Online Public Relations Thoughts

Wouldn't it be nice if commentators and reporters in the media were required to apologize when they get facts wrong and unfairly tarnish reputations? Instead, they let commentators who were not part of a witch hunt apologize for them. A large part of the perceived arrogance of the media comes from mad pursuit of stories to the detriment of facts. There has been a lot of that lately, especially this vile incident. As PR practitioners, we defend clients against such smears. Having done it, I can report that it is nearly impossible when reporters rush a story.

I know it is fantasy, but I wonder what it would be like if reporters and commentators who get a story wrong were forced to own up publicly and acknowledge they have damaged reputations and ruined careers unfairly. My guess is there would be more caution in reporting and commentating.