Public interest: Editors and reporters cannot shy away from realities of world we live in

Two news reports that crossed this writer’s desk in the past week highlight the often difficult balance that editors must strike in our work.

Both stories were deeply sensitive - each for very different reasons.

I am not going to outline the cases here, as it would be unfair to the families involved to mention them in the same breath. What I do want to address, however, is the careful consideration that goes into deciding what to publish and what to leave out. 

Each day, Limerick Leader reporters carry the responsibility of being the public’s eyes and ears, reporting honestly on matters that shape the world around us here in the city and county. Often these stories involve tragedy, trauma, or disturbing material. There are times when legally we are allowed to publish more detail than we choose to.

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Every decision to include or exclude information is weighed up with care. As editors and journalists we ask ourselves several questions such as what purpose does this serve?

Our justification for publishing difficult or distressing details is that doing so is firmly in the public interest. We do so with the intention that it will expose wrongdoing or highlight risk.

We are acutely aware that our content reaches a wide audience - young readers, victims, family members. While not everyone will want us to shine a light into dark and uncomfortable corners of our communities we do so with a sense of duty.

While we strive to report with care and sensitivity, we cannot shy away from the realities of the world we live in, especially if our publishing of the facts helps protect others from further harm in the future.