JS&IP Section 10

Reporting on Sensitive Topics

Journalists take extra care when a Subject is a child, a vulnerable person, a victim of crime, someone experiencing grief, and those dealing with tragedy. The pursuit of the story must be balanced with human decency, compassion, and understanding how our actions affect others. Freedom of the press does not grant license to unchecked intrusions, sensationalism or exploitative behavior.

When a story has content, written or visual or audible, that is graphic, or potentially disturbing or otherwise offensive, the News Director will decide if the public’s interest in knowing outweighs the harm the publishing may cause. If the News Director decides to publish the content, it will be placed under a clear warning, so that the consumer of the content may make an informed decision on whether to proceed.