The Patrick Brown fiasco took a bizarre twist Wednesday when CTV News admitted that parts of their story about allegations of sexual misconduct against Brown were not totally accurate.
Apparently, one of the alleged victims was, in fact, not underage and was not in high school as CTV had earlier reported.
The implications of this revelation are wide-ranging.
As far as Brown is concerned, this latest twist may take him out of the realm of illegal behaviour, but there are still monumental concerns about his ethical compass, and he is, by no means, out of the woods yet.
But, the focus now swings to the journalistic integrity of CTV News.
The first rule of journalism is to check and double check sources and details about a story, especially a story as explosive as the allegations against Brown.
The rule in most newsrooms is if in doubt, leave it out; so why did CTV seemingly screw this up?
Were they duped? Did they not do their homework?
CTV issued a statement, stating that they stand by their story, but since part of the story was apparently inaccurate, it casts doubt on the accuracy of the entire story.
Journalistic integrity has been compromised, and when that happens, we all lose.
Bill Kelly is the host of Bill Kelly Show on AM 900 CHML
- ‘Shock and disbelief’ after Manitoba school trustee’s Indigenous comments
- ‘Super lice’ are becoming more resistant to chemical shampoos. What to use instead
- Is home ownership only for the rich now? 80% say yes in new poll
- Invasive strep: ‘Don’t wait’ to seek care, N.S. woman warns on long road to recovery
Comments