As a journalist you can not assume anything. Nothing. Once you assume, you’re story and possibly your reputation is finished. Do not make that mistake. The public already has doubts about the media and they don’t need even more fuel to add to that doubt. Do yourself a big favor by making sure you get the facts.
There will be information and the story will begin to emerge from the information. Dots will be connected, but these dots are your interpretation of the information you have read. What if those assumptions are wrong? These assumptions need to be backed up by facts. Journalists are always looking for accurate, credible facts that can help tell and aid there story. Hunches and personal beliefs do not belong in a news piece, unless the news piece is opinion orientated.
Sunday’s Journalism Lesson: Assume nothing, always ask questions about your hunches – since those hunches may be wrong.
