Scenarios

In this scenario a journalist lets their own emotional assumptions colour their news judgement resulting in misinformation.

In this scenario we look at how a journalist should act when they witness a tragedy unfolding and have to decide whether to help, or to stand by and report. The scenario also looks at how senior editorial managers could, and probably should, support their journalists working in difficult conditions.

This scenario looks at some of the issues that need to be considered when deciding whether a story is in the public interest.

Scenario: There has been a strike at a steel works. The union claims all its 100,000 members were out on strike, but the employer says 50% turned up for work and defied the picket line. You were reporting from the main gates of the steel plant all day and you didn't see anyone crossing the picket line. What do you report?

How should a reporter respond when someone uses emotional pressure and threats to try to stop them doing their job?

In this scenario a reporter feels ethically compromised after accepting hospitality from a developer who subsequently pressured them for favourable coverage.

In this scenario a reporter tells the newsdesk that she has a strong news story only to find that the facts were not as they seemed.

In this scenario, an award-winning journalist is offered a top job at national TV station, but soon after starting her new job she discovers corruption in the media house.