Covering stories about a person or startup’s loss or failure can be challenging for writers and journalists alike. On one hand, these stories can be informative and educational, providing valuable insights and lessons learned from the experiences or mistakes of others, as well as encouraging transparency and resilience.
On the other hand, they can also be sensitive and emotionally charged, especially for the people directly impacted by the loss or failure because let’s be honest, no one really wants to fail.
Admitting that mistakes were made, that efforts did not succeed, or announcing layoffs and closures isn’t how entrepreneurs envision their journey. To navigate this delicate terrain, it is pertinent that writers and journalists approach these stories with empathy, sensitivity, and respect.
If you are a writer or journalist planning to cover a person or startup's loss or failure, here are three important considerations I think would be ideal to keep in mind when reaching out to people for comments.
Giving people time to grieve their losses or failures is crucial
Journalists have a responsibility to report stories in a timely, accurate, and responsible manner, but it is equally important to approach stories of loss and failure with sensitivity and empathy. This means giving people the time and space they need to grieve and process things.
While it may be tempting to publish a story at the moment, journalists should consider the state of mind of those involved and be mindful of the timing of their story. By respecting people's feelings and giving them the space they need, journalists can demonstrate their professionalism and maintain the integrity of their reporting.
Provide genuine and sufficient context on why the story matters
When reaching out to people for comments, it is important to provide genuine context for the story's significance to you, your readers, and the intended audience. Rather than simply introducing yourself and requesting comments on the said story, take the time to understand their perspective, empathize with them and acknowledge your understanding of the sensitivity of the topic at hand.
Showing a genuine interest in them sets a good foundation for building trust and rapport that could lead to vulnerable comments and valuable insights for your story. People may be more willing to give comments to journalists who show empathy and sensitivity towards their situation.
Respect boundaries when they decline to give comments
When someone declines to participate in a story or doesn't respond to requests for comments, it's crucial to respect their boundaries. Continued persistence can be perceived as harassment and can potentially damage the reputation of the journalist and their publication when people get frustrated.
Instead, give the person space and consider alternative sources or angles for the story. Remember that people have the right to privacy and control over their own narrative, and it is important to honour those boundaries even if it means missing out on a potentially compelling story.
Conclusion
Maintaining professionalism is a crucial aspect of responsible journalism, and treating the people involved in the stories you tell, with empathy is equally important. By balancing the need for information with a mindful approach to storytelling, journalists can uphold their duty to report stories fairly, accurately, and responsibly, while also acknowledging that behind every story lies the experiences and struggles of real people.
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