For writers of all kinds, the
recent BBC Newsnight crisis is something that should long stay in the mind. It
is a stark warning to journalists and writers alike that research should be
thorough, rigorous and double-checked before going to press. The result of
failing to properly conduct and test research is plain to see; the BBC have
paid a heavy price thus far for their research failings and there are
indications that the account is not yet settled. So what should writers learn
from the BBC’s hard learned lesson?
Research skills are an absolutely
essential pre-requisite for writers, and good research is worth its weight in
literary gold. Whether you write travel
guides, novels, news articles or short stories, research is what gives you the
knowledge and confidence to put your writing into the public eye and say: “This
is my work – read it!”
If a writer were to refer to “Chelmsford in the county of Suffolk”,
editors and publishers would be just a little surprised. To refer to the end of
World War 1 in 1917 would be sacrilege and if a poorly researched news piece
was to wrongly accuse a member of the House of Lords of child abuse…well, you
get the idea.
The trustees of the Bureau of
Investigative Journalism recently came out and said (Source: The Bureau of Investigative Journalism website, 10/11/2012)
“The Bureau was named as a contributor to the broadcast of a BBC
Newsnight programme on November 2 on child abuse in North Wales. The
Trustees are appalled at what appears to be a breach of its standards.” There
can be no doubt that those that are found responsible will face severe
reprimands. To make matters worse, the Lord involved in the saga is threatening
legal action.
The over-riding lesson that writers have to learn from the BBC Newsnight
crisis is similar to the old DIY adage: ‘Measure twice, cut once’. Do your
research, make sure it’s accurate, and then go ahead.
If you would like further information
on writing including research, visit Wordsworth Reading’s writers resource page
at http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/writresources.shtml.
Source: BBC News website, 11/10/2012
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