Hello,
This past week, I covered the Hickman wrestling tournament for the Missourian. These were my first articles published under the Missourian.
First, I covered one of the Hickman wrestlers, Hayden Benter, and interviewed him about what it meant to be hosting and participating in the tournament. Here’s the article:
https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/prep_sports/hickman-wrestler-impresses-as-tournament-gets-underway/article_898a4f24-3f25-11ea-8544-b3d9acbc338c.html
Shortly after that, I covered the tournament as a whole and how each Columbia school (Battle, Hickman, Rockbridge) did. Here’s the article:
https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/prep_sports/hickman-wrestling-tournament-comes-to-a-close-as-multiple-columbia/article_f05e5c7a-3fd1-11ea-ab1d-a3b6925be18d.html
Also, I wanted to talk about a major event this past week in journalism, which was the coverage of Kobe Bryant’s death. Personally, Kobe was my favorite athlete growing up. His work ethic and dedication motivated me to give my best in everything and to never shortcut anything. While his death was circulating the internet, I noticed many critiques of journalism and what was and wasn’t ethical.
Many false reports came out as people were racing to be the first to break the news on the star’s tragic death. First, it was reported that all of his daughters were onboard with him during the flight. Then, the number of people onboard the flight varied, differing from the Los Angeles county sheriff’s announcement. Lastly, it was reported that Rick Fox, Bryant’s teammate during the late 1990s and early 2000s, was also on the flight.
Not only did false reports trickle out about who was on the flight, but also many ethical problems arose regarding journalistic tactics. Many felt it was unethical for TMZ to report the death without officers informing the Bryant family of it prior. Also, many were unsure whether it was right to discuss Kobe’s Colorado investigation so soon after his death.
I believe it would’ve been nice to inform the family prior, but with such a newsworthy event it’s important to report the story if factual. Journalist J.A. Adande summed it up accurately saying there’s no perfect way to let someone know their spouse or loved one has been killed. He spoke greatly on this topic and the coverage of Kobe’s Colorado investigation on the Bill Simmons Podcast, saying it’s important to not gloss over it, but also to do your own research on the case. Adande spoke on how it is something that should be brought up and discussed, but shouldn’t overtake the facts of the case and how Kobe was as a person and a father prior to and after the event. This comes in reference to the Washington Post and their handling of a reporter’s tweet regarding Kobe’s sexual assault case.
In general, I believe there were many takeaways from the coverage of Kobe’s death. It touched a lot of ethical problems and solutions that can arise from something so impactful. It showed how the race to being first has it’s own issues if you inaccurately report something, demeaning yours and others credibility. It stressed again to never take anything at face value and to always confirm with facts and sources.
Rest in Peace to Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the seven others killed in the tragic helicopter crash.
-Tyler
TylerHollins 