The RTDNA has released its guidelines for the use of social media in newsrooms. Among the top points:
- Social media comments and postings should meet the same standards of fairness, accuracy and attribution that you apply to your on-air or digital platforms.
- Information gleaned online should be confirmed just as you must confirm scanner traffic or phone tips before reporting them.
- Remember that social media postings live on as online archives. Correct and clarify mistakes, whether they are factual mistakes or mistakes of omission.
- When using content from blogs or social media, ask critical questions such as (1.) What is the source of the video or photograph? Who wrote the comment and what was the motivation for posting it. (2.) Does the source have the legal right to the material posted? Did that person take the photograph or capture the video? (3.) Has the photograph or video been manipulated? Have we checked to see if the metadata attached to the image reveals that it has been altered?
There are also many good discussion topics and pieces of advice within the report. You’ll find questions to ask of your newsroom regarding transparency, image and reputation. We recommend you have your own social media policy and that it address the kinds of topics you will find in this thoughtful document.
