Fishy Reporting

Good Morning fellow classmate!!! You must be the new reporter. Welcome to our reporting headquarters; this is where the magic of our daily newspaper occurs. I can see you're eager to begin so let's not waste any time. Sorry it looks crazy in here; our guys and gals have been up alllllll night staring down computer screens completing research, and frankly, we're really tired if you can tell (Figure 1)

Figure 1 So tired

Figure 2 Am I happy?

A few days ago we received a story so ODD that we need your help to finish this story. All of our other reporters decided to back out of this story. In other words we needed an expert in problem solving and YOU were recommended for the job, so I have one question for you. Are you in? Thank you so much!! I'm completely filled with non-terrifying joy (Figure 2).

We have disturbing new reports that the "mystery" meat that is being served at lunch is turning your classmates into dolphins (Figure 3).

Figure 3 Adorable cuteness

This isn't a laughing matter even though that dolphin is so cute and I just can't help but smile at him. Sorry, let's get back on track. What's worse is the school indoor pool is running out of room to house these "dolphins" faster than a cure is being worked on. We need you to conduct an investigation and find out who is responsible behind this madness so they can be brought to justice.

Before we set you loose onto the school, we do need to ensure that the concept of using proper ethics are being upheld. In other words, knowing the difference between right and wrong. As of right now, you are our newest journalist and there is a code of ethics to follow with 4 basic guidelines. Let me briefly describe each guideline.

1) Seek truth and report it (Figure 4)

Figure 4 Seek truth

- Verify information before releasing it (1). This could take time and remember, how fast you get the story done isn't important; providing honest work is important. If we fail to be honest, the wrong person can blamed

- Identify sources clearly (1). Who will you be interviewing to get information? Would it be wise to interview a cafeteria worker, or Bob Schmo who works in an office miles away from the school?

- Remember your whole story revolves on seeking the truth.

2) Minimize harm (Figure 5)

Figure 5 Minimize harm

- When creating your story treat sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect (1).

- Will releasing this information hurt the other person? Balancing out the good and bad can assist you in finding that answer.

- If talking to family members of the affected, show compassion. Understand that everyone reacts differently to situations.

3) Act independently (Figure 6)

Figure 6 Act independently

- Refuse gifts, favors . . . that may compromise integrity or . . . may damage credibility (1). This is your story, and don't be fooled by someone that wants to help by offering you a gift.

- Do not pay for access to news (1). If you paid for the information, then how true do you think it could be? Could that person have scammed you into giving them money? Once again this is your story; you're in control.

4) Be accountable and transparent (Figure 7)

-Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences (1). Why did you make certain choices? If the reader understands the steps you took, you offer a better connection to them.

-Acknowledge your mistakes and correct them promptly (1). If you made a mistake, it's not the end. Correct your mistake and explain what happened. Being up front is more ethical than saying your mistake was the truth.

Figure 7 Important stuff

You've Made It Through The Lesson!!!!

Figure 8 Dance party central

By understanding these 4 guidelines, the tools to create the story is in your instrument shaking hands (Figure 8). I can't keep you any longer. We have plenty of dolphins that need to be turned back into children and you're what's absolutely needed. Through today's training I trust the truth will be out and the criminal or criminals behind this "fishy" act will be brought to justice.