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{{Short description|Journalism term}} |
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In [[Journalism|journalistic]] parlance, '''spiking''' refers to withholding a story from publication for reasons pertaining to its veracity (whether or not it conforms to the facts). Spiking is relatively rare and usually happens late in the editing process (after the assigning [[Editor#Periodicals|editor]] has signed off on it). It is only required when a simple edit or questioning the reporter or assigning editor cannot fix the problem. |
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'''Spiking''', in journalism, is the act of withholding a story from publication for editorial, commercial, or political reasons. A spiking may be permanent, or temporary, depending on what instigated it and whether the objection(s) can be overcome. The term "spike" originally referred to a metal spike on news or copy editors' desks, upon which they would impale rejected stories. Although the term comes from print media, radio, television and online publications also spike stories for the same reasons.<ref name="key">{{cite book |last1=Franklin |first1=Bob |last2=Hamer |first2=Martin |last3=Hanna |first3=Mark |last4=Kinsey |first4=Marie |last5=Richardson |first5=John E |title=Key Concepts in Journalism Studies |date=19 May 2005 |publisher=SAGE Publications |isbn=9781446230756 |page=328 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6CqoYK5EkewC |access-date=19 April 2023}}</ref> |
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Reasons for spiking include a clear bias (someone on an opposing side of an issue did not respond, despite the fact that said response is central to the story), a major hole (many, if not most, readers will have a question after reading the story) or a sudden change in events (three more people have died, but getting details from officials is impossible on deadline). |
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Some examples would be a story that, while factually correct, would likely incite a powerful local politician, upset a valuable advertiser in that paper, or bring unwanted attention to a community. The editorial staff or, if preempted, the newspaper ownership or management must balance all its interests against purely theoretical "[[journalism|journalistic]] integrity". Conflicts involving spiking often arise from stories being pursued as part of [[investigative journalism]], or which threaten to bring on a [[libel]] lawsuit (that could prove expensive to fight even if groundless). |
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In some cases, a story may be spiked if it is deemed to conflict with the commercial interests of the newspaper's publisher - if, for example, it concerns a company with whom the publisher has a close relationship. This is more likely at a local level, where small newspapers are dependent on advertising revenue from businesses such as estate agents and recruitment agencies. |
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==References== |
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Stories are spiked for other reasons, but in any case, the decision is not taken lightly, as a valid, usually detailed explanation will be solicited by those further up the chain of command, often at the behest of the reporter. |
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{{reflist}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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* [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article6836603.ece |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110615082034/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article6836603.ece Harold Evans, memoirs of the future: The Spike, Mr Bow-Tie and other Fleet Street legends]. The Times Literary Supplement, September 16, 2009. ''Archived from [https://web.archive.org/web/20110615082034/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article6836603.ece the original]. Retrieved 13 August 2024.'' |
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{{Media and human factors}} |
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Latest revision as of 03:36, 27 September 2024
Spiking, in journalism, is the act of withholding a story from publication for editorial, commercial, or political reasons. A spiking may be permanent, or temporary, depending on what instigated it and whether the objection(s) can be overcome. The term "spike" originally referred to a metal spike on news or copy editors' desks, upon which they would impale rejected stories. Although the term comes from print media, radio, television and online publications also spike stories for the same reasons.[1]
Some examples would be a story that, while factually correct, would likely incite a powerful local politician, upset a valuable advertiser in that paper, or bring unwanted attention to a community. The editorial staff or, if preempted, the newspaper ownership or management must balance all its interests against purely theoretical "journalistic integrity". Conflicts involving spiking often arise from stories being pursued as part of investigative journalism, or which threaten to bring on a libel lawsuit (that could prove expensive to fight even if groundless).
References
[edit]- ^ Franklin, Bob; Hamer, Martin; Hanna, Mark; Kinsey, Marie; Richardson, John E (19 May 2005). Key Concepts in Journalism Studies. SAGE Publications. p. 328. ISBN 9781446230756. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
External links
[edit]- Harold Evans, memoirs of the future: The Spike, Mr Bow-Tie and other Fleet Street legends. The Times Literary Supplement, September 16, 2009. Archived from the original. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
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