Media Warned To Avoid Misreporting

April 6, 2015 Washington, DC Reporters, producers and editors working on stories about todays release from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are warned not to misreport on the findings and use accurate perspective when communicating to their audience.

The release clearly states that the radiation the group detected was, well below internationally established levels of concern to humans and marine life.

Lets look at that statement again:

well below internationally established levels of concern to humans and marine life.

Now, lets all ask ourselves when the last time was that we reported on something that was literally of no concern.

Before reporters, producer and editors begin work on hyperbolic narratives that raise unwarranted fears about radiation we ask that they consider the lead here is actually in and of itself a nonstory or a story about how safe things actually are. The release highlights dozens of samplings and the hundreds of actual samples but finds nothing of concern.

Giving in to the temptation to craft leads that fall victim to the if it bleeds it leads mentality does readers and viewers a disservice. Keep in mind the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics says, Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting, previewing or summarizing a story.

For a repository of science-based reports and reporting on the impact of the Fukushima accident on fish please visit www.FukushimaFishFacts.com.

Contact Information

Gavin Gibbons: ggibbons@nfi.org
Lynsee Fowler: lfowler