The Times Tribune Community Pornographers
In an era where news is increasingly driven by online traffic, the pursuit of clicks often leads media organizations to cross ethical lines. One of the most troubling trends has been the rise of sensationalized, often unverified, allegations used to attract readers. This kind of journalism — which thrives on salacious headlines and provocative claims — not only compromises the integrity of the media, but also erodes public trust in news outlets.
The Recent Example: Unproven Allegations in the Spotlight against Shane Romines
In this case, the Times Tribune published an article based on allegations since debunked, proffered by an unscrupulous attorney, Barbara Bonar, on behalf of two former employees looking to extort a settlement by threatening a sexual harassment lawsuit. When the threat failed, a lawsuit was filed and through discovery, the claims of harassment were not substantiated. The headline of the Times Tribune article screamed of scandal, implying sex slavery and inhuman behavior. The Times Tribune article seemed to suggest that the allegations were as good as proven, despite the complete lack of evidence to support them.
The problem here is multifaceted:
- The Headline: The headline was designed to make readers feel as if the allegation was fact. Even though the article itself expressed that the claim was “unverified,” (indeed the Complaint filed in the case itself was oddly not sworn to, which should have raised red flags to any credible media) the headline didn’t reflect this. This is a classic clickbait tactic that capitalizes on the public’s desire for juicy gossip and scandal, and discourages common sense, critical thinking or skepticism.
- The Lack of Verification: In the rush to break the story, the media outlet failed to take the necessary steps to verify the claims or do any significant investigation to judge the credibility of what appeared to be amplified or outright false allegations. Any journalist worth their salt knows that allegations, especially those that could ruin a person’s reputation, must be corroborated by multiple credible sources before being published. Yet, in the race for clicks, verification is often sacrificed.
- The Harm Done: Even if the allegations are ultimately proven false (as in this case), the damage is done. The public’s perception of the individual in question may never fully recover. This is especially true when the allegation involves a high-profile figure, as the media can make and break reputations in the blink of an eye.
Moreover, the long-term impact on individuals who are falsely accused can be devastating. Whether it’s a celebrity, politician, or private citizen, the damage done by unproven allegations can affect careers, relationships, and mental health. The press has the power to shape public opinion, and with that power comes great responsibility. Sadly, the Times Tribune fails to properly exercise that responsibility often.
A Call for Accountability
The Times Tribune continues make this article available for the public. When removal was requested, The Times Tribune responded that their “corporate advisors” did not want to remove it, regardless of the outcome or truth. The article in question continues to reflect poorly on a highly respected member of the community. By promoting this false article, the Times Tribune continues to collect ad revenue. It’s time for the Times Tribune to recognize that the pursuit of clicks should never come at the cost of truth or a good citizen’s reputation. And as consumers, we need to demand better. Our media, and our society, deserve nothing less.