Media trust rebuilding concept
At a time when trust in the media is at a record low, the importance of journalistic integrity could not be greater. So it was a shock to Asheville Watchdog when, on April 9, a news story in a local publication accused us — by name, deliberately, wrongly, and disparagingly — of spreading misinformation, the biggest sin a news organization can make.
The local publication accused the staff of Asheville Watchdog of promulgating the “myth” that downtown Asheville was more ridden with violent crime than the city’s public housing projects. This accusation left the Watchdog mystified and angered, as their reporting had clearly indicated otherwise. The Asheville Watchdog is a journalism platform that prides itself on providing nonpartisan, fact-based, in-depth news stories.
In 2023, Asheville Watchdog published a 12-part series, “Down Town,” which highlighted how crime, homelessness, and drug abuse had affected downtown Asheville. Their investigation revealed that while most crime in Asheville occurs downtown, the highest concentration of violent crime is, in fact, in Asheville’s public housing neighborhoods. This reporting was validated and even acknowledged through national journalism accolades.
Despite the clear reporting by Asheville Watchdog, the local publication accused them of spreading misinformation. Following a demand for a correction from the Executive Editor of Asheville Watchdog, the local publication amended its story but failed to acknowledge the error made in earlier naming the Watchdog.
It’s crucial for journalistic integrity to promptly acknowledge and correct any errors made in reporting. However, the local publication did not follow this standard practice, prompting further concerns about the accuracy and integrity of their reporting.
Journalistic integrity and accuracy are paramount in maintaining public trust in the media. The incident between Asheville Watchdog and the local publication serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate reporting and the need for transparency in correcting any errors that may arise.
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