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So I know a lot of us are debating how to cover these anti-social-distancing protests. Here's my submission: https://buffalonews.com/2020/04/19/health-experts-advise-sustained-social-distancing-ahead-of-gridlock-buffalo-protest/
I don't have any special insight, but I do have a bit of training in disinformation/media trust and want to explain my choices.
I don't have any special insight, but I do have a bit of training in disinformation/media trust and want to explain my choices.
First: Let's be clear that the claims made by this protester *are* a form of disinformation. Mr. Thompson told me he had survived "many pandemics" and that WNY had passed its peak caseload. These statements are demonstrably false.
Separately, Mr. Thompson said he believes covid-19 is overblown and social distancing isn't needed to stop spread. These are opinions, and everyone is entitled to them. But Mr. Thompson is not an epidemiologist. He is not entitled to a platform just because he made a FB event.
And yet -- I've been assigned this story! It would appear he gets a platform. So I approached this with a frame called the "truth sandwich": lead with the most credible information, reference the less credible info, debunk & return to credible. I don't repeat outright falsehoods.
(I didn't make up the term truth sandwich! You can learn more about it here, via @sulliview: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/instead-of-trumps-propaganda-how-about-a-nice-truth-sandwich/2018/06/15/80df8c36-70af-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html)
I also quote doctors, not politicians. Polls show people trust doctors more. I also refer to polling that demonstrates Mr. Thompson's views are not widely shared. I don't want to give them more power than they actually have.
All this said -- while Mr. Thompson may not be qualified to opine on public health, he is concerned about his business. I tried to fairly and fully represent those concerns. If he hadn't hung up on me, I would've liked to engage more on that.
Was this the best possible approach? No idea. I'd be very curious to know how reporters are approaching these issues elsewhere. But especially now, I think it's critical to acknowledge the active role we play in amplifying information that can help or hurt public health.
HAPPY SUNDAY GUYS </ted talk>
I would really encourage you to write a letter to the editor!
