Sensitive Issues Part Two

Everyone's definition of "sensitive" is different, as is everyone's definition of respect. It can even vary from day to day and even minute to minute. In journalism often our sensitive side is altered by deadlines, ratings, pressure from management, and the coverage of events which cause us to become cynical, jaded, or even numb. Sometimes sensitivity depends on the generation you were born in. Stories which I would think would be risque may be seen as perfectly fine by a younger generation. It's difficult to have blanket policies for handling sensitive stories. It really needs to be handled on a case-by-case basis. Scholastic journalism advisers should provide plenty of scenarios to prepare students in case a sensitive issue does arise. If and when the sensitive issue/story happens it needs to be discussed by a student editorial board. Sometimes this puts an adviser in a difficult spot, especially if his/her opinion varies from the editorial board. However, if the goal is to operate a true student publication, the adviser needs to let the students make the decisions.