What are the possible consequences of my actions and decisions?
Reporting a false threat could lead to copycat threats, or reporting arrests might discourage such threats by showing the consequences for threatening others. Other consequences might include raising the public’s level of insecurity even when it is not warranted. Repeated broadcasting or publishing of anthrax hoaxes or suspicious packages that prove to have no harmful substances in them can have the effect of “crying wolf,” and the public becomes less responsive when actual danger arises. But reporting on the volume and range of threats could inform viewers, listeners and readers about the pressures police and schools officials are under. It could be important for the public to understand why officials react as they do. 3. How could you justify your decisions about where and how you play stories about anthrax threats in your newscasts? How do you explain your decisions to your staff and to your viewers, listeners or readers? How much discussion have you had in your newsroom about your
