A discussion of contemporary issues in media ethics, with olives and a twist. Made with only the freshest ingredients, shaken, stirred and poured over ice. I should also mention that I do like the odd, occasional martini. Bombay Sapphire gin and Lillet, dry and plenty of salty olives. Welcome to this cocktail of journalism and alcohol. A fine combination!

Tuesday, 17 April 2007

CNN alrady in the "firing line"

Well, it didn't take long! CNN is now hosting 'eye witness' footage and audio on its website. Apparently taken on a cell phone by Virginia Tech student Jamal Albarghouti. Here's a report about it from Digital Spy.
How does this sit with the Poynter's advice about using eye witness reports?

Eyewitnesses verify identities of those who contact you to talk about what they saw or heard. Dont get snookered by someone who pretends to have been there. Verify the authenticity and legitimacy of eyewitness accounts before you use them.

Video/Pictures/Sound from Eyewitnesses This content is NOT being gathered by journalists. They are eyewitnesses or participants in the story. The content they offer may be authentic, but journalists have an obligation to verify that authenticity before using it online, on the air or in the paper.

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