Dear media,
Kindly stop spreading weird, bizarre, mean, fake, outrageous, cruel and utterly hurtful rumors and gossip about stars of the Twilight fandom.
It’s bad enough when the tabloids and gossip rags resort to such childish and unprofessional stunts, such as suggesting fans attacked Rob Pattinson or that he and Kristin Stewart are expecting, or that someone is suing Stephenie Meyer. But it goes too far when major, mainstream media picks up the story — without looking into it.
First of all, as a journalist I’m embarrased by this. Major news outlets (I’m looking at you MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, ABC, The New York Times, the Associated Press …) should know better than to rehash a story without checking for facts. All it takes sometimes is a simple phone call or e-mail to find out whether a story is true or not. This is basic, journalism 101 stuff here, folks. This is what we learn day one in journalism school — day one in journalism classes — day one on the job in a professional newsroom. So why are these basic, simple lessons being ignored? Are you that desperate for a story about something as popular as Twilight?
And even if the story is false (ie, no, Stephenie Meyer is not facing a lawsuit) — you can still publish a story on the subject simply to debunk the rumors and set the record straight. Check the facts. Get to the bottom of the story. And then prove yourself as a legitimate news source by publishing the facts and proving those other sources as unreliable. Not only will you attract readers or viewers by reporting on a desirable subject, but you’ll earn loyalty by reporting the truth and not perpetuating rumors. People want to know who they can rely on for the best and most truthful, honest news.
But instead, we’ve witnessed a surge of media outlets (historically reputable, respected sources) reporting stories based solely on the falsities of a gossip rumor posted somewhere on the web.
I’m always disappointed when tabloids and gossip magazines/websites report such falsities about celebrities (especially those associated with Twilight), but I’m never surprised. I expect such outlets to report gossip and fake stories. But I don’t expect respectable news organizations to follow suit.
It is unprofessional and it tarnishes your reputation as a respectable and believable source of news. How can I trust your coverage of world news, global tragedies, the state of the economy, political upheavel, elections, etc. … if I can’t even trust you to report simple entertainment industry news without screwing it up? I am embarrassed, as I said, and I’m disappointed. It makes me feel bad about working in such an industry and worried about the industry’s future. And while part of me wants to fight against this trend — another part of me wants to throw up my hands, give up and walk away — before I, too, am lumped in with these gossip-spreading organizations that pretend to report the news.
So that’s my two cents.
Please, mainstream media — stop this. Stop reporting gossip as fact. Do your jobs. Fact-check. Report the truth.
Sincerely,
A fellow journalist & a Twilight fan
Do you agree with my plea? Disagree? Share your thoughts on this subject in the comments! Let’s start a discussion!
Filed under: Uncategorized
I def agree with your plea. I mean its one thing when its a gossip column, but quite another when its respectable mainstream media doing it. Its just disrespectful and I think it makes them lose credibality. Totally disgusted! Thanks for this post though
I totally agree! I am completely fed up by all the sites reporting all the trash. When the mainstream media does it it’s even worse! The lines between tabloid & mainstream are getting even more blurred.
I so agree, come on how hard is to to find out some facts and details before reporting on something. Things are getting out of hand. It’s nice to see someone standing up for what’s right. I also see eye to eye about if the little things go without checking how can I trust them on the bigs things. Thanks again for speaking your true voice
Very good post. I agree. Being a fansite administrator myself, it is hard to decide what to post and what not to post if you can’t even tell if the news is true. Major media outlets are hurting themselves and the stars. Yes, they should back off a little.
If I’m not mistaken I read Just yesterday that Kristen said that the rumours about her pregnancy probably came from her own publicist. So, I woudn’t be so hard on the press if they receive a call from someone so close to the stars with that info. I think the stars should be careful with who they hire to manage their publicity. Especially Kristen, who comes from a family with very strong bonds with the entertainment business.
Actually, it sounds like even those reports (About Kristen blaming her publicist) are the results of even MORE rumors and aren’t true, either.
I agree, and I am glad that someone has finally spoken about this! *SIGH* I feel bad for these guys, I really do. they’re working hard to make a brilliant movie for US to enjoy, and they’re getting harassed and lied about. There is something seriously wrong with this picture!
It’s no wonder no one believed anyone when someone popped up on Twitter about Michael Jackson and sited a “reliable” source like FoxNews. They’re all go ing to lose their credibility when it comes to celebrities if they keep up all this crap!
You are so right! I toke a Journalism class and one of the most important rules was to check your facts. That is just plain wrong and they should know better.
Ohhhh do I agree with you!!! Very well written and thanks!!
I cant believe these people wont leave them alone and give us good truthful information about their work. I hate it when they get into their personal business, I dont care what they do at their own time, I want to know how their work is going and when we can expect to see their work.
Love everything Twilight!!!
I totally agree!!! That Rob & Kristen having a Baby is so STUPID and such an OUTRIGHT LIE!!! I can’t believe them!!! UGH!!! YOU GO!!! TELL THEM THEIR TRUTHS!!!
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I agree 100%!!!
It’s disgusting and disgraceful to pick on the young actors.
I’ve been thinking that every time when I see a big headline with another ridiculous rumor blasted across my Comcast page
Hope it stops.
RaShell
htpp://www.twimom.etsy.com
I completely agree with this plea here and after all I want to be a journalist in the future but all this makes me doubt what people even write or even check their facts
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I agree these rumours sre getting more out of hand every day. people should just stick with actual interviews from the people involved.