On 10/30/07, Janani Gopalakrishnan writetojanani@gmail.com wrote:
There is a foolproof method followed by many of us these days -- it's called "playback for fact-check" -- we send the final copy for approval to the interviewee to avoid any discrepancies due to misinterpretation.
i wouldn't say its foolproof as at times the article MAY even after approval by the interviewee goes back to the uber editor and last minute ``unfortunate space saving cuts" end up being made :-) At times important content may end up get mangled or skipped in the process.
And, all interviewees/featured can demand that the journalist show them the EDITED draft of the article before it goes to print. Just that the interviewee needs to be prompt in responding with any corrections needed, so that the editorial process doesn't get delayed. But that avoids most problems.
Agreed.
However, it is possible mainly in the case of magazines/websites/weekly publications/supplements -- I am not sure if it works for dailies.
i cannot comment on that as i do not have the required experience in the media :-) Perhaps someone who actually does could shed some light on this.
Regards,
- vihan