Home / VOL. NO. 00 / SU FYI

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SU FYI

Our playhouse is beginning an ambitious and necessary renovation. When finished it will include all the wonderful archival materials from more than 130 years of plays and stars – from Hepburn to Hackman to Barrymore. What are your memories? Read on…

In continuing the restoration of the Stockbridge Playhouse, we’re reminded that this building is more than a theatre, it is a collection of cherished memories. What brought you to the Stockbridge Playhouse for the first time? Was it a beloved production, a night you still talk about or another reason this place has stayed with you over the years?

We invite you to share your Playhouse memories and theatre experiences by clicking the button below. Your stories are part of its legacy.

Share Your Memories
Journalism: Best Practices
The Best Practices column is new. It is an occasional look at the foundational best practices in journalism. In our last “Best Practices” we talked about solicitations masquerading as news in newspapers. This time we are taking a look at the best practices and ethical considerations when using anonymous sources.

Note there are two anonymous sources in the editorial. Why use anonymous sources at all? Sources are integral to a journalist’s work. They can provide essential information, context, credibility, and often, that all-important human element. Agreeing to withhold the identity of a source from readers is something reporters must do to get certain information or an important perspective. Today SU does it to protect sources.

Most understand a news gatherer’s use of anonymous sources but for some “it affects if they trust a news story,” according to a Pew Research Center 2020 survey it conducted on the topic. Knowing that, Stockbridge Updates has a policy only to use copy with attribution. However, twice in six years, SU used anonymous sources. So, our readers are entitled to know the Best Practices when using anonymous source(s).

Best practices:
If a reporter must use an anonymous source, there is an obligation to the source and to the readers.
- Be clear with the source that their name will not be used. However, the source may be described to inform the reader how the source knows what they know.
- Ethically this agreement is binding on the reporter; however, most often, the identity of the anonymous source will be shared with an editor, or editorial Board member.
Never create composite characters from multiple anonymous sources. If there is more than one, say so. As with any source, named or unnamed, quotes must be clearly differentiated from each other. Compiling both sources into one source is dishonest reporting, as it gives the reader the idea that just one anonymous source said what two anonymous sources actually said. That is an absolute no-no.
Named sources: best practice is to have more than one source. The two or more sources should be unrelated to one another. As with unnamed sources, the best practice is to carefully identify each one, correctly separate the quotes and other details, and clearly attribute quotes and information to the correct source. Never combine them: composites are considered dishonest reporting and an unethical practice.

Photo: Courtesy of Berkshire Theatre Group

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Stockbridge Updates Statement of Purpose

To inform without opinion or pressure and give the people of Stockbridge the facts they need to make informed decisions.

To provide space for opinion, but since facts and opinions are different, to clearly mark opinion pieces, and clearly identify the opinion holder.

Stockbridge Updates is a periodic newsletter delivered through email.

Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Stockbridge Updates Policy with Respect to Submissions

SU welcomes your letters and other submissions on all Stockbridge subjects, history and current events, news and human interest, whatever is on your mind. As with articles and opinion pieces, letters are 400 words or less, no personal attacks, and always attach your name. SU does not include personal information and will delete telephone numbers, email addresses, post office boxes, and street addresses. Limit one submission per month.

Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Stockbridge Updates: Format

SU is attempting to present a consistent format for readers. SU begins with its Table of Contents. The SU Editorial is next and then the News. News is divided between one-time events, such as the election and events around town, and recurring reporting, such as the Notes from… section. It is called Notes from… because SU attends the town meetings, takes notes, and reports what happened. If SU has a comment or question, it is at the end of the meeting identified as Editor’s Comment or Editor’s Question. The next section is Contributors. Under contributors, you may find Stockbridge history, opinion pieces, or information from a Committee Chair or elected official. Our final section is Reader to Reader, our letter section. The issue closes with the SU Statement of Purpose and Policy for Contributors. We welcome all letter writers and contributors; deadline on the 10th for the issue posted on the 15th of the month and on the 26th for the issue posted on the first.

Your Submissions Welcome!

Submit comments, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor to carole@stockbridgeupdates.com

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carole@stockbridgeupdates.com