In the wake of this week's school shootings, we have been discussing whether the media should talk to high school students after a tragic event at their school.
I believe we should. Here are a few reasons why:
-I think it is not only the media's right, but our responsibility to talk to students-who are young adults-when something terrible happens at their school.
-The news media's primary job is collecting information. We need to find out what happened. That means talking to people who were present, including students, IF THEY ARE YOUNG ADULTS.
-Collecting and reporting this information helps other families and it helps our community. It keeps us all safer.
-The interviews help us clarify why something happened. Hopefully that helps us prevent future tragedies.
-The young men who confronted police and were shot will likely be charged as adults. Their peers are also young adults. They can handle being spoken to.
-A blanket prohibition on talking to high school students is NOT the answer. It is dangerous and defies common sense.
To here my full take on this topic, please click on the media player above.