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Case 4: Lives and Jobs at Stake: Which Story to Run?
 

Etienne Fossier knew his days as editor of one of Europe's oldest newspapers were coming to an end when the paper's owner, Charles Barnard, suddenly began to recommend strict policies to the editorial board. Until then, Barnard had maintained a hands-off approach. His major interest is in his African investments, which are doing very well, thanks to his close relations with many African heads of state.

One day, Etienne was asked by Barnard to fly to Africa to interview a head of state, and print the interview as soon as possible in their newspaper. Etienne complied, though the staff journalists let him know how opposed they were with the interview. Heated discussion in the newsroom centered upon accusations that Barnard is trying to influence public opinion and galvanize support for the dictator and his regime.

The interview went smoothly. But before Etienne left, something much more newsworthy emerged. Etienne was approached by people from a regional city several hundred miles from the capital, who pleaded with him to come with them. They told of the brutal suppression of people opposed to government policy. Etienne, a seasoned news reporter, sensed a story waiting to be written, and he was keen to observe signs of brutality that the regime was perpetrating on the local population. He decided to go. The journey was risky, but confirmed the stories of killings and rapes—crimes that government forces are inflicting on the local people.

Returning home, Etienne wrestles with a dilemma. Never has he had such a difficult decision to make. His prime concern is to figure out where his responsibilities lie. If he runs the interview, he risks losing the support of his hard-working staff. But if he runs the story on the government's brutal regime, what would Barnard's response be?