Ethical Question: Should journalists show solidarity or show restraint?

#BlackoutTuesday is trending worldwide. Pro sports organizations, entertainment figures, large corporations, and more are all taking part in either raising awareness of racial injustice, donating to causes, or amplifying black voices.

What about individual journalists? We're taught to avoid voicing support for causes and candidates because of ethical concerns, an understandable position.

But are civil rights a different topic? I know much of the discussion around race has been made political, but at its core, is showing solidarity crossing an ethical line for journalists? Does it display bias? Or does staying silent risk alienating members of our communities?

 

If you're a full-time employee, I think you have to follow whatever guidelines your employer has structured for your online presence. If you have personal account did you use with a different name then I think that's fair game to express your own views

 

I don't state political or societal opinions online other than here (and rarely do that). Personal preference.

Full disclosure … I'm in the middle of selling a book (sports). Doesn't make sense to piss off potential buyers.

 

Republicans buy sneakers, too.

 

I didn't partake in the blackout, but I didn't use my Twitter feed the way I usually do. Just kept it to stories I wrote and news I wanted to promote.

 

I'm not selling shoes. But thank you for making me think of Ed O'Neill.

 

If it is a tell-all about the St. Louis Blues under the Harry Ornest ownership, I will pay any price for it.

 

You may or may not know me, but you've got the sport right.

Grab a copy of Bernie Federko and Jeremy Rutherford's "My Blues Note." Awesome read. It includes some Ornest stuff. Federko is pretty blunt. The worst part is the unfortunate end of his friendship with Brian Sutter. As they get older, my hope is those two men reconcile.

 

I think this is one issue where the journalist -- and not his or her company -- should make the decision of what is or isn't ethical. If you want to speak out, good. If not, that's fine, too. You don't want to be the publisher that reprimands a reporter because they tweeted in support of civil rights.

 

I've worked with Jeremy in prior stops, and read that book as soon as it came out. Loved it.

Had an interview with Federko about 13 months ago, and when we were having off the record small talk, I mentioned the book and the Sutter stuff in it.

I wish I hadn't brought it up. He was cool, but you could tell it really is still painful to him.

 

Maybe I'm dumb, but not sure what you mean by the last sentence.

As you continue to research and write your book, I humbly suggest you stay away from provocative social-media posts. Unless maybe it involves race within sports. Mine didn't go anywhere near that.

As I, and others, have stated on the other thread, wish you all the best on your book.

 

Thanks for insight. I suppose it will be Bernie that has to make the first gesture. Brian's in Alberta raising cattle. If you haven't already seen the gallery ... I think it was a Toronto Star reporter who traveled to Alberta and took a bunch of pictures of Sutter out with his cattle. Reminds me so much of my family who are, still to this day, farmers.

In the end, those two men will always be tied at the hip and it sure would be nice if the hatchet is buried before one of them dies.