By Lisa DiCarlucci, Entertainment Editor
Student journalists recently got an inside look at the coverage of the false rape incident that occurred on the University campus a few weeks ago.
At an event hosted by professors Peter Goodman and Geoffrey Roth of the Department of Journalism, Media Studies and Public Relations last Thursday evening, the New York Post’s Kieran Crowley, WCBS-TV’s Jennifer McLogan and Carol D’Auria of 1010 WINS spoke to students about the various approaches they took to cover the story and what they felt could have been done differently.
Following a broadcast reel of coverage, the journalists talked about their coverage, specifically how they decided to release certain information.
“The language they use and the way they approach the situation is different,” Goodman said.
The Post was the first to release the name of the girl who recanted her accusations of rape. “Rondell’s name and everyone else’s name and pictures were out there,” Crowley said in defense of the decision to release the name. When asked where his information came from he said, “It’s privileged information. I don’t reveal sources.”
However, Crowley did reveal that DNA tests have proven that University student Rondell Bedward was the only person involved that did not have sex with the girl.
McLogan said that from the start, it was her instinct to question the accusation. “The police were sure of the rape,” McLogan said, “but I said to myself, I hope this girl’s credible.”
She gave more personal insight on her perspective while covering the story. “We want to proceed cautiously,” she said. “I’m a mom with three kids in college; two girls and a boy. I wouldn’t want my daughters to be the victim, but I wouldn’t want my son railroaded either.”
D’Auria agreed with McLogan’s notion that caution is necessary when covering such sensitive subject matter, but was pessimistic. “We need to move slower,” she said, “but I don’t see that happening.”
Following student questions, the evening was wrapped up with each journalist describing what they would do differently.
D’Auria reiterated her previous sentiment saying, “We just really need to move slower.” McLogan answered similarly, saying that she would have “proceeded with more caution.”
Crowley offered a different opinion. “I asked the same questions I would ask tomorrow,” he said, “There is a flaw in our criminal justice system, and that’s what this is about.”
From left (David Gordon/The Chronicle)
