Let's go to the wide world of sports today. Specifically, to ESPN's new ombudsman, former producer Don Ohlmeyer's new column which tackled an interesting ethical question that offers insight into how the Internet has made an impact on all media. (As an aside, this was brought to my attention via email from former Marquette Tribuner Marino Eccher; the Internet allows us to stay close even when students have moved on. Its impact on our lives is deep and significant.)
The key point he raises in his report of how the network handled rape allegations against a football star, to my mind, is that of the need for media to quickly respond because stories, true or not, spread virtually instantaneously. I am a believer that the difference between journalism and gossip is verification. A journalist seeks to verify information before reporting it. A gossip just repeats a juicy tidbit. But the tricky part is what and when to report in this new age of instant news. Ohlmeyer dissects how ESPN handled the report. It basically did not report on the allegation for nearly three days after it was first made in a civil lawsuit because it did not fit ESPN guidelines.
This is all well and good. The guidelines are solid journalisticly, and I support guidelines as a way of setting boundaries as to good reporting. However, in the age of the Internet where gossip can take on the patina of truth, doesn't a media outlet have an obligation to report on the allegations? It's a tough question, and I'm not sure I have the correct answer.
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