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It’s the obligation of every journalist to make every reasonable attempt to represent, accurately and fairly, the points of view of all of the parties that are involved in a dispute.

Too often, reporters make contact one time and, when they’re rejected, use the refusal as justification for not representing that person’s point of view.

There are other levels of representation a journalist can seek:

• He gives you videotapes of the crime taking place, confesses on camera and names his accomplices.
• She confesses on camera, names her accomplices and takes you to the scene of the crime.
• He confesses on camera and names his accomplices.
• She confesses on camera and takes you to the scene of the crime.
• He confesses on camera with full face.
• She confesses on camera in silhouette or otherwise disguised.
• He confesses off camera and gives you permission to use the confession.
• She gives you important information about the case, but off camera.
• He goes on camera, full face, but doesn’t confess. He either lies or refuses to answer.
• She goes on camera in silhouette or otherwise disguised, but she lies or refuses to answer.
• He allows you to videotape him walking or working, but doesn’t sit down for an interview.
• She provides you with photographs or video of herself and gives you permission to use it.
• He confirms information unrelated to his actual involvement, i.e. information about others.
• She confirms that, indeed, there’s an investigation, but will not comment on it.
• He will not talk on the record, but draws you a map that leads you to important information.
• She will not talk on the record, but confirms that she is, indeed, the person you’re looking for.
• He will not talk on the record now, but leaves the door open to talk later.
• She will not talk on the record, but will allow you to call again.
• He will not even talk to you, but doesn’t threaten your life.
• She will not even talk to you, except to threaten your life.

Note: This training module is the copyright of Don Ray. Colleagues wishing to use it are asked to observe three conditions: that Don Ray is cited, that the text is not modified, and that no fee is charged for its use. Contact details for the author, Don Ray, are on his website.

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