching out to both sides shows you’ve done your homework. Even if one party declines to comment, noting that outreach was even made demonstrates integrity.
“We reached out to [Name/Organization] for comment, but they declined to respond.”
That line matters.
It shows you’re not pushing an agenda. Instead, you’re documenting an unfolding reality.
3. Unexpected Insights
Sometimes, the side you expect to stay silent will surprise you. People want to be heard, especially when facing public scrutiny. Reaching out gives everyone a chance to correct misinformation, explain their decisions, or tell their side of the story.
Journalism Isn’t a Courtroom, But It Deserves Due Process
I often talk about journalists as “watchdogs,” but watchdogs without discipline bite unfairly. Contacting both sides isn’t about giving equal weight to unjust ideas; it’s about making sure your reporting is grounded in verifiable fact, not assumption or bias.
Always include documentation.
Ignoring the “other side” is tempting when you’re convinced they’re wrong or when deadlines loom. But journalistic integrity means we don’t take shortcuts with the truth.
When They Won’t Talk or You Can’t Talk
Sometimes, a person or institution won’t respond; that doesn’t absolve you from journalistic integrity.
- Always document your outreach.
- Log the time, method, and recipient. Offer a fair deadline to respond.
Silence speaks too, but again, only when the attempt was genuinely made.
Final Thoughts
Ethical journalism means refusing to be a mouthpiece for one perspective, no matter how compelling it seems. Contacting sources on both sides isn’t just part of the job.
It’s the job.
Consider it due process for journalists. Because when we fail to reach out, we don’t just miss a quote.
We miss the truth.
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