In today’s fast-paced digital age, there’s an increasing demand for transparency and immediacy in news reporting. Readers and viewers want names, places, and all the details as soon as possible. However, as a trusted news organization, our responsibility extends beyond just reporting facts; it involves ethical considerations that demand a careful balancing act.

Let’s begin with a very practical reason: sometimes, we simply don’t have the names or details. A law passed recently in Ohio mandates that law enforcement agencies redact names of suspects, victims, and even locations in many cases. This legislation, known as Marcy’s Law, is rooted in protecting the rights and privacy of victims. While the intention behind Marcy’s Law is commendable—to shield victims from undue attention and potential harassment—it has broader implications for our work as journalists.

Ohio’s tradition of redacting “uncharged suspects” is not new. Oddly enough, this was a practice even when victims’ details weren’t under the veil of confidentiality. But the inclusion of locations in the redaction policy under Marcy’s Law further ties our hands. We now often find ourselves with mere outlines of incidents, bereft of any specifics.

Readers sometimes question, “Why not name the suspect?” or “Why not disclose the daycare involved?” The simple truth is that if we don’t know it, we can’t report it. It’s not about being selective; it’s about accuracy.

There are instances when, due to an oversight or common knowledge, we do have access to these specifics. That’s when our newsroom faces the real ethical challenge. In the United States, the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ stands paramount. We must respect this when deciding what to publish. Each situation demands a nuanced analysis, taking into account the severity of the crime, available evidence, potential victims, and broader societal impact.

Furthermore, in the age of the internet, our reports are not fleeting. They’re permanently archived, accessible to anyone, anytime. Naming a victim could mean subjecting them to a lifetime of reliving their trauma. Naming a suspect, especially one later found not guilty, can tarnish their reputation irreparably. It’s not hyperbole to state that our reports can shape the trajectories of lives.

At our core, we are storytellers with immense power. That power, however, comes with a responsibility—one that we take very seriously. We understand that not everyone charged is guilty. And not every guilty individual deserves an unending digital shadow. We’ve seen the ramifications firsthand. As journalists, we’re often privy to the stories behind the stories, understanding the complexities of life’s gray areas.

The changing landscape of journalism and evolving laws like Marcy’s Law challenge us daily. But our unwavering commitment remains—to report the truth ethically and responsibly. In this endeavor, we request your understanding and trust, as we navigate these intricate waters in the pursuit of informed and fair journalism.

The Scioto Valley Guardian is the #1 local news source for the Scioto Valley.