Dear Media,
Have we not learnt enough from the royal prank call?
I understand that you are constantly challenged to create different angles for big stories because every single outlet is covering the same story as you. You’re always under pressure to create a unique headline and stand out. I know how you feel, I have been in that position. I sat there and agreed to prank call a hospital to create a “unique angle” a harmless and stupid idea that sadly ended in tragedy, as we felt obliged to cover the pregnancy and to do it differently.
So, after seeing the consequences of our mistake, why are you still looking for different angles? Why? Why isn’t congratulations enough? If I was in radio still, I know that I would be sitting down in a meeting room this week with a team of people brainstorming different ideas to cover off the Royal Birth. To the people in those meetings, please learn from the tragedy . . . BE SENSIBLE. Respect their privacy, stay away from the hospital and think of others when working out what angles to pursue.
For anyone that is actually considering trying to repeat our stupidity from 2012, DON’T.
If you are a journalist planning on dressing up in scrubs to walk the corridors, DON’T.
So, this year, my only thoughts surrounding the impending birth are that of hope for a safe arrival of their beautiful baby and to congratulate them when that moment comes. My thoughts are far from thinking up a “creative angle” or to do a “tell all” interview about the royal family, which has nothing to do with me. I don’t even know how to curtsey. (I do like a strong cup of tea though - does that make me a royal expert to provide comment?)
Get a grip, don’t create a story . . . the story is already there . . . A precious baby is on its way and all you need to say is “CONGRATULATIONS”.
It’s an amazing industry to work in, it really is. But for the first time I’m sitting on the outside looking in and I have to ask: Is the pressure from above becoming too much? Are we becoming careless and ruthless to chase a headline?
There needs to be a line, a line that we learn not to cross. During the peak of the royal prank I had a friend that was also a journalist, and that “friend” was according to him “forced” to door knock on my parents door looking for comment and when he had no luck there (because my dad was in hospital from the stress of the ordeal) he door knocked my whole neighbourhood looking for a new angle on the story. He crossed the line.
I’ve crossed the line too. But the difference is, I’ve learnt from it and I’ll continue to work in the media so I can help others to think before they act. You don’t need to be careless to create great content.
Regards,
Mel Greig
