Informing the public is a serious task

During the summer, I interned at CW 33/ KDAF in Dallas, Texas. I remember sleeping on the couch in my house in Irving and, for some reason, waking up and looking at the TV. My eyes scanned the screen.

Aurora. Shooting. Batman. Colorado. Killed.

I watched the news and skimmed Twitter all morning. I went to the CW 33 office and a somber wave hit when I walked in the door. Not somber enough to stop working, but to flip my switch and start covering the mass killing locally.

As an intern, I could only do so much. I found local angles, called almost every police POI in the metroplex and assisted the newsroom as much as possible.

Today’s tragic news reminds me of that day.

This also reminds me why I want to be a journalist. I want to give citizens the most accurate information. I want to be that person who triple checks every tweet, story and photo that’s released.

The media is often scrutinized for being inaccurate and trying to publish too fast.

After seeing the random sourcing, the “CONFIRMED” tweets and the assumed Facebook of the alleged shooter, I cringe.

Of course, reporters don’t purposefully put out wrong information and I know there are other factors that push journalists to release wobbly information.

Simply put, this is a reminder to have thoughtful discussions before releasing such sensitive, important news.

My thoughts and prayers are with those affected.