What journalism ethics will we consider during the next 5 years?

By ChrisCobler in Your Advocate: an editor's blog

We're nearing the fifth anniversary of the Victoria Advocate's ethics board. When we met first in August 2007, we crafted this mission statement: -- To provide guidance to the newspaper on the ethical decisions we face every day. Secondarily, we ...

What would you add to ethics board discussion about civil court coverage?

By ChrisCobler in Your Advocate: an editor's blog

Most people think a newspaper is going to do what it wants no matter what anyone says, a member of the Advocate's ethics board told me this week. Jim Story, personnel director of the Calhoun County school district, is one ...

Why report on a death when the family might not want coverage?

By ChrisCobler in Your Advocate: an editor's blog

Few events in a person's life rival the pain of a friend or family member's suicide. This is an intensely personal experience. Into this difficult territory, we try to tread lightly as journalists. At the Victoria Advocate, it is our ...

What is the proper news coverage of civil courts?

By ChrisCobler in Your Advocate: an editor's blog

In criminal cases, we know those accused are presumed innocent. Even so, information usually is available from law enforcement and others about why the person is being accused of the crime. The defendants generally are advised by their lawyer to ...

How do you survive a long car ride?

By ChrisCobler in Your Advocate: an editor's blog

We had a wonderful family reunion in Arizona, where my parents are retired after too many miserable Kansas winters. Our car ride there was another story, oddly reminiscent of Midwestern winter road trips. I generally don't mind driving, particularly when ...