Incomplete journalism

Once upon a time, journalists were tasked with looking for all the details, not just those that fit a narrative. Journalists are supposed to gather the facts, prepare a complete report of those facts, then share them as an independent observer. But once again, The Spokesman shows it is fine with allowing incomplete stories to fill their pages.

The April 15 story regarding the High Drive Bluff illegal road construction was incomplete (and typical). The story centers on whether the contractor had a permit. A permit? Did you know there’s likely up to seven permits that would have been needed before any work could start on this project? And those permits would have come from the city and the Department of Ecology? Did you know that Avista doesn’t provide permits?

The way this whole story line has read, one would assume the contractor has been tricked into doing the work. After all, he had a permit, didn’t he? A complete story could have at least shared a list of the permits needed so as to not persuade the reader one way or the other. Wouldn’t it be enlightening to actually be enlightened? And complete?

Annie Henson

Spokane