Oliver Campbell · @oliverbcampbell
7th Nov 2014 from TwitLonger
My Mistake Of Language Regarding Information (Failing to Provide Context)
There has been ongoing discussion regarding this situation with me being approached by someone in the government who provided me with information. I have been consistent with the statement that my source said that DHS and FBI were aware of certain things. I have been consistent with the statement that my source said that the FTC has been investigating certain outlets.
The following tweets happened:
Nov. 4th
Lizzy asked if charges were being filed. My response was no, no talk of charges, just investigating. https://twitter.com/oliverbcampbell/status/529856167783043072
Nov. 5th.
I make the statement that I never said (and I STILL HAVEN'T said) that the FBI was investigating.
https://twitter.com/oliverbcampbell/status/529900945430163456
Nov. 6th
Foxery calls me on this confusion between these two tweets. I say, "You're absolutely correct, I did say that, that's a complete slip of language, my own fault. Owning that completely." (period is added after the fact here).
https://twitter.com/oliverbcampbell/status/530471442849464321
What ethic mistake did I make? I failed to provide context.
In my response to Lizzy, I SHOULD have said "No, no talk of charges. Just FTC investigating." But I didn't. By failing to provide context, I created confusion that someone COULD have taken it that way (and clearly, someone did).
However, I have also made sure to CLARIFY that information with exact wording of what was said to me by my source.
(FBI and DHS awareness) https://twitter.com/oliverbcampbell/status/530471845091618816
(FTC investigation quote) https://twitter.com/oliverbcampbell/status/530472788864561152
SPJ Ethics mistakes that I made:
– Provide context. Take special care not to misrepresent or oversimplify in promoting, previewing or summarizing a story.
– Remember that neither speed nor format excuses inaccuracy.
Why I'm making this Twitlonger:
– Respond quickly to questions about accuracy, clarity and fairness.
– Acknowledge mistakes and correct them promptly and prominently. Explain corrections and clarifications carefully and clearly.
The tweets have not been removed, changed, or altered. The information is there so that people can see and understand how that situation occurred. Why?
"Be Accountable and Transparent
Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public."