Ford video raises questions over journalism ethics
Posted May 19, 2013 4:42 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – US gossip siteGawker has raised over 70,000 dollars as part of its crowdsourcing campaign to buy the video which reportedly shows Toronto Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack.
The situation raises questions. Should journalists be spending cash in order to get stories?
George Orr who has worked in many Lower Mainland newsrooms for decades says it’s not uncommon to buy exclusive video of a fire or police incident. He says in theory journalists shouldn’t have to pay for info but admits sometimes it’s warranted.
“I think ethically its really thin ice for people to stand on and pay for this stuff, but, that said, it’s very newsworthy and important material and needs to be in the public arena.”
He says the code of ethics has changed over the years and argues paying for picture and videos is appropriate as long as newsrooms are transparent and let consumers know things are being done in their best interest.
“If you’re seen to be doing the best you can in a competitive news environment to find the truth of stuff, as long as it’s being done transparently, I guess we’re making the rules as we go.”
Even though the owners of the tape are drug dealers, Orr says the source is irrelevant.
The Rob Ford scandal broke Thursday and within hours Gawker launched its push to raise funds to buy the video from the people who took it and want to be paid for it.
