Seeking Comment: The Unsung Hero of Journalism
- Seeking comment is a fundamental tenet of Independent Journalism, allowing subjects to provide perspective and correct inaccuracies.
- New York Times reporters Sheera Frenkel and Mike Isaac discuss their experiences with Seeking Comment, including challenges and successes.
- The practice is essential for ensuring accuracy and fairness in reporting, but can sometimes be met with resistance or hostility from sources.
Behind the Scenes of Seeking Comment
JOURNALISM—In the world of journalism, seeking comment is a crucial step in the reporting process. It allows subjects to provide their perspective, correct inaccuracies, and add nuance to a story. For New York Times reporters Sheera Frenkel and Mike Isaac, seeking comment is an essential part of their job, but it can also be a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience.
Despite the challenges, Frenkel and Isaac emphasize the importance of seeking comment, citing its role in ensuring accuracy and fairness in reporting. They also discuss the strategies they use to approach sources, including being open-minded and transparent about their reporting process.
The Importance of Seeking Comment
Seeking comment is a fundamental principle of independent journalism, allowing subjects to provide their perspective and correct inaccuracies. According to Pui-Wing Tam, a deputy business editor at The New York Times, seeking comment is essential for ensuring accuracy and fairness in reporting. Tam notes that seeking comment can make a significant difference for readers, who benefit from hearing the perspectives of the subjects being reported on.
Frenkel and Isaac also emphasize the importance of seeking comment, citing its role in building trust with sources and ensuring that their reporting is thorough and accurate. They note that seeking comment can sometimes be a challenging experience, particularly when dealing with sources who are uncooperative or hostile.
Despite the challenges, Frenkel and Isaac believe that seeking comment is essential for maintaining the integrity of their reporting. They argue that seeking comment demonstrates a commitment to fairness and accuracy, and helps to build trust with readers and sources alike.
Strategies for Seeking Comment
So how do reporters like Frenkel and Isaac approach the process of seeking comment? According to Tam, the strategy for outreach usually depends on the story. Sometimes, it makes sense to reach out with an open-ended question and an open invitation for an interview at the outset of reporting. Other times, it makes more sense to reach out later in the reporting process, when more information is available.
Frenkel notes that she often begins her conversations with sources by saying, ‘My goal is to get this right.’ She believes that this approach helps to establish trust and demonstrates a commitment to accuracy and fairness. Isaac also emphasizes the importance of being transparent about the reporting process, and notes that he often explains to sources why he is seeking comment and what he hopes to achieve.
Both Frenkel and Isaac also discuss the challenges of dealing with sources who are uncooperative or hostile. They note that some sources may try to discredit their reporting or attack their credibility, particularly on social media. However, they argue that this should not deter reporters from seeking comment, and that it is essential to remain professional and focused on the facts.
The Challenges of Seeking Comment
Despite the importance of seeking comment, Frenkel and Isaac acknowledge that it can be a challenging experience. They note that some sources may be uncooperative or hostile, and may try to discredit their reporting or attack their credibility. Isaac recalls a situation where a company tried to shape the narrative of a story by calling a competing outlet to tell a more positive version of the scoop he was working on.
Frenkel also discusses the experience of having her emails or text messages asking for comment posted on social media. She notes that this can be a frustrating experience, particularly when it is done in an attempt to discredit her reporting. However, she argues that it is essential to remain professional and focused on the facts, and not to engage with sources who are trying to provoke a reaction.
Tam also notes that the relationship between reporters and sources can be complex and sometimes fraught. He argues that reporters have a responsibility to give their subjects a fair chance to comment, and to make sure they have the facts right. However, he also acknowledges that sources may not always understand the reporting process, and may feel frustrated or intimidated by the experience of being written about.
Best Practices for Seeking Comment
So what are some best practices for seeking comment in journalism? Frenkel and Isaac emphasize the importance of being open-minded and transparent about the reporting process. They note that it is essential to explain to sources why you are seeking comment, and what you hope to achieve. They also argue that it is crucial to be respectful and professional, even when dealing with sources who are uncooperative or hostile.
Isaac also notes the importance of ‘buttoning up’ the reporting, to ensure that the facts are accurate and the story is thorough. He argues that this helps to protect against sources who may try to discredit the reporting or attack the reporter’s credibility. Frenkel also emphasizes the importance of including as much of the comment or statement as possible that is relevant to the story, to ensure that the subject’s perspective is represented fairly.
Tam concludes that seeking comment is a critical component of independent journalism, and that it requires a commitment to fairness, accuracy, and transparency. He argues that reporters must be willing to listen to sources and consider their perspectives, while also remaining focused on the facts and the story at hand.
