A presentation by Bradley Wilson on covering spot news. Images included remain copyrighted by their original owners and are intended for classroom use only. ©2012 Bradley Wilson

1. Spot News
Be Prepared
More than “just the right place at the right time”
By Bradley Wilson, Ph.D.

4. NPPA Code of Ethics
1. Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation
of subjects.
2. Resist being manipulated by staged photo
opportunities.
3. Be complete and provide context when
photographing or recording subjects. Avoid
stereotyping individuals and groups. Recognize and
work to avoid presenting one's own biases in the
work.

5. NPPA Code of Ethics
4. Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Give special
consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to
victims of crime or tragedy. Intrude on private moments of
grief only when the public has an overriding and justifiable
need to see.
5. While photographing subjects do not intentionally
contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.

6. NPPA Code of Ethics
6. Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic
images’ content and context. Do not manipulate images or
add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or
misrepresent subjects.
7. Do not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially
for information or participation.
8. Do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from those
who might seek to influence coverage.
9. Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other
journalists.

7. SPJ Code of Ethics
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe
that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and
the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is
to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a
fair and comprehensive account of events and issues.
Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties
strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty.
Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's
credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to
ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the
Society's principles and standards of practice.

8. SPJ Code of Ethics
Seek Truth and Report It | Journalists should be honest,
fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and
interpreting information.
• Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care
to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never
permissible.
• Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the
opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.
• Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as
much information as possible on sources' reliability.

9. SPJ Code of Ethics
Minimize Harm | Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects
and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.
• Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use
special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or
subjects.
• Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by
tragedy or grief.
• Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort.
Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.

10. SPJ Code of Ethics
Act Independently | Journalists should be free of
obligation to any interest other than the public's right to
know.
Be Accountable | Journalists are accountable to their
readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

11. 11

12. 12

13. 13

14. Have a Plan
Designate an ‘incident commander’ —
first on the scene
Know who to call and in what order
Have resources available
Where do you go when your resources aren’t available?
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.jea.org/curriculum/writing/tragedies.html

15. The Basics
WHO was affected?
WHAT happened?
WHEN did it happen?
WHERE did it happen?
WHY did it happen?
HOW did it happen?

16. 16

17. 17

18. Photo by Ty Cacek, Western Kentucky University

19. Photo by Brad Vest, Ohio University

21. On-going Scene
Development
The more cooperative you are with local
officials the better your coverage will be.
Remember, officials have a responsibility
to public safety.

26. Don’t forget
Sept. 11, 2001

27. 27

28. 28

29. 29

30. 30

31. 31

32. 32

33. 33

34. 34

35. But let’s also not forget
Aurora, Colorado (2012)
Virginia Tech (2007)
Columbine (1999)
Jonesboro (1998)
West Paducah (1997)
Oklahoma City (1995)

52. Could you?
Would you?
Should you?
Cover these events?

55. 55

57. Right to Access
Is there such a thing?
How do you balance the needs of security
with the need to know?

62. Right to Privacy
Is there such a thing?
How do you balance the public’s need/desire
to know with an individual’s right to privacy?
HIPAA — Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act
FERPA — Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act

63. Right to Privacy
All-purpose public figures.
Limited-purpose public figures.
Private citizens thrust into the limelight.
Private citizens.
Minors.

70. Are Journalists
People Too?
Suicide dilemma
The human side of the equation.

73. It Can Happen Here
It can happen anywhere.
It will.
Be prepared.

74. By Bradley Wilson, Ph.D.
bradleywilson08@gmail.com
twitter: bradleywilson09
©2012
The copyright of all images remains with the original photographer.