APME | Sounding Board No. 53

No. 53: Sensitive News Online

Feb. 5, 2008

Dear AP Sounding Board members,

The first survey of 2008 – handling sensitive news online vs. news in print – drew responses from 26 newspapers in wide range of circulations/Web page views.

Southern members led the way with 11 replies, followed by six from the Midwest, five in the East and four in the West.

With multimedia tools at hand, online content can be more explicit and graphic and writing a little more laid-back. Still, editors are striving to maintain branding standards in the face of presentation changes and freewheeling readers' forums.

"Our standards for staff-produced content are the same online as in print, such as no blind quotes, anonymous sources, etc.," a Kentucky managing editor commented. "The standards for taste and opinion are also the same, although online writing can be less formal ..."

The seven-question survey posed by AP's online editors spotlighted different approaches and decision-making for content in print and Web editions.

About two-thirds of the respondents – 19 vs. 7 – said there were no differences in language in a Web story and a newspaper story.

"News articles are held to the same standards," said a Wisconsin news editor. "Story comments and forums have looser rules on language than letters to the letter, for example, but may still be deleted for violating these conduct rules ...."

"We do remove objectionable comments, but our tolerance is fairly high. We err on the side of free speech," said a managing editor in Florida.

Responses were split – 12 yes, 13 no – on whether to allow explicit language in a document posted on the Web, such as an arrest story.

"We would have to weigh whether the news value of the document is worth the violation of our standards," said an Arizona online editor.

"There are lines that draw regarding issues of taste," an Ohio executive editor said. "Even with the Internet, we still must adhere to community standards."

On whether to allow explicit language in an audio or video clip that couldn't be quoted in a story, 14 editors said yes and 12 said no.

"Yes, we would include language in an online package that we would not include in a quote for a print product. However, we would not include lewd or explicit language ..." said a multimedia editor in Tennessee.

A solid majority – 17 yes, 5 no – said they post warnings about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip.

"We also make sure users have to 'take an action' to get to it – in other words, they have to click a link instead of having the material appear without them doing anything," said the senior digital coordinator of a Georgia daily.

Respondents were split – 12 yes, 13 no – on whether they allow photos on the Web to be more graphic than ones in the newspaper.

"Photos like this these will generate reader complaints from print but not online," said a Pennsylvania executive editor.

If a newsworthy document includes sensitive information about a private individual, such as a Social Security or telephone number, the sentiment was strongly for publishing and blacking out that data. Only two said they would forgo posting the document.

Most respondents – 13 yes, 6 no – said they would include a note of explanation in such cases.

The Sounding Board thanks participants in this illuminating survey. Full replies are listed below.

— Dave Minthorn

Responses:

Ken Tuck, Regional Editor, Media General Alabama Newspapers:

Newspaper's circulation/Web site readership: 34,000/more than 1 million page views per month

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Yes

Comment: Words like "hell" and "damn" are usually OK, but words such as the "f-bomb" is not.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information:

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Additional comment: We treat our Web site with the same standards as the newspaper.

Nancy Hanus, Director, New Media, The Detroit News:

About 2.5 million monthly unique visitors

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

Comment: If we run something like this, we usually warn readers of the explicit nature of the material

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

Comment: Again, if we do use something like this, we warn online viewers of the nature of the material

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? In either the link or the first screen, or as a part of the refer/link

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? We warn readers in either the link or the caption of the first photo in a gallery ... we don't allow explicit images in the first click, but instead give readers a warning before they click

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information:

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Additional comment: It usually is self-evident, but if it is not then we provide an explanation.

John Bolton, Online Editor, Arizona Daily Star, Tucson:

A little over 100,000 daily ... web site readership just under 10 million page views/month and around 900,000 unique visitors a month.

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

Comment: We would have to weigh whether the news value of the document is worth the violation of our standards. Depending upon the language, we have often posted a warning to site users so they'll be able to make an informed choice about whether to view it our opt out of the experience.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

Comment: I don't think this has come up yet, but we would allow it, using the same criteria as in Question 2 and the same warning to site users.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? With language accompanying the link to the objectionable content. You'd most likely read the warning before you clicked on the link.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? We'd put a "warning" type editor's note on the link to the photos. Sometimes in a red font.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Additional comment: We would most likely include a note of explanation, unless the reason was glaringly self-evident.

Ben McLaughlin, Assistant Online Director, DaytonDailyNews.com:

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Yes

Comment: We still have conversations about content, but in general, we are more lenient about language allowed in a Web story.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

Comment: This does not come up often, by any means.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

Comment: Yes, we would allow it, if we thought it was critical to the story. I cannot recall a time yet that we have done so in an audio or video clip.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? In the link to get to the document, photo or clip, we will let them know with a message about potentially graphic content.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? At times we will make a note in the link about graphic content.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

We have not encountered this. I think we would black out the information.

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Additional comment: Again, we have not encountered this. If we did black it out, we would explain.

John Jackson, Online Editor, The Roanoke Times/roanoke.com:

93,000 circ./5 million page views per month

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

Comment: We include a warning to readers that the document they are about to open/download contains explicit language and that discretion is advised.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? If it's a video, we will put a screen in front of it saying the clip in question contains explicit language. An example is: www.roanoke.com/multimedia/video/wb/113323.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Bill Bradley, Sports Editor, Sacramento Bee:

270,000 daily

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Comment: No, the same standards for the paper apply to the Web.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Comment: The same standards under the branding apply. In extreme occasions we have used explicit language, but it is rare.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? In either a refer in the paper or a link behind a wall with a warning.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

b. don't publish the document

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Bob Heisse, Executive Editor, Centre Daily Times, State College, Pa.:

25,000 daily and 33,000 Sunday. Online average is more than 400,000 uniques per month.

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? In one case we put an editor's note in the file with the link. It was a court document.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? On occasion. We haven't warned readers. Photos like these will generate reader complaints from print but not online.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Additional comment: Yes, just explaining why we did it.

Traci Bauer, Managing Editor/multimedia and innovation, Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, N.Y.:

(Dick Moss, director of local content nights, also responded)

220,000; 760,000 monthly unique visitors

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Yes

Comment: In StoryChat comments we are more liberal with the language we let in than we would be if we were using the content in print.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

Comment: Yes, but only to an extent. We would not allow profanity or obscene language.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

Comment: Yes, but only to an extent. We often edit out or bleep language that crosses the line.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? I think we've only run into this once or twice and we handled with an editor's note with the content.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? For the cases that come to mind (open caskets, crime scenes) we did not warn readers.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Additional comment: Many of our answers would depend so much on the case that it's hard to generalize. We have discussions on all issues in question.

Tom Eblen, Managing Editor, The Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader:

110,000 daily, 140,000 Sunday in print. About 900,000 monthly unique users online.

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? We probably would if the situation warranted it, but I can't remember cases of this happening.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Additional comment: Our standards for staff-produced content are the same online as in print, such as no blind quotes, anonymous sources, etc. The standards for taste and opinion also are the same, although online writing can be less formal. The main difference is in reader-produced comments. Online comments by readers are anonymous, although we require all letters to the editor to be signed (and verified).

Hollis R. Towns, Executive Editor, The Cincinnati Enquirer:

200,000 daily newspaper

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Yes

Comment: The web allows for a more liberal use of language than the traditional newspaper.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Comment: There are lines that draw regarding issues of taste. Even with the Internet, we still must adhere to community standards.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Comment: I don't really see the difference when it comes to offensive language. We do tend to be more liberal online than in print, but not by much. We typically allow readers more latitude on message boards than we would in stories.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? The web tends to be a place where people are more accepting of images that tend to be more graphic.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Additional comment: We typically would black out Social Security numbers, phone numbers and other personal details to do not add to the value of the story.

Bob Stover, Managing Editor, Florida Today:

85,000 daily, 850,000 unique visitors a month

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Yes

Comment: chats, blogs that have public input always have a lot of language that we wouldn't use in print – even though they aren't cuss words or words we would edit out of the paper.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Comment: at least under most circumstances. we might make exceptions based on circumstances and the story.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Bill Rose, Managing Editor, The Palm Beach Post:

Circulation 165,000 daily, 192,000 Sunday

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Comment: ...in 99 percent of the cases. If we made an exception, however, it would come on the Web.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? A note at the top of the document or video

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? (slightly more graphic) We've not had an occasion where we felt it was so graphic that we needed to warn readers, but we would if the situation every arose. We'd post the warning on the home page so readers would see it before clicking to get the photo.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

Freda Yarbrough, Digital Media Director, The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.:

14 million page views a month

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Comment: The standards should be the same. We're all supposed to be journalists.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Comment: We rarely post the original arrest report. Stories are rewritten or a print reporter writes a story for online.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Comment: Not yet. That is one that is troubling. Seems that we should do the same for both.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? Each video clip has a teaser paragraph that allows us to put the warning in it. Audio is a link and we simply write a sentence to go with the link.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes (but rarely)

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? Again in a teaser caption under the first photo or we'll link the photo so that a warning can be the gateway paragraph and not the photo out front. (depends upon how many photos in a package) But this is so rare.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Jennifer Houtman, Managing Editor, The Marietta (Ohio) Times:

Circ, 11,000, web readership, 350,000

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Comment: We don't post video or audio on our web site yet, but in the case of a 911 call, I think we would allow it

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Karen Kraft, Multimedia Editor, The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, Tenn.:

Print: Daily: 15,383, Sundays: 18,306

Online: We average about 62,000 page views on a weekday.

Page views per month: 1,800,413 (Jan 2008)

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Yes

Comment: Normally, the headlines, subheads are different for the web, allowing us to reach more readers with short and to-the-point heds.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

Comment: yes, we would include language in an online package that we would not include in a quote for a print product. However, we would not include lewd or explicit language in said project online.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? We haven't yet come across anything that has needed a warning. But we would alert our readers about anything we deem borderline offensive or graphic, just as we do in print.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Additional comment: We would most likely say that the above information was blacked out to keep sensitive info from getting out. Of course, we wouldn't publish sensitive information online (such as a SS#, telephone #) unless otherwise noted that the information was okay to post. Just as we would in print.

Kathy Best, Managing Editor/Digital News and Innovation, The Seattle Times:

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

Comment: This has not been an issue yet, but I could see circumstances (a 911 call) in which we would use an audio clip that contains language we would not quote in a story. In such a case, we would warn readers.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? With a note.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? With a note

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Additional comment: Generally, such deletions are self explanatory. If that were not the case, we would include a note.

Jan Touney, Managing Editor, Quad-City Times, Davenport, Iowa:

Circulation: 50,000 daily; Web site readership: 375,000 unique users per month

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Yes

Comment: We loosen up the print standards a little for Web usage.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Comment: We have bleeped out what we've agreed is "extreme" language on some audio clips.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? Through a note to readers online or in the online refer that appears in print.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? To date, we have not warned readers about photos.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Barry Arthur, Assistant Managing Editor/Photo/Electronic Media, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock:

Print: 180,000 daily,/280,000 Sunday. Web: 4 million page views/month; 225,000 unique visitors/ month

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

Comment: We haven't had this sort of situation come up but I could see allowing more explicit information which was in an actual document, audio, photo or video. I would prefer that we prompt the reader the information they are about to review is explicit in nature so they have to choice to review it or not.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? We would link the headline to page warning readers the information may be offensive in nature.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? We would link the headline to page warning readers the information may be offensive in nature.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information (If it was pertinent to protecting the subject from harm.)

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Julie Shirley, News Editor, Wisconsin State Journal, Madison:

90,000 daily/140,000 Sunday/2.4 million page views a month

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

No (generally)

Comment: News articles are held to the same standards. Story comments and forums have looser rules on language than letters to the editor, for example, but may still be deleted for violating these conduct rules:

1. You agree that you are fully responsible for the content you post. You will not knowingly post content that violates the copyright, trademark, patent or other intellectual property right of any third party.

2. You agree not to post any information that may reveal another user's identity without that user's expressed permission.

3. You will promptly remove any message should you discover that you have violated any applicable federal or state law, regulation or forum rule.

4. You may not post content that is libelous, defamatory, obscene, harmful, vulgar, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful, racially or ethnically objectionable or that violates a third party's right to privacy (including graphics and images). You also may not post content that violates any local, state, national or international law or regulation, or that is otherwise inappropriate or in violation of these rules.

We employ an automated "word censor" to cut down on foul language that is inevitable in forums. Certain swear words and some racial slurs will be caught and altered by the tool. It is not foolproof and moderators also monitor free-thread forums for behavior that most members of the online community would find offensive.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

Comment: We post a disclaimer with the item warning of profanity, graphic descriptions or other potentially offensive content. The value to the user is in the complete document, so we generally would not edit a document in the same fashion as we edit print articles written by reporters.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

Comment: We post a disclaimer with the items such as 911 recordings to warn of profanity, graphic descriptions or other potentially offensive or upsetting audio. We generally do not edit source material posted to the Web unless we clearly explain why some sections of a recording have been omitted.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? Same as above

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? In print or online, we weigh the news value of a staff or wire photo against the harm that could come from publication – for example, showing a dead traffic accident victim in a vehicle or on the road would not pass the test in most circumstances. Staff photos are news content just like articles and are held to the same standards to protect the reputation of the newsroom as a whole.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Additional comment: The value to the user is in the complete document, so we generally would not edit a document as we would for a story. But publishing information allowing easy identity theft is an exception to the general policy. We also take extra care in publishing information on the Web about children. For example, we generally no longer publish home addresses of families of children shown in news photos or photo galleries posted online.

Mark Correa, New Media Editor, Courier-Post, Camden, N.J.:

80,000 daily / 280,000 page views daily

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Comment: Stories often are used in print and online and, therefore, follow the same editing standards.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Comment: We have not come across this. If it were to arise, I'd err on the side of caution until meeting with the managing editor or executive editor.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Comment: We have not come across this. If it were to arise, I'd err on the side of caution until meeting with the managing editor or executive editor.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

Yes

If yes, do you warn readers, and how? One time we used a fairly graphic image from the running of the bulls that involved someone who lives in our coverage area. We ran two updates and warned readers that one had aa graphic image.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

b. don't publish the document

Comment: We have not come across this. If it were to arise, I'd err on the side of caution until meeting with the managing editor or executive editor.

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Kathleen Cooper, Wire Editor, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.:

(Answers in consultation with a online cops reporter, online news producer and photo editor)

Newspaper circ: 128,000 daily; 144,000 Sunday
Web site registered users: 128,648
Web site monthly page views: 5 million
Web site unique visitors per month: 750,000-850,000

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Comment: Generally, the answer is no. We have not yet had occasion to craft standards about this. Right now, we use our best judgment on a case-by-case basis.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Generally no, but again, we take these on a case-by-case basis.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

The situation hasn't presented itself yet.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Robert Long, New Media Editor, The News Journal, Wilmington, Del.:

120,000/850,000 monthly unique visitors

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Comment: In most cases our standards are the same. However there are a few times that we've posted audio files of 911 calls, police wire taps and interviews that have included explicit language that we would not usually put in print. In those cases, we've included a warning that the content may be offensive.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Yes

Comment: If we think the document it important enough, we've done this a few times. Again we include a warning up front to warn the reader.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Yes

Comment: We have done this a few times. In a couple of cases we have bleeped out some explicit language.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? We place a warning on the link to the content, and also at the beginning of the content (for a document we add a cover sheet, for audio or video an announcer warns the listener.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Paige Mudd, Breaking News Editor, Richmond Times-Dispatch:

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Steve Brody, Wire Editor, Lancaster (Pa.) New Era:

About 40,000 circ.

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Comment: (Not that I'm aware)

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Comment: (Not that I'm aware)

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Chris Kraft, Senior Editorial Coordinator, Digital Department, Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? We have included language that warns people about objectionable content. We also make sure users have to "take an action" to get to it – in other words, they have to click a link instead of having the material appear without them doing anything.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

a. black out the information

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

Yes

Additional comment: These answers represent guidelines that generally tracks the guidelines of our print editions. Every situation is different, and there are ongoing discussions about what goes online, just as there are about what goes in print. The exceptions are blogd, where we would allow much greater range of commentary (language, length, topic) than we do in letters to the editor or other print venues.

Maria Lettman, Managing Editor, The Naples (Fla.) Daily News:

70,000 circ

1. Do you have different standards for language allowed in a Web story vs. language allowed in a newspaper story?

Comment: We tend not to set any different standard for profanity in stories. Where the difference comes is in reader comments online. We do remove objectionable comments, but our tolerance is fairly high. We err on the side of free speech.

2. Do you allow explicit language in a document you post on the Web, such as an arrest report, that you would not quote directly in a story?

Comment: We haven't recently encountered that situation. The closest parallel might be a letter written by the father of a woman whose husband killed her. The letter didn't have any profanity but had some threatening language we didn't run in the story.

3. Do you allow language in an audio or video clip, such as a 911 call, that you would not quote in a story?

Comment: In a video clip that accompanied a story about a sports bar, we bleeped out a profanity shouted by a bartender. The video was not one that we produced. It was made by a disgruntled homeowner and presented to the City Council as evidence of the bar disrupting the neighborhood.

4. Do you warn readers or viewers about explicit or otherwise objectionable language in a Web document, audio or video clip?

Yes

If yes, how? We warned online readers about the bartender video. The text adjacent to the video player mentioned its graphic nature. Though the obscene word was bleeped, it was clear from the context and it was accompanied by a gesture that some viewers might have been able to discern.

5. Do you publish photos on the Web that may be more graphic than the ones published in your newspaper?

We haven't recently encountered that. Most of our sites are hyperlocal and we don't frequently have to consider the kind of crime or war scenes that require that kind of judgment.

6. If a document for posting online includes sensitive information about a private individual (Social Security Number, telephone number), what do you do?

We haven't recently encountered that.

7. If you black out the information, do you include a note of explanation?

• • •

Dave Minthorn, manager, AP News Administration, coordinates the questions and answers. Newspaper editors wishing to suggest a topic can send an e-mail to Minthorn at dminthorn@ap.org.

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