The Sun newspaper reported that a well-known BBC anchor was suspended because of allegations he paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos. After the story appeared, the allegations were thrown into doubt when a lawyer for the young person disputed the claims made. The Sun responded with a statement defending the story.

Should the Sun have published the story? Here are opinions from students taking a St. Bonaventure University Media and Democracy course at Trinity College, Oxford University.

Joseph Debell:

Even though I agree that the Sun’s story is in the public interest, media outlets must ensure the validity of claims before publishing them. The Sun’s decision to publish the story without verifying the allegations, especially when the lawyer disputed them, raises concerns about the accuracy and ethics of its reporting, especially when the Sun has had a history of publishing pictures of topless or partially dressed models on its third page, a practice that disrespects women and promotes a negative view of them as objects.

The Sun also unintentionally falls victim to the 24/7 news cycle. This cycle can work as a double-edged sword. This is because it allows the media to update the people constantly. However, the need for constant content updates causes reporters to feel compelled to attract and keep attention. The unfortunate reality is that journalists sometimes intentionally or unintentionally create misleading headlines.

Being responsive in journalism means conducting thorough investigations and fact-checking to avoid or limit any potential harm caused by publishing unsubstantiated claims. In this situation, with direct contact with the young person, it’s easier to assess the credibility of the allegations.

Therefore, although The Sun is correct, its story is in the public interest. I disagree with The Sun’s decision to publish and double down on its story entirely because it was published without solid evidence or confirmation of the allegations.

That being said, we must continue to believe victims of abuse and assault while holding those abusers accountable. When the Sun goes about doing this, it must always prioritize accuracy, ethical reporting and the potential impact on individuals’ lives when handling sensitive subjects.

Emily Drain:

I agree with the Sun’s decision to publish the article informing viewers of potential illegal activity taking place at the BBC. After reading the Sun’s article that defended its decision, I also agree that despite criticism or backlash, it is important for news outlets to report on suspicious activity.

While I understand the criticism the Sun is facing, this does not mean that publishing the story was incorrect. This scandal involved a prominent figure at the BBC and should be completely investigated. The story not only regarded the alleged misconduct, but also how the BBC handled these allegations. It is important to note how a prominent news agency handled criminal allegations against a member of its staff, because this could indicate a potential bias within the organization that could lessen its credibility.

The Sun also defends its decision to publish the story by analyzing the mysterious circumstances of this case. These include the payments made to the alleged victim, as well the mysterious hire of a last-minute lawyer. These concerns were brought to the Sun after they were continually dismissed, and it is the job of the press to shed light on stories that have previously gone ignored.

Interviews before the Super Bowl are a way for presidents to reach viewers who may not normally watch or follow them closely. Although this is a way to gain access to a large audience, it is unnecessary to do so.

Many want to be able to sit down and enjoy the Super Bowl and not have to listen to more politics, especially if it’s from a president they may not be fond of. The news in recent times is all very political, with the two main political parties always going back and forth about what they believe is right for our country, especially now during the pandemic. Most of these political news channels bring negative energy, and the Super Bowl should be one entertainment event where politics is left out as much as possible.  .

Despite feeling this way, there are some people who do enjoy hearing the president speak before the Super Bowl, and are interested to hear his thoughts and predictions. However, there isn’t much relation between the president speaking and the Super Bowl other than the fact that they both generate large audiences.

Katie Dunn:

I agree with the Sun’s decision to publish a follow-up report to defend its original story. A powerful man was taking advantage of a teenager who did not know any better, and the Sun was doing right by the girl’s parents by running the story. The parents reached out and wanted nothing except for their daughter’s story to be heard and to get justice for their child.

According to the article, the family of the teenager was bribed to send inappropriate screenshots to the anchor, who allegedly paid her over 35,000 pounds to do so. The Sun reported the teenage girl had a history of drug abuse and was highly vulnerable. Screenshots were recovered of this news anchor contacting his young former fan over Instagram and sending flirty messages that included heart emoticons, amongst other inappropriate language.

The Sun did the right thing by standing by its original story and the victim and her parents, who desperately needed help.

Madi Wood:

A child’s parents accused a BBC presenter of sending money to their child in exchange for sexual images. The parents originally reported the alleged abuse to the BBC. After not hearing back, the parents went to the Sun, which broke the story.

The Sun made the right move to publish its article regardless of the outcome of the situation. If the allegations were true and this presenter continued to get away with it, there could have been more victims.

The parents’ decision to come forward forced steps to be taken and actions to be made. Taking these steps and speaking up holds people accountable for their actions.

Whether or not these allegations are true, it tells perpetrators that they will be caught and they are not above the law, no matter their profession or social status. Maybe the Sun should have been more prepared and waited a little longer, but overall, it was the right decision.

Categories: Jandoli Institute, Media, Politics