From The Pulitzer Center, Ethics and Standards Policy
A few selected quotes and a nod to George Hartzman for pointing me there.
"Show respect for individual human dignity, with an aim to minimizing the harm that can result from journalism."
Marikay has received death threats, 'nuff said.
"Examine your own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others."
That was Eric Ginsburg's first mistake. He assumed the world works by his rules. It doesn't.
"Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting."
Eric has struggled with advocacy and news reporting. Advocacy seems to be his reason for writing. Which is okay if you're writing solely as an advocate but not okay when you are presenting yourself as a journalist. I can't fault Eric for being an advocate or a journalist but he's going to have to decide which one he wants to be.
"We recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention."
Okay, now this one is a little foggy in this particular instance. Yes, Marikay Abuzuaiter is a Greensboro City Councilwoman and a public figure now, but the vast majority of the information published about Marikay was from before she even ran for public office. I don't know the rule or if a precedent has previously been set. It would be interesting to find out.
"As with on-the-record reporting, use multiple sources and check facts independently whenever possible."
Neither Eric Ginsburg nor Brian Clary have stated that they made any effort to contact the police officers who allegedly wrote the e-mails that pointed the finger at Councilwoman Marikay Abuzuaiter. An e-mail is still only a single source and should still be verified. This was sloppy journalism at best.
"Normal activities - outside work, investments, political activism - pose special problems for journalists. Often, it's best to avoid activities that might interfere with your ability to function as a journalist."
Need I even say it? This is the most basic of journalistic norms and Editor Brian Clarey chose to ignore it altogether. Not smart, Brian. Not smart at all.
And no, there is no law that binds Yes! Weekly to the rules of the Pulitizer, but we would have all been better off if there were.
A few selected quotes and a nod to George Hartzman for pointing me there.
"Show respect for individual human dignity, with an aim to minimizing the harm that can result from journalism."
Marikay has received death threats, 'nuff said.
"Examine your own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others."
That was Eric Ginsburg's first mistake. He assumed the world works by his rules. It doesn't.
"Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting."
Eric has struggled with advocacy and news reporting. Advocacy seems to be his reason for writing. Which is okay if you're writing solely as an advocate but not okay when you are presenting yourself as a journalist. I can't fault Eric for being an advocate or a journalist but he's going to have to decide which one he wants to be.
"We recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention."
Okay, now this one is a little foggy in this particular instance. Yes, Marikay Abuzuaiter is a Greensboro City Councilwoman and a public figure now, but the vast majority of the information published about Marikay was from before she even ran for public office. I don't know the rule or if a precedent has previously been set. It would be interesting to find out.
"As with on-the-record reporting, use multiple sources and check facts independently whenever possible."
Neither Eric Ginsburg nor Brian Clary have stated that they made any effort to contact the police officers who allegedly wrote the e-mails that pointed the finger at Councilwoman Marikay Abuzuaiter. An e-mail is still only a single source and should still be verified. This was sloppy journalism at best.
"Normal activities - outside work, investments, political activism - pose special problems for journalists. Often, it's best to avoid activities that might interfere with your ability to function as a journalist."
Need I even say it? This is the most basic of journalistic norms and Editor Brian Clarey chose to ignore it altogether. Not smart, Brian. Not smart at all.
And no, there is no law that binds Yes! Weekly to the rules of the Pulitizer, but we would have all been better off if there were.
