The integrity of a journalist is of utmost importance. I, therefore, would feel most comfortable blogging about the latest hot band supposedly coming into town next week because while worthy of a news story, being wrong about a surprise concert causes little damage. Additionally, a blog is an appropriate medium for relaying information about a music show whereas issues with the mayor or a local bank are more likely print news stories and a potential football injury is good coverage for sports journalists or broadcasters. Blogging about the mayor having an affair with his secretary, the university’s quarterback being injured, or a local bank being closed and freezing its accounts in the process would each have more serious consequences if the rumored information turned out to be incorrect.

The story I would be most interested in covering would be the potential affair between the mayor and his secretary, but I would hold the piece until the rumor could be confirmed by multiple inside sources. This rumor, if false, would not only be detrimental to the mayor’s office, but might also be considered slander on my end and could eventually lead to a trial if turned into a big enough issue. While integrity is valued in all fields, within journalism it’s a matter of legality and should be treated as such.