There is a procedure called: “Pre-Publication Review” that exists in journalism for the purpose of checking facts.

I would like to suggest that the Sounder adopt a policy of using this procedure when reporting on public meetings, particularly when it comes to quotes.

An article discussing the merits of this policy by the Newspaper Research Journal, an academic publication that provides coverage and analysis of journalism, reports: “Of the top 50 U.S. newspapers, the majority uses an informal, non-written policy on sources reviewing articles before publication. More common is a form a partial review, such as orally checking quotes.”

I am suggesting this for a number of reasons. The Sounder reported recently that a community member attending a public meeting was “angry” about a communications issue. The man actually said he was ‘frustrated.” I was at the meeting and know this gentleman, and he was not angry, he was concerned.

I was misquoted numerous times by a prior Sounder staff writer, and when the writer wanted to interview me later for another issue, I declined. I think that in a small community where the local paper is as much a community service as it is a vehicle for news, it behooves the paper to verify not only facts, but especially quotes, and to be certain that the quotes accurately reflect the intent of the speaker.

Another instance of where the need for this policy is evident, can be seen in the Sounder’s reporting of the recent Park and Recreation District meeting. In the five regular meetings, and several special meetings the new district has had, no Sounder reporter has attended. There has been considerable discussion during those meetings on many developing issues already, and quotes taken out of context, and limited understanding of those issues could be detrimental to the progress of the fledgling district, as well as misleading.

With a small staff, it is understood that the Sounder may not be able to send a reporter to each public meeting. An editorial policy that maintains professional, but community-minded standards could be simply exercised by having reporters use recording devices that will allow them to check their facts, and verify quotes in the context of the reporting. A follow-up discussion with the chair of the commission or board would be the most sensible approach. When the Sounder isn’t able to attend meetings, receiving and posting the recorded minutes by the attending secretaries of the districts will allow the public to get that information in a timely and accurate way.

Marian O’Brien

Eastsound