David N. Zentner, national vice president of the Izaak Walton League of America, complained that an article about land use regulations in the North Shore area of northeastern Minnesota was unobjective and that because it was based in part on rumors, it was inflammatory.

Background: At issue was the content and organization of the news report, which began with rumors that were circulating in North Shore communities concerning possible land use regulations. Zentner claimed the story was inflammatory because the clarifying information was presented toward the end of the article.

Response of the news organization: A newspaper spokesperson said the reports of rumors were included because the rumors had been reported in weekly newspapers and, regardless of their truth or falsity, they were influencing public opinion. The spokesperson pointed out that factual information was also presented to counter the rumors.

Determination of the Council: Although it is a generally accepted tenet of journalism that news reports should not be based on rumor, in this instance reports of rumors were included because of the widespread influence of rumors on public perception of the issue under discussion.

The newspaper did not act irresponsibly; the author of the article made appropriate efforts to present factual information to counter rumors.

The complaint against the newspaper is not upheld.

Tags: Duluth News-Tribune

This entry was posted on Monday, June 30th, 1975 at 4:00 pm and is filed under 1975, Complaint Denied, Hearings, News Coverage. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.