"Cold Facts’ incredulous activities could easily be swept under the ‘old news’ carpet. But that would be a too easy ‘out’ for them. Doing so means acting similarly to members of the TV4 team who sidestepped their obligations to act honorably and observe their ‘residual responsibility’; to take responsibility in representing their industry, as I must respect mine; responsibly sharing ethics lessons.
Attempting to re-establish trust is not as easy as simply saying ‘we’ll do better in the next program’ or next ‘season’. Nor is it a matter of replacing one ‘guilty’ reporter with a fresh face.
When a few of those working under the same ethical banner step out from under the shared protective cover (ethical obligations) and get dirtied, the principle of "you break it, you own it" applies. And in order to protect the industry the inherent instinct AND obligation is to distance
oneself as the larger media organizations are doing. It’s no wonder the media is up in arms! And it’s no different than the simple expectations one places on membership anywhere, including on those wishing to become SA soldiers.
And here too I feel obliged to return to the subject of the
personal, private ethics of the TV4 crew. Surely there must have been moments during the planning, the time spent in the field, during filming, interviewing,
editing when that still small voice of conscience said: hold on- this doesn’t feel quite honest- it's not above board, It's not who I am…
see WWW.FSAOF.BLOGSPOT for the entire column.
DO NOT LET THIS STORY FADE. INTEGRITY MUST BE UPHELD AND PROTECTED!
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