Journalists must be trained in how to recognise and deal with algorithm bias in order to counter the speed and scale at which biased content is being spread. That’s the view of Gemini, the artificial intelligence (AI) conversation tool, which says that the need for such training is “more urgent than ever”.

AI says “the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning has led to a significant increase in the use of algorithms in news production” and that “algorithms can introduce bias into news content, which can have serious consequences for both individuals and society.”

Media Helping Media (MHM) asked Gemini how journalists can recognise and deal with algorithm bias. We also asked it to design a one-day training course to equip journalists with the tools they need to tackle the issue.

The following is the text of that conversation, which took place in September 2024. During the conversation Gemini states that while the challenge of bias in news production is not entirely new, the rise of AI has made it more urgent and complex.

AI warns that “journalists and news organisations must adapt to this new reality by developing strategies to mitigate algorithm bias and ensure that the news they produce is fair, accurate, and representative”.

I asked AI the following questions. The answers were immediate. Gemini’s responses are unedited other than to change them from American English to English English  (MHM’s preferred house style).

MHM: What is algorithm bias in news production?

Gemini AI: Algorithm bias in news production refers to the unintentional or intentional bias introduced into news content by the algorithms used to curate, personalise, or generate news. This bias can manifest in various ways, including:

• Selection bias: Algorithms may prioritise certain stories or topics over others, leading to a skewed representation of the news.
• Confirmation bias: Algorithms may reinforce existing beliefs or biases by recommending content that aligns with a user’s preferences.
• Representation bias: Algorithms may underrepresent certain groups or perspectives, leading to a lack of diversity in the news.
• Amplification bias: Algorithms may amplify certain narratives or misinformation, contributing to the spread of false or misleading information.

Factors contributing to algorithm bias:

• Biased data: If the data used to train algorithms is biased, the algorithms will likely produce biased outputs.
• Biased algorithms: The design of algorithms themselves can introduce bias, such as by prioritising certain features or metrics over others.
• Lack of transparency: The lack of transparency in how algorithms work can make it difficult to identify and address bias.

Addressing algorithm bias in news production requires a multi-faceted approach, including:

• Improving data quality: Ensuring that the data used to train algorithms is diverse, representative, and free from bias.
• Designing unbiased algorithms: Developing algorithms that are transparent, accountable, and resistant to bias.
• Promoting transparency: Increasing transparency in how algorithms are used and the decisions they make.
• Human oversight: Ensuring that human editors and journalists play a role in reviewing and curating news content.

By understanding and addressing algorithm bias, news organisations can help to ensure that the news they produce is fair, accurate, and representative.

MHM: How can journalists avoid algorithm bias if they are not in control of the algorithms?

Gemini AI: While journalists may not have direct control over the algorithms used in news production, they can take several steps to mitigate algorithm bias:

1. Be aware of algorithm bias: Journalists should understand the concept of algorithm bias and how it can manifest in news content. This knowledge can help them identify potential biases and take steps to address them.
2. Critically evaluate news sources: Journalists should be sceptical of news stories generated or curated by algorithms. They should carefully evaluate the sources of information and verify the accuracy of the content.
3. Seek diverse sources: Journalists should strive to gather information from a variety of sources, including those that may not be prominently featured in algorithm-driven news feeds. This can help to ensure that the news they report is balanced and representative.
4. Use human judgement: Journalists should rely on their own judgement to assess the quality and relevance of news stories. They should be willing to override algorithmic recommendations if they believe that they are biased or misleading.
5. Advocate for transparency: Journalists can advocate for greater transparency in how algorithms are used in news production. This can help to identify and address biases and ensure that the news is produced in a fair and ethical manner.
6. Collaborate with data scientists: Journalists can collaborate with data scientists to understand how algorithms work and identify potential biases. This can help them to develop strategies for mitigating algorithm bias.

By taking these steps, journalists can help to ensure that the news they report is accurate, balanced, and free from algorithm bias.

MHM: So mitigating algorithm bias is a new task brought about by the advance of AI but should now become a crucial part of a news producer’s job?

Gemini AI: That’s a great observation. While the term ‘algorithm bias’ may be relatively new, the underlying issue of bias in news production has existed for centuries. However, the advent of AI and machine learning has amplified the potential for bias to be introduced into news content at a larger scale and at a faster pace.

Here’s a breakdown of how traditional news production compared to AI-driven news:

Traditional News Production:

• Human curation: News editors and journalists manually select and curate stories based on their judgement and expertise.
• Limited reach: News distribution was primarily through print and broadcast media, limiting the audience and potential for bias.

AI-Driven News Production:

• Algorithmic curation: Algorithms use data to recommend news stories to users, often based on their past behaviour and preferences.
• Vast reach: News can be disseminated instantly to a global audience through digital platforms, increasing the potential impact of bias.

Key differences:

• Scale: AI can process and analyse vast amounts of data, increasing the potential for bias to be introduced at a larger scale.
• Speed: AI can disseminate news at a much faster pace than traditional methods, making it difficult to identify and correct biases before they have a significant impact.
• Personalisation: AI can personalise news content to individual users, potentially reinforcing existing biases and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.

Therefore, while the challenge of bias in news production is not entirely new, the rise of AI has made it more urgent and complex. Journalists and news organisations must adapt to this new reality by developing strategies to mitigate algorithm bias and ensure that the news they produce is fair, accurate, and representative.

MHM: So would you say that dealing with algorithm bias should now be part of every journalist’s basic training?

Gemini AI: Absolutely. Dealing with algorithm bias should be a fundamental part of every journalist’s training in the digital age. Here’s why:

1. Understanding the problem: Journalists need to understand how algorithms work, how they can introduce bias, and the potential consequences of this bias.
2. Identifying and mitigating bias: Journalists should be able to identify signs of algorithm bias in news content and take steps to mitigate its effects.
3. Evaluating sources: Journalists should be able to critically evaluate the sources of information they rely on, especially those that are generated or curated by algorithms.
4. Promoting diversity and inclusion: Journalists should strive to promote diversity and inclusion in the news they report, by seeking out a variety of sources and avoiding algorithmic biases that may underrepresent certain groups or perspectives.
5. Advocating for transparency: Journalists can advocate for greater transparency in how algorithms are used in news production, which can help to identify and address biases.

By incorporating training on algorithm bias into journalism programmes, we can equip journalists with the skills and knowledge they need to produce fair, accurate, and representative news in the digital age.

MHM: Could you suggest the outline for a one-day training course for journalists who want to understand and tackle algorithm bias?

Gemini AI: Absolutely. Here is an outline for a one-day training course on algorithm bias for journalists

Morning Session: Understanding Algorithm Bias

• Introduction to algorithms in news production:
  • How algorithms are used in news curation, personalisation, and generation
  • Common types of algorithms (e.g., recommendation engines, natural language processing)
• Understanding bias:
  • Defining bias and its different forms (e.g., selection bias, confirmation bias, representation bias)
  • The impact of bias on news quality and credibility
• Sources of algorithm bias:
  • Biased data
  • Biased algorithms
  • Lack of transparency
• Case studies of algorithm bias in news:
  • Real-world examples of how algorithm bias has affected news coverage
  • Lessons learned from these cases

Afternoon Session: Tackling Algorithm Bias

• Identifying algorithm bias in news content:
  • Recognising signs of bias in news stories generated or curated by algorithms
  • Tools and techniques for detecting bias
• Mitigating algorithm bias:
  • Strategies for reducing the impact of bias in news production
  • Best practices for data collection and curation
  • Designing unbiased algorithms
  • Promoting transparency and accountability
• Human oversight and editorial judgement:
  • The role of human editors and journalists in ensuring the quality and fairness of news content
  • Balancing algorithmic recommendations with human expertise
• Advocating for change:
  • How journalists can advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the use of algorithms in news production
  • Engaging with news organisations and policymakers to address algorithm bias

Workshop Activities:

• Group discussions: Facilitated discussions on specific case studies and challenges related to algorithm bias
• Hands-on exercises: Practical exercises to identify and analyse algorithm bias in news content
• Role-playing scenarios: Simulations of real-world situations where journalists need to deal with algorithm bias
• Guest speakers: Invited experts from the fields of journalism, technology, and ethics to share their insights and experiences

Additional Considerations:

• Tailoring the course: The content of the course can be tailored to the specific needs and interests of the participating journalists.
• Online or in-person: The training can be conducted either in-person or online, depending on the preferences of the participants and the resources available.
• Continuous learning: Encourage participants to continue learning about algorithm bias and best practices for mitigating its effects through ongoing professional development.

MHM: And what sources would you recommend for supporting the course on algorithm bias which you have just outlined?

Gemini AI: Recommended sources for a course on algorithm bias in news production include:

Books:

• Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’Neil: This book explores how algorithms can perpetuate inequality and discrimination.
• Automating Inequality by Virginia Eubanks: This book examines the ways in which algorithms are used to reinforce existing social and economic inequalities.
• Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Umoja Noble: This book focuses on the racial bias inherent in many algorithms and their impact on marginalised communities.
• The Algorithm: The Ultimate Power by Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths: This book provides a general introduction to algorithms and their applications.

Articles and Papers:

• Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication: This journal publishes research on the intersection of technology and communication, including studies on algorithm bias.
• Digital Journalism & Ethics: This journal focuses on ethical issues in digital journalism, including the use of algorithms.
• Pew Research Center: This organisation conducts research on a variety of topics related to technology and society, including algorithm bias.
• MIT Technology Review: This publication covers emerging technologies and their societal implications, including the impact of algorithms.

Online Resources:

• AlgorithmWatch: This non-profit organisation works to increase transparency and accountability in the use of algorithms.
• Open Rights Group: This organisation campaigns for digital rights, including the right to be free from algorithmic discrimination.
• Mozilla Foundation: This foundation is dedicated to building a healthy internet, including efforts to address algorithm bias.
• The Markup: This investigative journalism outlet focuses on the impact of technology on society, including the role of algorithms.

Case Studies:

• The Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal: This case highlights the potential for algorithms to be used to manipulate public opinion.
• The YouTube algorithm and the spread of misinformation: This case demonstrates how algorithms can amplify harmful content.
• The use of algorithms in criminal justice: This case raises concerns about the potential for algorithms to perpetuate racial bias.

By incorporating these sources into your training course, you can provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of algorithm bias and the tools they need to address it.

MHM: Would you say that the need for journalists to be trained in dealing with algorithm bias is urgent?

Gemini AI: Absolutely. The need for journalists to be trained in dealing with algorithm bias is more urgent than ever. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning has led to a significant increase in the use of algorithms in news production. These algorithms can introduce bias into news content, which can have serious consequences for both individuals and society.

Here are some reasons why this training is urgent:

• Increasing reliance on algorithms: News organisations are increasingly relying on algorithms to curate, personalise, and generate news content. This means that the potential for algorithm bias to impact news coverage is growing.
• The potential for harm: Algorithm bias can lead to the spread of misinformation, the amplification of harmful stereotypes, and the underrepresentation of certain groups or perspectives. This can have serious consequences for individuals and society.
• The need for accountability: Journalists have a responsibility to ensure that the news they report is accurate, fair, and unbiased. This includes understanding and addressing the potential for algorithm bias.

By training journalists in how to identify and mitigate algorithm bias, we can help to ensure that the news we consume is reliable and trustworthy.

MHM’s conclusion

The fact that AI is warning that journalists need to be trained in recognising and dealing with algorithm bias suggests that human judgement, journalistic ethics and editorial values are crucial in a world where artificial intelligence and machine learning is crafting so much content. As Gemini says in the interview above, “the underlying issue of bias in news production has existed for centuries. However, the advent of AI and machine learning has amplified the potential for bias to be introduced into news content at a larger scale and at a faster pace.”

The post Dealing with algorithm bias in news first appeared on Media Helping Media.

What are the benefits and dangers of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the news production process? We interviewed Gemini, Google’s AI conversation tool, to try to find out how AI views its relationship with journalism.

Benefits listed by AI include generating routine data-driven news reports in order to free journalists to apply “critical thinking and judgement” and “empathy and understanding”, as well as highlighting important news angles that could be missed by journalists.

Dangers include “algorithmic bias” where AI perpetuates “existing biases present in the data they are trained on”, creating “deepfakes and manipulated content”, and “privacy concerns” related to data retrieval, analysis and use.

The interview with AI took place in September 2024 and is reproduced below. Gemini’s responses are unedited other than to change them from American English to English English (MHM’s preferred house style). MHM’s questions are in large bold text.

MHM: How can AI assist journalism?

Gemini AI: AI is revolutionising the way journalism is produced, offering a range of benefits that can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. Here are some key ways AI is assisting journalism:

1. Data analysis and visualisation:

• Data-driven stories: AI can process vast amounts of data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies that would be difficult for humans to spot. This enables journalists to create data-driven stories that are more informative and impactful.
• Interactive visualisations: AI can generate interactive visualisations, such as charts, graphs, and maps, to make complex data more understandable and engaging for readers.

2. Content creation and automation:

• Automated reporting: AI can generate routine news reports, such as sports scores, weather updates, and financial news, freeing up journalists to focus on more complex and in-depth stories.
• Content personalisation: AI can personalise news content based on individual reader preferences, ensuring that they receive the most relevant and interesting information.

3. Fact-checking and verification:

• Fake news detection: AI can help identify and debunk fake news by analysing the content, source, and context of information.
• Source verification: AI can verify the credibility of sources by checking their reputation, past accuracy, and alignment with other reputable sources.

4. Language translation and localisation:

• Global reach: AI can translate news content into multiple languages, allowing news organisations to reach a wider audience and expand their global reach.
• Cultural sensitivity: AI can help journalists understand cultural nuances and tailor their content to specific audiences.

5. Accessibility and inclusion:

• Audio and video transcription: AI can automatically transcribe audio and video content, making it accessible to people with hearing impairments.
• Text-to-speech conversion: AI can convert text into speech, allowing people with visual impairments to consume news content.

While AI offers significant benefits to journalism, it is essential to use it responsibly and ethically.

Human journalists will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, objectivity, and quality of news content.

MHM: What are the dangers of using AI in journalism?

Gemini AI: While AI offers significant benefits to journalism, there are also potential dangers that must be addressed:

1. Bias and discrimination:

• Algorithmic bias: AI algorithms can perpetuate existing biases present in the data they are trained on. This can lead to biased news coverage and discrimination against certain groups.
• Lack of diversity: If the teams developing AI algorithms are not diverse, they may overlook biases that are relevant to underrepresented communities.

2. Misinformation and disinformation:

• Deepfakes and manipulated content: AI can be used to create deepfakes and other manipulated content that can spread misinformation and disinformation.
• Lack of fact-checking: Over-reliance on AI for fact-checking can lead to errors and the spread of false information.

3. Job displacement:

• Automation of tasks: AI can automate routine journalistic tasks, leading to job displacement and changes in the nature of journalism work.

4. Loss of human touch:

• Lack of empathy and nuance: AI may struggle to understand complex human emotions and nuances, leading to a loss of empathy and depth in news coverage.

5. Privacy concerns:

• Data collection and surveillance: The use of AI in journalism can involve the collection and analysis of large amounts of data, raising privacy concerns.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to:

• Develop ethical guidelines: Establish clear ethical guidelines for the use of AI in journalism.
• Promote diversity and inclusion: Ensure that teams developing AI algorithms are diverse and inclusive.
• Invest in fact-checking and verification: Continue to invest in human fact-checkers and verification processes.
• Educate journalists: Provide journalists with training on how to use AI effectively and ethically.

By addressing these challenges, we can harness the power of AI to enhance journalism while minimising its risks.

MHM: You mention privacy concerns, isn’t that an issue with AI?

Gemini AI: You’re absolutely right. The use of AI to track user data, especially in the context of social media monitoring, can raise significant privacy concerns. Here are some of the main issues:

• Mass surveillance: Large-scale tracking of online activity can lead to a form of mass surveillance, where individuals feel constantly monitored.
• Data misuse: There’s a risk that collected data could be misused for purposes other than those stated, such as targeted advertising, profiling, or even surveillance by government agencies.
• Lack of transparency: Users may not be fully aware of the extent to which their data is being collected and used, leading to a lack of control and consent.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential for news organisations and AI developers to:

• Obtain informed consent: Clearly communicate to users how their data will be collected, used, and stored.
• Implement strong privacy measures: Implement robust security measures to protect user data from unauthorised access.
• Limit data collection: Collect only the data necessary for the intended purpose and avoid excessive tracking.
• Be transparent about AI use: Disclose the use of AI tools and how they are used to process user data.
• Comply with data protection laws: Adhere to relevant data protection laws and regulations, such as GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California.

By addressing these concerns, news organisations can leverage AI for real-time event monitoring while respecting user privacy and building trust with their audience.

MHM: What role do journalists play in a newsroom using AI?

Gemini: In a newsroom utilising AI, journalists play a crucial role as human curators, analysts, and storytellers.

While AI can automate certain tasks like data analysis and content generation, it cannot fully replace the human judgement, creativity, and ethical considerations necessary for quality journalism.

Here’s a breakdown of the key roles journalists play:

• Human curators: Journalists select and prioritise the most important stories, ensuring that AI-generated content aligns with the newsroom’s values and editorial standards.
• Analysts and verifiers: Journalists use AI tools to analyse data and identify trends, but they also verify the accuracy and reliability of this information, ensuring that it is presented fairly and accurately.
• Storytellers: Journalists craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, adding context, nuance, and human perspective to AI-generated content.
• Ethical guardians: Journalists are responsible for ensuring that AI is used ethically and responsibly, avoiding biases and avoiding the spread of misinformation.

In essence, while AI can augment the capabilities of journalists, it cannot replace their unique abilities to identify significant stories, evaluate information critically, and communicate effectively with audiences.

MHM: What are the unique abilities that journalists possess that AI can’t replace?

Gemini AI: While AI can assist journalists in many tasks, it cannot fully replicate the following human abilities:

• Critical thinking and judgement: Journalists possess the ability to evaluate information critically, identify biases, and make informed judgments about the significance of events.
• Empathy and understanding: Journalists can understand the human experience, connect with sources, and tell stories that resonate with audiences on an emotional level.
• Creativity and storytelling: Journalists are skilled at crafting compelling narratives, using language effectively, and engaging readers with their writing.
• Ethical decision-making: Journalists must make ethical decisions about what to report, how to report it, and who to include or exclude from their stories.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Journalists must be able to adapt to rapidly changing situations, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding: Journalists need to be aware of cultural nuances and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or biases.
• Building relationships: Journalists often rely on relationships with sources to obtain information and gain insights that AI cannot access.

While AI can assist with tasks like data analysis and content generation, it cannot fully replace the human judgement, creativity, and empathy that are essential for quality journalism.

MHM: Can a newsroom function without AI?

Gemini AI: Yes, a newsroom can function without AI. However, the efficiency and effectiveness of the newsroom’s operations may be significantly impacted.

AI can streamline many tasks, such as data analysis, content generation, and distribution, making the newsroom more efficient and productive.

Without AI, journalists would need to spend more time on tasks that can be automated, such as gathering and analysing data. This could lead to a slower news cycle and potentially reduce the depth and breadth of coverage.

Additionally, AI can help identify trends and patterns in data that may be difficult for humans to spot, providing valuable insights for journalists.

While AI is a valuable tool for newsrooms, it is not essential. Human journalists will always play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, objectivity, and quality of news content.

MHM: Could you set out a roadmap for the introduction of AI in a newsroom?

Gemini AI: Introducing AI into a newsroom requires careful planning and implementation. Here’s a suggested roadmap:

1. Assessment and planning

• Identify needs: Determine specific areas where AI can add value, such as data analysis, content generation, or distribution.
• Assess resources: Evaluate the availability of technical expertise, data, and budget.
• Develop goals: Set clear objectives for AI implementation, including improved efficiency, accuracy, or audience engagement.

2. Data preparation

• Gather data: Collect relevant data, such as news articles, social media posts, and audience analytics.
• Clean and prepare: Ensure data quality by cleaning, standardising, and structuring it for AI processing.

3. AI tool selection

• Evaluate tools: Research and compare AI tools that align with your needs and budget. Consider factors like scalability, ease of use, and integration capabilities.
• Pilot testing: Conduct pilot tests with selected tools to assess their performance and suitability.

4. Training and education

• Train staff: Provide training to journalists, editors, and other staff on how to use AI tools effectively.
• Address concerns: Address any concerns or resistance to AI adoption.

5. Integration and implementation

• Integrate tools: Integrate AI tools into existing workflows and systems.
• Start small: Begin with small-scale projects to gain experience and build confidence.
• Monitor and adjust: Continuously monitor the performance of AI tools and make adjustments as needed.

6. Ethical considerations

• Develop guidelines: Establish ethical guidelines for AI use, including bias mitigation, transparency, and accountability.
• Human oversight: Ensure that human journalists maintain oversight and control over AI-generated content.

7. Evaluation and refinement

• Measure impact: Assess the impact of AI on newsroom efficiency, accuracy, and audience engagement.
• Refine strategies: Continuously refine AI strategies based on evaluation results.

Main considerations:

• Human-AI collaboration: Emphasise the importance of human-AI collaboration, where AI complements human expertise rather than replacing it.
• Ethical use: Prioritise ethical considerations throughout the process, ensuring AI is used responsibly and transparently.
• Continuous learning: Stay updated on AI advancements and adapt your strategies accordingly.

By following this roadmap, newsrooms can successfully introduce AI while maintaining the highest standards of journalism.

MHM: How do you assess whether the introduction of AI in a newsroom has been successful?

Gemini AI: Evaluating the success of AI implementation in a newsroom requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some key metrics and considerations:

1. Efficiency and productivity:

• Time savings: Measure the reduction in time spent on manual tasks, such as data analysis and content generation.
• Increased output: Assess whether AI has enabled the production of more content or in-depth analysis.

2. Accuracy and quality:

• Error reduction: Evaluate if AI has helped reduce errors in reporting or fact-checking.
• Content quality: Assess the quality and relevance of AI-generated content, comparing it to human-generated content.

3. Audience engagement:

• Increased reach: Measure changes in audience reach and engagement metrics, such as website traffic, social media interactions, and email subscriptions.
• Audience feedback: Gather feedback from readers to understand their perception of AI-generated content.

4. Cost-effectiveness:

• ROI: Calculate the return on investment (ROI) by comparing the costs of AI implementation to the benefits, such as increased efficiency and revenue.
• Cost savings: Identify specific areas where AI has led to cost savings, such as reduced labour costs or improved resource utilisation.

5. Ethical considerations:

• Bias mitigation: Evaluate the effectiveness of measures to mitigate bias in AI algorithms and content.
• Transparency: Assess the level of transparency regarding AI use and its limitations.

6. Staff satisfaction:

• Morale: Measure staff satisfaction with the introduction of AI and its impact on their work.
• Skill development: Assess whether AI implementation has contributed to staff skill development and professional growth.

7. Adaptability and scalability:

• Flexibility: Evaluate the ability of AI tools to adapt to changing newsroom needs and priorities.
• Scalability: Assess the scalability of AI solutions to accommodate future growth and expansion.

By considering these factors, newsrooms can gain a comprehensive understanding of the success of their AI implementation and identify areas for improvement.

MHM: Can you give an example of a journalist using AI in the news gathering and production process?

Gemini AI: A journalist is covering a major political event, such as a presidential debate. They want to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and reactions from social media. They turn to AI Tool, a social media monitoring tool that can track mentions of specific keywords or hashtags in real-time.

Process:

• Set keywords: The journalist sets up the tool to monitor keywords related to the event, such as the names of the candidates, key topics, or relevant hashtags.
• Real-time monitoring: The tool tracks social media conversations in real-time, identifying mentions of the specified keywords.
• Identify trends: The journalist can analyse the data to identify trending topics, popular opinions, and potential breaking news stories.

Benefits:

• Faster reporting: The tool allows the journalist to quickly identify and report on important developments as they happen.
• Audience insights: By analysing social media conversations, the journalist can gain insights into public opinion and tailor their reporting accordingly.
• Efficiency: The tool can save time and effort by automating the process of monitoring social media.

By using AI for real-time event monitoring, journalists can stay informed about breaking news and provide their audience with timely and relevant coverage.

MHM: Can you suggest a user case scenario?

Gemini AI: A local news journalist is struggling to keep their audience engaged with generic news articles. They want to provide more personalised content that resonates with their readers.

The journalist uses an AI-powered content personalisation platform to analyse reader data, such as demographics, interests, and past behaviour. The platform then recommends relevant news stories and topics based on individual reader profiles.

Process:

• Data collection: The journalist collects data on their audience, such as email addresses, social media interactions, and website behaviour.
• AI analysis: The AI platform analyses this data to identify patterns and preferences among different reader segments.
• Content recommendations: Based on the analysis, the platform suggests personalised news stories and topics that are likely to interest each reader.
• Delivery: The journalist can then deliver this personalised content through email newsletters, social media, or their website.

Benefits:

• Increased engagement: Personalised content is more likely to capture the attention of readers, leading to increased engagement and loyalty.
• Targeted advertising: The platform can also help the journalist target advertising to specific reader segments, improving ad revenue.
• Data-driven insights: The AI platform provides valuable insights into audience behaviour, helping the journalist understand their readers better and tailor their content accordingly.

By using AI for personalised content, the journalist can create a more engaging and relevant experience for their audience, ultimately improving their news organisation’s success.

MHM: Can you sum up AI’s involvement in journalism in three pros and cons?

Gemini AI: Here are three pros and three cons about the use of AI in journalism.

Pros of AI in Journalism:

• Increased efficiency: AI can automate routine tasks, such as data analysis and content generation, freeing up journalists to focus on more in-depth and creative work.
• Enhanced accuracy: AI can help identify errors and inconsistencies in data, improving the accuracy of reporting.
• Personalised content: AI can tailor content to individual readers based on their preferences and interests, increasing audience engagement.

Cons of AI in Journalism:

• Bias and discrimination: AI algorithms can perpetuate existing biases present in the data they are trained on, leading to biased news coverage.
• Misinformation and disinformation: AI can be used to create deepfakes and other manipulated content that can spread misinformation.
• Job displacement: The automation of routine journalistic tasks can lead to job displacement and changes in the nature of journalism work.

MHM conclusion

This interview with Gemini AI suggests that artificial intelligence has an impressive ability to generate clear and useful copy. It is also able to be self-critical. It lists the potential risks of using AI in journalism, as well as the potential benefits. Perhaps the most important message is that AI recognises there are things it can’t do – functions that require human journalistic skill. AI can’t – yet – replace journalists in creating a news service. But it can, if used carefully, be a powerful tool in making that news coverage more attractive, interesting and comprehensive.

The post Hey AI, what can you do for journalism? first appeared on Media Helping Media.

As one of the editors of a government radio news service in a developing democracy you receive information of an imminent threat of famine in a rural area of the country.

You are told that, unless immediate action is taken by the government and the international community, thousands of people are likely to die in the next few months.

You know that the government is aware of the situation but would rather not publicise the threatened famine in the hope that it passes unnoticed, as it has often done in the past.

In a recent visit to the famine-threatened region you saw thousands of tonnes of grain being readied for export to foreign markets by remote merchants.

Your research uncovered that these same merchants are known to have financed the mechanised farming of grain in the famine-threatened region.

The grain they harvest, you discovered, is largely intended for export to countries which are known to provide financial aid to your national government.

As you consider what to do, a written press release arrives on your desk from a commissioner of the famine-threatened region, pleading for immediate assistance.

The press release was sent to you specifically in the hope that you would broadcast the information.

You suspect that if you seek clearance from “above” to publish the information your request will either be refused, delayed, or will possibly disappear altogether.

As a result, the available grain will likely be exported and the famine will possibly take its toll.

If you allow the information to be broadcast, and point out the availability of the grain destined for export out of the region, it may shame the government into doing something, such as putting an embargo on the exportation of the grain from the region.

However, broadcasting the information could put your job at risk.

What do you do?

1. Refer the matter up to senior editors and government officials and try to persuade them that broadcasting the information is in the public interest and that, as a news outlet serving a community at risk, you have a duty of care to share what you know.
2. Broadcast the information without ‘referring up’ because you fear you will be blocked, and you consider it is more important to save lives than save your career.
3. Don’t broadcast, but instead pass the information on to a foreign correspondent or foreign media outlet which you trust in the hope that they will circulate the information.
4. Ignore the story, aware that this is probably happening in many other countries and whatever you do will make no difference.

Conclusion

How a journalist responds to such a situation will differ from country to country and culture to culture. There is no easy answer here. However, in the scenario set out above the journalist decided on option 2.

They went ahead and broadcast the information they had without ‘referring up’ because they feared they would be blocked, and they considered it to be more important to save lives than save their career.

After the information had been broadcast they received a stern telling off, but kept their job.

And as a result of the information being broadcast on the government radio channel the authorities announced an embargo on the exportation of grain until enough was available for the hungry in the region.

All the scenarios on Media Helping Media are based on actual events.

The post Testing boundaries – scenario first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Fake news is not new, it’s been around for thousands of years. Throughout history there have always been attempts to fool and confuse the public and distract attention from the truth. However, in recent years disinformation has become much more widespread, and it constitutes a direct challenge to honest, truthful reporting. So what should journalists do about it?

Fojo Media Institute has an excellent free resource called Fojo Check containing tools for journalists wanting to brush up their skills in fact-checking.

Annelie Frank, the project manager for Fojo’s fact-checking hub Faktajouren says many know about fake news’, but not many understand what it is.

“It’s not news, because news tells us what’s really happened even if mistakes occasionally are made. I don’t think a lot of people fall for fake news on fake news sites nowadays. The public has been educated on source criticism and on how the media works. The former US president has practically kidnapped the term with his attacks on traditional media. Fake news is not the big problem. But disinformation is a greater threat. These kinds of stories contain quite a lot of truth. A government decision can be described correctly, but relevant information will be left out and thereby the big picture is muddled.”

We spoke to a range of experts involved in training journalists, and we asked them how to spot fake news and deal with it. Responses listed alphabetically.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Thi Thuy Hang – Director, Center for Further Training of Professional Journalists (VJTC), Vietnam Journalists Association (VJA)

“In 2021 the VJTC conducted five training workshops for journalists in identifying and checking fake news, disinformation and misinformation.

“Fake news often appears on social networks. They have catchy and often shocking headlines to attract attention. As an internet user, I often read through the information, then look at the link (URL).

“Misinformation often comes from fake news websites which are created to appear almost identical to the original websites.

“When in doubt I cross check the date and the event to see if the information is published on other newspapers or news sites. If the news is discussed by other sources, such as mainstream newspapers, there’s a high chance that news is true. However, for journalists, they still need to verify the information with sources to gather evidence in order to confirm that the news is accurate.

“When I find misinformation being spread, I often post on my family’s and friend’s groups on social media to tell them that the information being shared is fake and that they shouldn’t believe it or circulate it. However some people still circulate misinformation even though they are suspicious of the information being shared via social media links.”

Sanjoy Hazarika is a former reporter for the New York Times, author and documentary filmmaker. He is co-convenor of the South Asia Media Defenders Network (SAMDEN) and currently Director of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI). He is the founder of the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (C-NES).

“I encourage journalists to access well-known resources and organizations which flag, challenge and disseminate information about fake news and their media handles. Every major country has a few dedicated persons focusing on these critical issues. In addition, the answer to fake news is to place the facts on any issue in the public domain.

“Another way — slower than getting a news break from a reliable source but reliable — is to use freedom of information/right to information laws which exist in many parts of the world.

“Journalists have won national and international awards by anchoring their reporting about key government issues of public concern on right to information (RTI) requests. RTI has become an important tool for media to investigate official wrongdoing. The facts can’t be disputed because they come from the original source: the relevant government department.”

Naomi Goldsmith – journalism trainer and media consultant

“I personally think there is no such thing as ‘fake news’. If the information is fake, then it’s not news.

“News, of course, should always be accurate, and where there is uncertainty or controversy – this should be made clear.

“There are people who knowingly or mistakenly create or pass on information which is not accurate, and this can more precisely be referred to as disinformation and misinformation.

“Disinformation – like dishonest – means it’s deliberately false. Misinformation – like mistake – means there wasn’t a deliberate intention to create or pass on false or misleading information. It was a mistake.”

(Naomi has written a longer piece for this site about dealing with disinformation and misinformation).

Jaldeep Katwala – writer and journalist

“Look at the source. Is it an organisation you trust? If the information comes to you via social media from a friend of a friend or someone you vaguely know, be particularly suspicious.

“Does it sound credible? Are the sources quoted recognised and traceable?

“Beware of opinions masquerading as facts. Always ask what is this person’s perspective and ask if they are trying to support an outrageous statement with partial or unlikely facts.

“Journalists are gatekeepers of information. We check the validity of what we are told and then share it with the audience once we are sure it is accurate, honest and truthful.

“Sometimes journalists fail in this regard, so information published by other news outlets also needs to be tested.

“If you’re not sure that information is correct don’t pass it on. Be subjective but don’t be obsessive.

“In your work as a news gatherer be sure to cast your eyes and ears widely in an attempt to include multiple perspectives. Don’t limit yourself to a personal echo chamber cut off from the real world and other points of view.

“Keep an open mind, listen to diverse opinions, and always check and double check all the information you come across before passing it on to those who turn to you for reliable information.”

Richard Sambrook – Emeritus Professor of Journalism at Cardiff University

“Fake news is a phrase used to cover many different sorts of problems – and sometimes used to undermine legitimate journalism. Basically there is misinformation – information which is unintentionally wrong and simply needs correcting – and disinformation, which is deliberately wrong and intended to mislead.

“The problem of disinformation isn’t going to go away. The tools of disinformation are getting more sophisticated. For example, artificial intelligence can now manipulate audio and video to make it appear people have said things they have not said.

“So how can you spot Fake News? Ask some basic questions:

• Who is saying this? Is the source clear and are they who they say they are (e.g. is the website url genuine?)
• Where are other voices, views and sources on this topic? If there are none – be suspicious.
• Why are they saying this? Is it to inform? persuade? entertain? educate? Or might it be to mislead?
• When was this said? Is it contemporary or is it a picture or quote taken out of context from the past to mislead about a current issue?

“When misinformation or disinformation is found, it needs to be corrected. But that alone may not be enough. In the end, serious journalists need to commit to high standards of accuracy, fairness, providing evidence, reporting a range of views and being open about their purpose and accountable if mistakes get made. Openness and transparency are the best means of winning trust.

“Understanding fake news and verification techniques are built into core journalism modules at Cardiff University.”

The post How to identify and deal with fake news first appeared on Media Helping Media.

A young journalist is appointed as a parliamentary reporter for a public service broadcaster in a Western democracy.

He is assigned to cover a specific region of the country. His job is to get to know his area’s MPs (members of parliament) and to cover their activities.

Keen to make an impression, he draws up a list of all the politicians on his new patch. His region has several constituencies where the sitting MP is a senior government minister.

A national story breaks. The minister in charge of the department concerned is on the reporter’s list. The journalist makes contact.

The minister, a Secretary of State in the department at the centre of the story, invites the reporter round to his private rooms in the parliament building. He has, so far, been refusing to be interviewed on the topic.

They have a chat, the reporter explains that he has taken over the patch and that he wanted to get to know all his MPs.

The minister seems friendly. He offers the reporter a cup of tea. They appear to get on well. The MP’s assistant is hovering in the background.

Towards the end of the chat the reporter asks the politician whether he would agree to a short recorded interview on the developing story. He says yes.

An audio clip from the interview makes national news. After it is broadcast, the reporter’s boss praises him for his work; it’s a good start in the new job.

Three months later the minister’s assistant calls to tell the reporter that the minister has a story for him. The reporter is excited. It sounds like he could be in line for another scoop.

He’s invited to visit the MP’s office again. When he turns up he’s handed a piece of paper. He reads what seems like nothing more than a public relations plug for the minister; the reporter fails to see the story.

He questions whether there is anything newsworthy to report. The minister seems surprised, and replies that he had done him a favour with a quote three months earlier and now it’s his turn to return the favour and report what the minister wants.

The reporter had no idea that the minister would want to call in a favour after giving a quote.

The minister’s assistant talks to the reporter as he leaves and suggests that it might not be as easy for her to arrange a meeting in the future if the reporter fails to cover the story the minister wants publicised.

What should the reporter do?

a) Do the story the way the minister wants. The reporter will be covering the region for some time, and he does not want to fall out with one of the most senior politicians on his patch – doing so could mean that he will miss out on quotes in the future when he might need them.

b) Ignore the request, knowing that he is under no obligation to cover the story. He might have been naive in the way he approached the first meeting with the minister, but he didn’t do any deals to get the first interview.

The suggested approach

Political interviewing should never be a matter of returning assumed favours.

Journalists should never do deals to get information or interviews. There will always be a price to pay if they do.

In this case the journalist reported the matter to his line manager who also failed to see the news story in the issue the minister wanted to publicise. And, even if he had, it would have been wrong for the story to be covered on the understanding that it was because a favour was being returned.

Interestingly, deciding not to cover what was a PR stunt didn’t disadvantage the reporter when it came to requesting future interviews. The politician was clearly trying to exploit the situation.

Related training modules

How to interview politicians

The relationship between journalists and politicians

Integrity and journalism

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What is bias?

Bias is a prejudice or favour for or against an individual or group. It is often an inaccurate and unfair judgement. We are all biased. It’s normal, although it is not desirable

Our brains have to process a lot of information in a short time. It therefore sometimes takes shortcuts. This ability can help keep us safe. We quickly assess whether or not the unknown person approaching us is a threat or harmless.

Factors affecting our unconscious bias

• Our background and upbringing
• Personal experience
• Societal stereotypes
• Cultural context

Unconscious bias can lead to inaccurate assumptions

Journalists should not make assumptions. They should base their judgements on facts and reliable evidence.

• Unconscious bias can lead to damaging stereotypes.
• It can lead to the assumption of innocence or guilt.
• It can mean only a few types of people are interviewed and have their views broadcast or published.
• It can mean that the best people are not hired for the job.

Different types of unconscious bias

Unconscious bias means we do not knowingly show bias, but bias is evident in what we produce. If we are aware of the different types of bias, we can take steps to try to avoid it.

Affinity bias

This bias occurs when we are drawn to people we are like. We are biased in favour of those with whom we share an affinity. That’s to say: people like me.

Confirmation bias

This bias occurs when we favour information, which confirms what we already believe. For example, if we are not in favour of policy X, we are more willing to believe that minor setbacks are major problems and proof that ultimately policy X will fail.

Anchor bias

This bias occurs when we rely too heavily on the first piece of information we receive and we are anchored down by it. For example, if the first piece of information we receive comes from an official who says Y is a problem – we will see Y as a problem rather than questioning whether or not this is true in the first place.

Bandwagon Bias

Jumping on the bandwagon means joining in something just because it is fashionable or popular. Journalists often follow stories or trends because other media outlets are doing so. Journalists need to keep up with current trends, but just because other media houses are following a story it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s important or true.

How to avoid unconscious bias

• Be aware of the different types of unconscious bias.
• Think about the situations where you are likely to be susceptible to unconscious bias.
• Find your trigger points when you are likely to make snap judgements.

Possible triggers for unconscious bias

• Under pressure of a deadline.
• Under pressure from your boss to come up with stories.
• When you are tired, stressed or hungry.
• When you are in an unfamiliar territory or with unfamiliar people.
• When you feel threatened or judged.

Measures for tackling unconscious bias

• Step out of your comfort zone. Talk to as many different types of people as you can.
• Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. See things from their perspective.
• Counter stereotyping by imagining the person as the opposite of the stereotype.
• See everyone as an individual rather than a type.
• Flip the situation. Imagine a different group of people or flip the gender. Would you still come to the same conclusions?
• Be careful with your language and images. Make sure they do not contain assumptions, harmful stereotypes or inaccuracies.

Test your knowledge of unconscious bias

Question 1: Unconscious bias is a quick judgement based on limited facts and our own life experience. True or false?

Answer = True. Biases are often based on quick judgements. Examining your assumptions is a good way to counter bias.

Question 2: The manager agrees to let one of your colleagues work flexible hours. You view this as an indication that they are not as committed as those who work regular hours. This is not unconscious bias if they later do turn out to be trying to avoid certain responsibilities. True or false?

Answer = False. In this case, someone who believes that employees who work flexible hours are less committed than those working more traditional hours may start to develop perceptions of colleagues who work flexibly which confirm that belief. This is unconscious confirmation bias.

Question 3: If you choose to recruit candidate Z because you get on with them because you studied at the same college – this is not affinity bias if they are a different gender and ethnicity to you. True or false?

Answer = False. It is affinity bias because you still feel an affinity to them through a shared experience of college.

Question 4: Unconscious bias is based on the following:

1. Gender
2. Appearance
3. Previous experience
4. Ethnicity
5. All the above

Answer = All the above.

Question 5: What is affinity bias?

1. Believing something because your friends believe it.
2. Being more receptive to people who are like you.
3. Looking for evidence which backs up your beliefs about someone.
4. Creating stereotypes about different groups of people.

Answer = b is correct

Question 6: Unconscious bias can give people an unearned advantage and unearned disadvantage. True or false?

Answer = True

Take a look at these other modules on Media Helping Media to help you keep your journalism up to the highest standards.

False equivalence and false balance

Accuracy in journalism

The post Unconscious bias and its impact on journalism first appeared on Media Helping Media.

The public interest means anything that is relevant to the lives and well-being of all of us, to society and our communities. It concerns the “common good”, meaning matters that affect our health, livelihoods, quality of life, security, and our governance.

The public interest does not mean what the public might find interesting. Broadly speaking, the difference here is between what is relevant to members of the public, as opposed to what might merely entertain, fascinate or titillate some of them.

News journalism is reporting matters of societal relevance. Not gossip and titbits about well-known figures, or about personal events and circumstances of others that do not affect broader society, but which merely pander to voyeurism. A journalist with a brief to report news should therefore apply a public interest test before deciding whether to cover a story.

In most cases it is clear what is and what is not in the public interest. But in some cases, such as stories concerning the private lives and actions of public figures in positions of power, the distinction is not clear.

The public interest is in having a safe, healthy and functional society. In a democracy, journalism plays a central role in that. It gives people the information they need to take part in the democratic process. If journalists are good at their job, they hold governments and other institutions to account.

All serious journalism, then, contains a public service ethic. To fulfil this public service role, journalists must build and retain the trust of their audiences by behaving in an ethical and professional manner.

A journalist must have compelling reasons to deviate from standard good practice: if it is the only way to bring an important subject to the public’s attention.

For example, journalists should be honest about who and what they are; they should always give their names, and say for which news organisation they work.
However, there are times when a journalist might have to go undercover and hide their true identity and the real reason for their actions. Such cases could include the investigation of crime or political wrongdoing.

This is an act of deception, which is generally to be avoided, but if it brings justice and an end to criminal activity, it may be justified in the wider public interest.

Journalists should not intrude into people’s private lives – but there might be a case for doing so if the person being investigated is a public figure whose private behaviour is at odds with what they advocate in public life, especially when their position can influence legislation.

In this case, media intrusion – normally an objectionable practice – could expose hypocrisy and dishonesty. However, such intrusion must be clearly shown and clearly seen to be in the wider public interest.

Things become more difficult when the story in question may actually involve a journalist breaking the law, or encouraging someone else to do so. Here you need to have a serious discussion with colleagues about the circumstances, the public interest benefit in covering the story, the risks involved and the likely consequences.

Some countries build “the public interest” into their legal systems. So if you want to publish a difficult or controversial item because it is “in the public interest”, you should check whether the legal framework gives you the protection you need in each and every case.

In some countries, those in power might actively oppose journalists revealing information which, although in the public interest, might threaten their control of society. In such cases the public interest test takes on another meaning. How those in power define the public interest might be more about control than freedom of information. Here, extra care is required.

Some public interest justifications

If the decision is taken to publish, it is likely to be because the story would do one of these things:

• Correct a significant wrong.
• Bring to light information affecting public well-being and safety.
• Improve the public’s understanding of, and participation in, the debate about an important issue relevant to our society.
• Lead to greater accountability and transparency in public life.

None of this is easy. Journalists grapple with these issues every day. Many factors at play have not even been considered here, but if you get the public interest test right, you will be fulfilling the highest purpose of journalism.

Related training module

Public interest – scenario

The post Journalism and the public interest first appeared on Media Helping Media.

A media organisation needs to be clear about what it stands for. If your audience is to put its trust in the news you produce, then those who turn to you for reliable information will want to understand your values and how you intend to live up to them.

They will expect you to be transparent about how you operate and accountable for what you produce.

Earlier in this series of media strategy training modules we looked at four of the essential elements of a successful media business and how they were like the legs of a table with each having to be as strong as the other.

The first of those legs is identifying the target audience groups or segments that the media organisation aims to serve.

The second is the list of issues, topics and stories that will satisfy the information needs of that audience.

The third is the market strategy that will support the media business revenue generation.

Now we need to look at the fourth leg – the vision, values and ethics that should be evident in everything your media organisation does, and the pledge that you make to your audience.

The vision for the media organisation needs to be set by the senior management team and approved by the relevant board, trustees or regulators. It will describe how you will operate and why you will be different from others.

Typically, this vision will be set out in the ‘About Us’ page of your website. This is where you state what you stand for, what you aim to offer to your target audience, how you will deliver the material, and how you aim to be accountable by welcoming feedback and audience involvement.

The same page might also include text describing the values and ethics that you promise to uphold in all you do.

It might contain a pledge to the audience about how you and all your staff will operate.

It could include an invitation to the audience to contact you if they feel that you fail to deliver on your promises. This is how you offer transparency.

Sample About Us page

The following is an example from the About Us page for an independent media house in a country in transition. The page includes the vision, a pledge, the values/ethics the media house promises to uphold, and an invitation to get in touch if they fail. It might help you draft a pledge for your audience. Feel free to copy and improve.

“Our pledge to those we serve is to seek the truth, deliver the facts, and offer relevant context and analysis where appropriate.

“Our tone will be non-judgemental, objective and fair.

“In all cases we strive to include all relevant opinions and ensure that no significant strand of thought is neglected.

“We will strive to dig where others don’t, give voice to the voiceless, shine a light in dark places, scrutinise the executive, and hold the powerful to account – all on behalf of you, our audience, whom we aim to serve with integrity.

“We aim to produce journalism that is professional, credible, reliable , trustworthy, dependable, and totally transparent.

“Our desire is create a conversation about the issues that matter, and enable maximum participation, so that our output reflect as diverse a range of perspectives as possible.

“In so doing we hope to be part of the process of national healing, nation building, reconciliation and reconstruction.

“We aim to be a listening media organisation that deals with, and reflects, the issues that most concern those we serve.

“We want to help members of our audience to talk to each other without fear or favour and, through robust engagement, help ensure a tolerance society by encouraging the celebration of our diversity.

“We aim to offer a canvas for people to showcase their best ideas to help transform the country into a knowledge-based society where citizens are free to express their creativity, ingenuity and entrepreneurship.

“We have set ourselves challenging objectives, but we believe that only be striving to achieve the highest can we elevate ourselves above the elements which tend to hold our country back.

“However, if you see anything in our output where you feel we may have failed to deliver on the pledges set out above, and where we may have failed on issues such as tone, accuracy, impartiality, objectivity, taste, decency and fairness, please let us know by using the contact us form. We are here to listen and to improve.”

The above is just an example. You will know what your pledge to your audience should be. Don’t be afraid to state it.

Cascading objectives

Once you have the vision, values and pledge, you need to communicate these carefully and thoroughly through every department of your media business. This is done partly by setting objectives at the corporate, departmental, unit, and personal level.

Every department will have objectives set for them by senior management. These will be directly related to the vision and pledge.

To achieve their objectives, each department will need all units reporting to them to, in turn, achieve their particular objectives, and each unit will need all individuals to achieve their objectives.

We will consider this in more depth in the next training module entitled “Managing people, setting objectives, nurturing and developing staff”.

The post Vision, accountability and transparency first appeared on Media Helping Media.

You are a reporter working on a newspaper in a coastal resort where there are plans to build a new leisure centre on the site of an old hotel complex dating back to Victorian times.

You sense that something is wrong when a local politician becomes an outspoken champion for the proposal, despite widespread opposition from environmental campaigners, historians, and residents. The politician says the development will be good for business and for the fortunes of the town.

While investigating the story you find that the politician has close business connections with the owner of the hotel who submitted the planning application and the developer who has had the building plans drawn up. It’s also emerged that the politician has links with a betting firm that plans to open a casino on the new leisure site.

Three years ago, when the Victorian hotel was extended, you accepted an invitation to attend the opening. There was a buffet and free bar. The party went on late into the night. The owner generously offered free accommodation. The next day you wrote a story for the newspaper which carried the headline “Victorian hotel given new lease of life”.

Now, three years on, as soon as you start to ask questions about the proposed new development, both the hotel owner and the politician remind you that you were quite happy to enjoy the hotel’s hospitality in the past and that surely you owe them a favour.

They ask you what it would look like if they let it be known that you were a journalist who liked to accept free gifts from local businesses.

They hand you a news release they have prepared along with some exclusive artist impressions of the proposed development and suggest you reproduce the material unchanged.

What do you do? Do you:

1. Talk to your editor, admit that you accepted hospitality at the opening event three years ago and leave it to your editor to decide how the story is covered.
2. Drop the investigative part of the story in order to protect yourself and your newspaper in the hope that by keeping quiet and not asking awkward questions your earlier involvement will not be revealed.
3. Take the news release and images from the businessman and publish the story the way they want it presented.

Suggested action

You should talk to your editor and admit that you had accepted hospitality from people who are now part of your investigation and that they have warned you not to explore the story any further. Share the information you have with your editor, set out the links you have uncovered, and enlist their support for continuing with your piece.

The only way to resolve such issues is by being honest and transparent in all your dealings and then learning that accepting what some might consider to be favours could compromise your work as a journalist.

Why this is the right answer

There is a saying that there is no such thing as a free lunch. This means that when you are given something free of charge, people often expect a favour in return.

For a journalist, this is particularly difficult. However, we are all learning and you will certainly not make the same mistake again.

You must talk to your editor, tell him or her all the facts, be totally honest, and move on.

Your newspaper owes it to its readers to tell the truth, and the story must be investigated, even if it proves embarrassing to you.

All the scenarios on Media Helping Media are based on real events.

Related training modules

Is your journalism ethical?

Integrity and journalism

The post Journalistic ethics – scenario first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Allegations are made about an incompetent medical surgeon and a subsequent cover up at a hospital. People have died.

Your news editor asks you to investigate. The only problem is – the surgeon is your cousin. What do you do?

1. Investigate the surgeon thoroughly. The fact they are a relative will not deter you from doing your duty as a journalist.
2. Try to dissuade your news editor against the story. You know your relative to be a competent and committed surgeon. Sometimes things go wrong during operations and patients die.
3. Tell your news editor that you are related to the person in question and ask for someone else to be assigned to the story.

Suggested action

It is difficult to be 100% impartial when dealing with stories about family or friends. Also, public perception is important. Even if you do investigate the allegations thoroughly and write the story – your audience still has to believe that your professional integrity was not compromised. By separating yourself from the story at the outset the audience can continue to trust your news organisation. So option three is probably the best course of action.

Related training modules

Impartiality in journalism

Fairness in journalism

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