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Ethics award winner lacks journalistic integrity
In my opinion
by Tyler Graf | Opinion editor
PUBLISHED ON 3/7/07 IN Commentary
Yesterday, news broke that a former New York Times reporter made a substantial payment to the primary source of a sprawling, 6,000-word investigation of online Webcam pornography featuring underage models. According to The Times' report, the journalist, Kurt Eichenwald, paid $2,000 to his primary source, Justin Berry, a model for one such site.
News of Eichenwald's payment did not surprise the people who had been following this story closely. The Times' article, published in December 2005, had already amassed a high level of controversy because of its author's insistence on becoming a part of the story.
Eichenwald's article, "Through His Webcam, a Boy Joins a Sordid Online World," details the downward spiral of Berry - documenting first his purchase of a Webcam, and later his exploitation at the hands of sexual predators and online pornographers.
At 16, according to Eichenwald's original article, Berry had partnered in pornography with his father and another adult. Truly, this was a disturbing and terrible story.
However, halfway through his article, Eichenwald entered his sordid tale of underage online pornography - as the savior of the young man, a protector willing to intervene in Berry's life, ultimately finding him a lawyer. Finally, Berry sought legal council and received immunity from the state in exchange for his testimony against those who exploited him.
Questions arose from this article: At what point should a journalist intervene to help a source? Does a conflict of interest arise when a journalist is so close to his source? Can a journalist report accurately and objectively when he is playing a significant role in the story?
The University's School of Journalism awarded Eichenwald the prestigious "Payne Award" for achievements in ethical greatness in 2006. I'm not sure what the Journalism School's criteria for ethical greatness is, but if Eichenwald represents it then I am slightly concerned for the future of my profession. (Note: Eichenwald also came to speak to staff at the Oregon Daily Emerald.)
News of Eichenwald's payment did not surprise the people who had been following this story closely. The Times' article, published in December 2005, had already amassed a high level of controversy because of its author's insistence on becoming a part of the story.
Eichenwald's article, "Through His Webcam, a Boy Joins a Sordid Online World," details the downward spiral of Berry - documenting first his purchase of a Webcam, and later his exploitation at the hands of sexual predators and online pornographers.
At 16, according to Eichenwald's original article, Berry had partnered in pornography with his father and another adult. Truly, this was a disturbing and terrible story.
However, halfway through his article, Eichenwald entered his sordid tale of underage online pornography - as the savior of the young man, a protector willing to intervene in Berry's life, ultimately finding him a lawyer. Finally, Berry sought legal council and received immunity from the state in exchange for his testimony against those who exploited him.
Questions arose from this article: At what point should a journalist intervene to help a source? Does a conflict of interest arise when a journalist is so close to his source? Can a journalist report accurately and objectively when he is playing a significant role in the story?
The University's School of Journalism awarded Eichenwald the prestigious "Payne Award" for achievements in ethical greatness in 2006. I'm not sure what the Journalism School's criteria for ethical greatness is, but if Eichenwald represents it then I am slightly concerned for the future of my profession. (Note: Eichenwald also came to speak to staff at the Oregon Daily Emerald.)
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Stephen Maturin
posted 3/07/07 @ 3:54 PM PST
According to the NY Magazine report of Eichenwald's testimony in the Ken Gourlay trial today, "Eichenwald said, he saw a post "offering Justin for sale to the highest bidder for the night. (Continued…)
dorothy
posted 3/07/07 @ 5:15 PM PST
Oh,Tyler;you're learning about irony early,aren't you?Good for you,cause a ton of it,including sarcasm,satire,and self-negating ethics is all ready for you in the media world. (Continued…)
Joseph R. Seidel
posted 3/07/07 @ 6:54 PM PST
Mr. Graf,
Aside from your sophomoric slam at the Drudge Report, I appreciate your willingness to tackle a tough subject dealing with journalistic ethics. (Continued…)
Tailgunner Joe
posted 3/08/07 @ 7:56 AM PST
Cheez, it's a relief to know that there are guys like J.R. Seidel out there, ready to defend Drudge and slime the New York Times at the drop of the hat. (Continued…)
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