Good-Faith Reporting

Although I'm all for free speech and freedom of the press, I'm also in favor of regulations that require that, before publishing serious allegations against someone, that person be given the chance to respond and clarify whatever he or she deems necessary. It's only fair because, even if, ultimately, the allegations prove to be wrong, the damage has been done. No responsible person or media should find it inconvenient to check its story and allow the person to defend himself. Only bad faith compels the publishing of stories regardless of its truthfulness.

In a world such as ours, in which it's increasingly easier to malign someone all over the world, it's also easier to contact the subject of a story and obtain his reaction. Thus, there's no excuse for not trying to present both sides of a story from the start, avoiding needlessly hurting or embarrassing someone.

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