You're faced with pressure to skew a story. How do you maintain journalistic integrity?

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In the world of journalism, you may sometimes find yourself under pressure to present a story in a way that doesn't align with the truth. Whether it's from an editor, a source, or an advertiser, the temptation to skew can be powerful. But as a journalist, your first duty is to the public and to the facts. Upholding journalistic integrity isn't just about being honest; it's about preserving the very trust that society places in the media as a cornerstone of democracy. It's a tough spot to be in, but there are steps you can take to navigate these choppy waters while keeping your moral compass intact.

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Aulia (Ollie) Rachmat Sungkar

writer & entrepreneur

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1 Know Your Ethics

Journalistic ethics are your North Star when navigating the murky waters of media pressure. Familiarize yourself with the code of ethics provided by professional organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), which emphasizes truthfulness, fairness, and accountability. When faced with pressure to skew a story, revisit these principles. They serve as a reminder of your responsibility to the public and provide a framework for making tough decisions. By sticking to these guidelines, you can defend your stance with confidence, knowing that your actions align with the broader journalistic community's standards.

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Aulia (Ollie) Rachmat Sungkar

writer & entrepreneur
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In my years as a journalist, I’ve often faced situations where the pressure to distort a story felt overwhelming. However, my commitment to journalistic integrity remains unshaken. It’s not about following rules, but about protecting the trust placed in me by readers. I believe in presenting the truth, even when it's uncomfortable, because credibility is everything in this profession. Whenever external influences try to sway the narrative, I remind myself that my responsibility is to the public, not to short-term gains or appeasing certain interests.

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Subramaniam (Subbu) Vincent

Director, Journalism and Media Ethics, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University
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First, unpack the word "skew". Skew in this context is pressure to elevate viewpoints or even data from some particular sources (people, experts, organizations, pollsters during elections) over others. It may also mean pressure to exclude inconvenient facts that don't fit a narrative. It may be to tweak the headline to give a more categorical impression, whereas the story is more complex. But there may also be editors who feel your story has more legitimate stakeholders than the viewpoints represented in your sourcing, so they are asking you to widen the aperture and bring long left-out voices. So start with a robust understanding of the issue and who all the stakeholders are. Map that your sourcing. Go from there in your next steps.

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Christopher Spillane

Head of Communications @ Runa Capital | Recovering Journalist
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One person's freedom fighter is another's terrorist. Different viewpoints exist and life is more complicated than right versus wrong ?? But let’s say it’s a real attempt to bias your reporting. This happened to me, and I could have done more I took sensible steps - getting support from colleagues and editors and pushing back - but ultimately, the editorial agenda overruled me I documented everything and tried to stick with my ethical code. The story was in the public interest but it should have been fairer. After publishing, I reflected and decided that particular newsroom wasn't a place for quality journalism and sought opportunities elsewhere ??? Disagreements happen, but attempts at disinformation shouldn't

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2 Seek Support

You're not alone. When pressure mounts, reach out to colleagues or mentors who can offer guidance and support. These individuals can provide perspective and may have faced similar situations themselves. By discussing your dilemma with trusted peers, you can explore potential solutions and strategies to address the issue without compromising your integrity. Additionally, this network can become a source of strength, reinforcing your resolve to report honestly and ethically.

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Subramaniam (Subbu) Vincent

Director, Journalism and Media Ethics, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University
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If the pressure if being justified editorially, ask for a written explanation justified about a journalistic ethic or principle. There are usually written documents capturing an organization's code of ethics, mission statements, and workplace guidelines. There ought to be a resource to lean on here, including internal whistleblower options. This may help preempt the pressure from escalating, by letting you flag other leaders in your organization. This is not easy to do, because it may open you up for retaliation. But the more open the discussion about the story skewing becomes, the more allies you will find.

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3 Document Everything

Transparency is key in journalism. If you're being pressured to skew a story, document all requests and communications. This paper trail is not only a record of what transpired but also serves as protection if there are ever questions about your conduct. It demonstrates that you've acted in good faith and have been transparent about your editorial decisions. Keeping detailed records also allows you to reflect on the situation later and learn from the experience.

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4 Stand Firm

When push comes to shove, standing firm on your commitment to integrity is paramount. It can be daunting, especially when facing significant pressure from powerful entities, but remember that credibility is a journalist's most valuable asset. If you give in to skewing a story, you not only betray your audience but also undermine your reputation and that of your publication. It's essential to communicate clearly and assertively why you cannot ethically alter the narrative and to seek alternative solutions that do not compromise the truth.

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5 Offer Alternatives

If you're being asked to present a story in a particular light, consider offering alternative ways to cover the topic that remain truthful and fair. This approach shows that you're willing to work collaboratively while still maintaining ethical standards. Suggesting different angles or additional context can sometimes satisfy the parties involved without resorting to distortion. It's a delicate balancing act, but it can lead to innovative storytelling that upholds the principles of journalism.

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6 Reflect and Learn

Every challenge to your journalistic integrity is an opportunity for growth. Reflect on the experience and consider what you've learned. How did you handle the situation? What could you do differently next time? Use these insights to strengthen your resolve and prepare for future pressures. Remember, maintaining integrity is an ongoing process, and each decision you make contributes to the foundation of trust upon which quality journalism is built. By learning from each encounter, you become a more resilient and principled journalist.

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You're faced with pressure to skew a story. How do you maintain journalistic integrity?

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1 Know Your Ethics

2 Seek Support

3 Document Everything

4 Stand Firm

5 Offer Alternatives

6 Reflect and Learn

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