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For those of us in the news business, getting the story is always important. At deadline time there could be a crunch we have to deal with but we want whatever we put out there accurate and well written. It has been that way for us as long as the paper has been in existence since the mid-1800s.
Social media and the quest for instant news has affected how the public perceives the news. All too often the "time well spent" theory to develop a story is making way for that instant picture, video or what else there is for getting things to a site in an instant.
We have learned over the years that developing a good story does not have to happen in an instant. Sometimes what we need to do is slow down, get all the facts in order and do the best job we can possibly do.
The last thing we want to do is create more grief for those who are forced to grieve.
Monday, a 20 plus car accident took place near Verona and within minutes pictures and videos were showing up on line or on media websites.
The Verona Police Department was one of the agencies investigating the accident that claimed one life and sent multiple people to the hospital. In part, the department had this to say:
"Our agency has seen multiple social media posts and news stories showing "viewer submitted" photographs and videos of the crash. While these videos and photographs may easily be described by some as "cool", "interesting", "incredible", or "shocking", we want to remind everyone of a few things.
Almost two dozen individuals were injured and one person lost their life. If you were a family member or friend of one of those involved, ask yourself, would you want to learn that someone you care about was hurt or killed via a social media post?
Additionally, dozens of emergency first responders and tow truck operators were on scene of this incident trying to help those involved. The action of taking a photograph or video while driving past the scene not only endangers the lives of the first responders, but also your life and the lives of the other motorists driving around you.
Car crashes such as this one have an incredible impact on those involved. Please think twice before capturing a tragedy on your phone and throwing it out on social media. Take time to think about how your actions could negatively impact the lives of others."
I would echo that as good advice.