Journalism: A harsh reality

The Brazil Times is a news service that has to confirm the information in stories before posting.

The Editorial staff takes pride in confirming the information used in the content.

However, the Internet and Social Media have made it easy for keyboard warriors to provide information without considering being prudent or factual.

People make knee-jerk reactions to any news information provided, become cynical and claim “fake news” or “harmful” news anytime something does not agree with them.

We have been accused numerous times of fake news, unwilling to cover the tough stories or cover something because of who it involves. Every small-town newspaper goes through this; I would like to think it does not only happen in this community.

It took me almost 15-17 years to be considered for an advance at my job. I am Co-Editor because management thought I could use some help, being so small-staffed.

I was hard-headed at first - I had a watch me do it attitude - but then my health took another shot, and I now agree with their decision. Hayley Cooper has shown she is an awesome addition to the staff and myself.

But I digress.

I know there are concerns about Brazil’s Fire Chief Jake Bennett’s story on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Harsh comments were posted on social media attacking the paper “roasting” Bennett and his family.

But this is not and couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Unfortunately, this is news.

The heartbroken staff got together and talked about this story about this situation at length.

However, people deserve to know the truth of a situation, not rumors posted on social media - which hurt so many people.

Within minutes of posting the story online, someone came into the Times’s office to voice their opinion. Still, after talking with our staff, They understood the paper’s actions regarding the story.

We also had numerous angry calls.

Consider this:

1 - If the Times did not cover this situation, we would be attacked for not being a news agency.

2 - We normally don’t cover arrests below a level 5 felony, but this case involved a city official, which should be covered so the community knows.

Many stories are distasteful, for whatever reason, and staff members don’t want to do them, but it is the job we signed up for. Being a reporter is a respectful career; at least, it was once.

“Seek truth and report it,” I learned those ideas in college, “and journalists should be honest, fair, courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.”

A journalist should tell the factual story, even when it is unpopular because the public has a right to be truthfully informed.

I believe those words.

I admit to knowing Jake Bennett; we have done many stories over the years, and I consider him a terrific person and friend. The Bennett family has experienced a lot in 2023, and I understand how tragic it was.

As a human, I know mistakes happen. I know I have made my share of bad decisions in 59 years.

As upsetting as it is, it is part of my profession to honestly and credibly cover the story.