Case Study Ethical Reporting of Incest Essay Example

harm he’s caused since with his incest might have in fact been deadly”.

Although now the parents of toddler Celeste, the couple had another child that died shortly after birth of a congenital heart defect.This was omitted from the report, despite the information being available from transcripts of the couple’s incest trial months earlier (they were charged with two counts). When discussing Celeste, Overton mentions that children of related couples are six times more likely to die at birth, and asks if the couple had considered this fact. Overton chose to focus on Celeste’s “despite the odds” normality, rather that the lost child. Channel Nine’s News Director John Westacott addressed the omission: “In my opinion, n balance, it would have been better to have included that fact – but all those issues will be canvassed in this week’s follow up”.

The follow-up did not address unethical reporting, but gave the Deaves a chance to respond to the death of their child, whereby they claimed they had been told by doctors that their genetic relationship was not the cause of death. ABC’s Media Watch contacted genetics expert Dr David Amor who stated: “neither the Deaves nor their doctors could be certain whether or not the incestuous relationship contributed to the baby’s death”.Bolt suggests that the story failed to convey the very real risks to children of incestuous relationships: “If we turn a taboo on incest into a decide-for-yourself, we risk turning a lot more children into victims of their fathers”. Reporter Peter Overton’s language has been criticised for being soft, particularly when he refers to the Deaves courage in telling their story: “For years John and

Jenny Deaves have been hiding a dark secret and for the first time tonight they are prepared to reveal it to the world”. It was not disclosed that the couple had already sold their story to a British online publication.Clause seven of MEAA code states: “do your utmost to ensure disclosure of any direct or indirect payment made for interviews, pictures, information or stories”.

In Australia, legislation prevents perpetrators benefitting from crime, including media payments. The week following broadcast, police investigated claims 60 Minutes had paid the Deaves, now convicted criminals. Executive Producer Hamish Thomas confirmed no money had been offered to the couple, saying they had purchased clothes for the needy family and offered money to cover relocation costs if necessary. 0 Minutes were not found in breach, however the story had the symptoms of chequebook journalism - a soft approach (often dictated by the seller), sloppy research, omissions, and a lack of no-holds barred reporting. As with most controversial stories, there are a number of stakeholders in this case.

60 Minutes have commercial considerations and may have felt that the story’s sensationalism would boost ratings and generate water cooler conversation. The volume of responses on radio and online blogs suggest this was the case.Less visible stakeholders should be considered: the other family members – ex-wives and another daughter, who was unaware of the relationship until the story aired. Blogs reveal outpourings of emotion from victims of incest who were horrified at the normality portrayed by the program. However, the biggest stakeholders in this story are innocents: two children from Jenny’s previous relationship, and John’s daughter Celeste.

Not only were the children identified by

name, image and residence, they were interviewed by Overton. This sparked outrage from viewers who felt that 60 Minutes used the children, exposing them to ridicule and bullying.The issue of balance is important. While Overton’s questions were hardly probing, 60 Minutes did produce psychotherapist Joe Soll who commented on the likely effects on the children. However Soll’s credibility was somewhat undermined as he couldn’t give an indication of the prevalence of GSA and his comments were colloquial and opinionated: “I don’t doubt that they have the attraction, but it pisses me off that the man didn’t know how not to do that”.

Soll’s website indicates that he is a psychotherapist, fiction author, actor, and adoption specialist.Credible balance could have been provided by a genetics specialist or incest counselor. The MEAA code of ethics contains a guidance clause which may justify breaches in the context of public interest. It is almost impossible to find justification in 60 Minutes’ reportage. They may argue that education about GSA is important and necessary. As current affairs professionals they should have been expected to anticipate the response provoked in the community.

If the story was still considered in the public interest, greater balance should have been included and the children should have not been identified under any circumstances.Judging by blogs, 60 Minutes’ credibility has been dealt a large blow. However, ripples can be felt throughout the industry, at a time when Australian journalists are considered only marginally more trustworthy than used-car salesmen (Roy Morgan International 2008). This story serves as a powerful example of how important it is to apply ethical standards to controversial stories, lest innocent stakeholders and the

public lose faith in journalists and their role as trusted guardians of truth and the abuse of power.

References 60 Minutes Fordbidden Love 2008, television program, Nine Network, 6 April <http://sixtyminutes. inemsn. com. au/article. aspx? id=441583> Bolt, A 2008, ‘Kiss and tell just rubbish’, Herald Sun 11April 2008 <http://www.

news. com. au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23519516-5000117,00. html&g t; Media Arts and Entertainment Alliance 2008, Media Alliance Code of Ethics, viewed September 1 2008, <www.

alliance. com. au> Media Watch 2008, television program, ABC1, 14 April <http://www. abc. net.

au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2216772. htm> Media Arts and Entertainment Alliance 2008, Media Alliance Code of Ethics, viewed September 1 2008, <www. alliance. com. u> Roy Morgan International 2008, Image of Professions Survey: Nurses more ethical (again) – Politicians and journalists looked upon more favourably, viewed 1 September 2008, <www. roymorgan.

com/news/polls/2008/4283/> Bibliography Emerson, D 2008, ‘Incest pair: 60 Minutes investigated’, Sydney Morning Herald 9 April 2008, <http://www. smh. com. au/news/national/incest-pair-60-minutes-investigated/2008/04/09/1207420441392.

html> Meade, A 2008, ‘60 Minutes omits dead baby from report on incest couple’ Australian 9 April 2008, <http://www. theaustralian. news. com.

au/story/0,25197,23509816-5006787,00. html>