Careless journalism can inflict wounds and make people’s lives unnecessarily difficult. AP shares reasons behind its new policy around crime reporting
Reporting on minor crimes, especially in the local papers, is often about an odd or entertaining quirk and the name of the person does not really matter. However, in the age of Google search, these stories live on for decades and ruin people's chances to get a new job or get into relationships.
This is why Associated Press (AP), decided to rethink the way its reporters tell stories of minor offences. John Daniszewski, standards vice president at AP, talks about the reason behind these new guidelines in this piece for IJNet, penned by Maggie Jones Patterson and Romayne Smith Fullerton.
"I received a very moving letter from a man who, as a college student, had been involved in a financial crime," Daniszewski says in the article. When an old news account of the incident surfaced, this man lost friends and his upcoming marriage was also jeopardised.
Do not miss our next digital journalism conference Newsrewired, with four days of panels and workshops. Check out the full agenda and tickets
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Sign up to receive job alerts of your choice by email, or manage your subscription
Featured recruiter: click to view its vacancies
Three transport-focused B2B titles seek a content editor with SEO skills
Subscribe to our newsletter for latest news, tips, jobs and more
End that deadline stress today and find help in our freelance directory
Personal trainer James Hilton has launched a podcast 'Jim's Gym - Inspiring Movement'. James, a specialist in biomechanics and injury recovery from the Cotswolds, runs Jim's Gym, a virtual online space supporting people over 55 to be more active
Our next Newsrewired conference will be in May 2025, London.
Conferences and study weeks are fantastic opportunities to get the latest updates on the industry and network with your peers
Awards are a great way to have your hard work recognised by industry experts and celebrate your teams. Here is where you can apply
If you find your social feeds a tad too heavy on men's voices, follow and connect with these fantastic women experts on indie media
How do you move print readers to digital? Are there other ways to hold on to subscribers besides a last-ditch deal?
