We Regret the Error, Jesse Snyder

Accuracy in Journalism

For journalists, accuracy is the key to professionalism. It is what they strive for and attempt to maintain when conveying the news. Without accuracy, journalists would ultimately become writers of timely fiction, and their sole purpose would be lost. In an attempt to stifle inaccuracy and properly inform readers, news agencies expect journalists to make minimal errors in their writing. Ideally, this creates factual and accurate reporting. Realistically though, it doesn't stop errors from occurring. The need for absolute accuracy is a heavy burden for reporters. It keeps them awake at night, pestering them without remorse. Minimizing errors by instilling fear in writers only works in theory, because--especially in writing--everyone makes mistakes.

Writers of past generations started the "New Journalism" era, which included a subjective, personally involved spin on the news. Some of these writers disregarded the commonly accepted idea of accurate news and what reporting should entail. Gonzo Journalism, a fictitious but highly entertaining style of writing, left conventional accuracy by the wayside. It made way for some of the greatest writers in literary history, but didn't fit the mold of most news agency's. It was seen as backwards and unconventional at first, but eventually changed journalism completely. Hunter S. Thompson birthed gonzo-style writing in the 60's; it was based largely on fact, but had a suggestive voice. Unlike many of the mainstream writers of his time, he wrote without the fear of error. Although it was subjective, Thompson's mindset didn't include the paranoia that many print journalists at major news agencies felt. By freeing himself from the shackles of perfection, he was able to create a living, breathing style of writing that was actually quite informative.

Thompson based a lot of his writing on William Faulkner's ideals, who believed that young writers should find their own way, without feeling the pressure of following a particular form or patent. During an interview with The Paris Review in 1956, Faulkner advised young writers to depend on their errors to better their writing, "The young writer would be a fool to follow a theory. Teach yourself by your own mistakes; people learn only by error." Journalists can take this advice as well as novelists. It has been said that journalism is inherently subjective, so all a writer can do is portray the news accurately. The evidence will allow the reader to decide for themselves.

Being obviously subjective is not usually practical in journalism. For most reporters, especially beginners, writing like a drug-induced gonzo journalist of the 60's will likely have unfavourable results. Accepting that mistakes will be made and learning from them, however, is a more suitable practice for entry-level writers. All journalists can do is attempt the impossible, and write accurately and fairly without dreading error. With so many variables potentially causing inaccuracy, perfection isn't feasible. So lose the restraint, and don't regret the error... Or at least don't lose sleep over it.

Inaccurate News Articles

The Edmonton Sun's article on Tiger Woods' apology, entitled "Tiger: 'Sorry' for irresponsible behaviour," is not clear in its use of quotation marks around 'Sorry'. It's an accurate quote, because Woods did say that he was "deeply sorry," but to someone scanning headlines it may seem as though his apology was insincere. At a glance, it could be misleading.

Another article by the Edmonton Sun, "No 'rough stuff' in police takedown of man who shot cop dog: Court," is inaccurate because the dog was stabbed, not shot. It was an Edmonton police officer, Const. Bruce Edwards, who shot the man. The rest of the article is accurate, so this is a spelling error, not a factual error.





The Edmonton Journal article, entitled "Edmonton pawnbroker attacked with hatchet from his shop," had a spelling mistake in the lead. It has since been edited, but once read like the above clipping. It should have said that it was sometime Monday afternoon, not onsometime.

Note: Image designed by Ralph Steadman, posted on the Organized Confusion website.