Throughout my two and three quarter years of studying journalism, I've been constantly reminded of 'the death knock'. That is, approaching the home of a family who have just lost a loved one in order to write a story. Most journalists I've spoken to have agreed that it's one of the hardest things to do as a journalist. Despite this, the general view of the public is as though we relish in it.
As Kimberly quoted in her presentation: 'Journalists are sometimes accused of exploiting people experiencing the torment of grief" (Conley and Lamble, 2006, p. 386). Unfortunately, there are examples that suggest that journalists have gone too far when reporting on deaths (including coverage of the recent death of the boy from Mullumbimby who died after a school yard fight, as discussed in the presentation).
Often a family will be willing to share their grief with the journalist. However, there are many cases where families will outright refuse to be interviewed and should be treated with sensitivity at all times. Further, it should be respected that the victim's family have the right to say no to an interview.
The MEAA Code of Ethics says "journalists have the right to resist compulsion to intrude' (Conley and Lamble, 2006, p. 386). Journalists should use personal discretion when asked to do a 'death knock'. This is undoubtedly harder than it sounds. After all, could a cadet journalist really say to their boss 'No, sorry, I don't want to do that'? Probably not. However, I would argue that breaching the privacy of a grieving family is much worse than losing a story.
As Kimberly quoted in her presentation: 'Journalists are sometimes accused of exploiting people experiencing the torment of grief" (Conley and Lamble, 2006, p. 386). Unfortunately, there are examples that suggest that journalists have gone too far when reporting on deaths (including coverage of the recent death of the boy from Mullumbimby who died after a school yard fight, as discussed in the presentation).
Often a family will be willing to share their grief with the journalist. However, there are many cases where families will outright refuse to be interviewed and should be treated with sensitivity at all times. Further, it should be respected that the victim's family have the right to say no to an interview.
The MEAA Code of Ethics says "journalists have the right to resist compulsion to intrude' (Conley and Lamble, 2006, p. 386). Journalists should use personal discretion when asked to do a 'death knock'. This is undoubtedly harder than it sounds. After all, could a cadet journalist really say to their boss 'No, sorry, I don't want to do that'? Probably not. However, I would argue that breaching the privacy of a grieving family is much worse than losing a story.
