How much leeway should reporters have on social media?

[BB Bobcat]

You certainly don't want to just blast people.

However, personality is great. Analysis is great.

I think you can do both while still maintaining your integrity and objectivity.

NO: Pete Carroll blew it by calling that pass play. Dumb move.

YES: Questionable call by Pete Carroll. Hard to understand why he wouldn't give the ball to Lynch.

Honestly, the type of analysis that passes on Twitter ought to be OK in a traditional story too. If it's not, you're missing some of your job responsibility.

EDIT: the radio interview analogy is a good one. Beat writers are often asked to analyze in that medium, and you have to do so carefully.

 

[forever_town]

Is it downright wrong for a reporter to do that, though? Does one lose credibility or objectivity in the eye of the reader by doing so?

I don't know about readers these days, but In my mind you lose credibility or objectivity if you do that.

 

[Fredrick]

Always be wary. You are being watched at all times by immediate supervisors at your company. Don't mess up by saying something controversial.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

Another ban over?