You were the Editor

For three weeks there has been a persistent rumor in the business community that a local manufacturing firm is planning to lay off up to one quarter of its work force. Your reporter checks it out from all angles but the best sources come up with nothing. Although baseless, the rumor persists. Do you:

A.  True or not, you believe the rumor is news because it's so widespread. You ask that a story be written reporting it is a rumor and also that no basis in fact can be found.

Readers  34%
Editors  43%

B.  You decide to print no story because some readers may interpret it as a sneaky way of hinting the rumor may be true. Also, publishing non-news about a baseless rumor seems irresponsible.

Readers  66%
Editors  57%


Readers comments:

"Never print an unconfirmed rumor."

"Rumors often turn out to be true. Story is newsworthy. Printing it may force company to state intentions."

"Where there's smoke there's a fire. Print it."

"No other speedier evil exists than rumor."

"Rumors are part of our daily lives. Rumors in the sports or entertainment business are commonly reported and if a rumor persists it usually becomes fact to varying degree."

"Publishing such a rumor causes townspeople to tighten spending and can have detrimental effects on business."
"Printing potential gossip may cause harm because most readers won't notice the fact that it is unfounded, or if they do notice, they tend to ignore it."

Related Lesson

You Be the Editor