Tell the truth, get the facts
By: Cheryl Smith
Recently while moderating a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists Basics Boot Camp in Houston, the discussion focused on the importance of writing, doing your research, and being prepared.
I asked the panel of experts: PR Guru Kayla Tucker Adams, Marlon Walker of the Marshall Project, Terrance Harris of the Houston Defender, and Scoop Jefferson of WFAA-TV, about the number of sources they use for their stories.
After all, we are living during a time when the very credibility of all newsrooms has come under fire, and some are subjected to relentless, inappropriate and inaccurate scrutiny and analysis.
Who are you going to believe, the media, or your lying eyes?
Very poignant responses came from our experts as they discussed the value of using credible sources and presenting information to viewers so they can grow their own conclusions.
Which brings me to my truth.
Time and time again, viewers have said they want the facts and nothing but the facts, but in television especially, stats show that folks are “turned on” by stories of violence, sex and murder.
Today, you can add “lies” to the equation.
So the sheer numbers provide decision makers with the fodder to keep providing those who subscribe to the “when it bleeds, it leads” mantra with mind draining/altering distractions.
Right now we are dealing with a story that is going viral and global, of two young men in Texas.
One, is alive and one is behind bars, facing murder charges.
If you have two sources and there are opposing viewpoints, accounts, etc., you basically have a “he say, she say” scenario, until ALL information is shared.
Before you render opinions, decisions or insight, please dig deeper. Stop trying to be the first with the narrative.
Research, don’t believe everything you are told and don’t be distracted by agents whose sole function are to mess with your head and turn you against your own.
This is more than about personalities.
Malcolm X said, when you focus on personalities over issues, we will suffer because the issues are not addressed.
There are more than two sides and you can’t believe everything that you are told. If you do, you remain a slave. We must free our minds and fight against methods of mass destraction.
So as we move forward and sadly two families and their extended families are grieving, we should be cautious about the messages we release into the fray.
A lot of information will be shared in coming weeks. People across the country are talking about the stabbing death of the young man and they are sharing their thought about who was the victim and who was the aggressor.
Stop talking about what you don’t know. Speak truth to power, by listening more than you talk; especially when you aren’t speaking from a position of power.
How can you talk about information is power when you’re talking before you have any information.
Speaking from a position of ignorance puts you in the position of being the so-called friend who walks up on your friend being attacked by four people and you jump in grabbing your friend.
What the heck!
If you grab your friend, that’s FIVE people against one.
Your mouth is just as dangerous if you keep adding to the mess with your ill-informed opinions.
Public Enemy said it best: Don’t Believe the Hype.
You also need to know not to spread the hype!
Can you dig it?
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