Fatal Errors

All journalists will be aware of the fatal error system and the serious consequences that could follow if these errors are made. For example the paper could be sued for thousands of pounds or the individual could find themselves facing a court trial.

Every report must be fast, accurate and fair, and without fail avoid these errors:  

1. Malice 

We must never report with malice, this is targeting someone in order to damage them.

2. Dishonest presentation of sources - dishonesty generally 

We must never lie.

3. Causing Disrepute or disruption 

The above three would all have to be pre-meditated in order to fall into these errors.

4. Reckless inaccuracy 

For example spelling names and places wrong

5. Legal Problems - (without justification) 

You have justification if it is true and you can prove it

6. Regulatory problems - (without justification) 

For example, do not swear

The above three all boil down to inaccuracy, and this bad practise comes down to lazy reporting.