Welcome to The Daily Californian Editor’s Blog! This being the first ever post, please take a moment to read about the idea behind this blog.

I will draw from outside sources as much as possible to get various perspectives and keep this blog interesting and informative. Hopefully, it will help familiarize people with different aspects of our organization.

We were all shocked when we learned about the Berkeley family that was found dead in a parking lot at Tilden Regional Park on June 18. In addition to publishing the initial crime story, our coverage also included an article on the memorial for the family.

A journalist’s job becomes very difficult during times like these. The public wants to know why or how such a tragedy can ever happen, but attempting to uncover such information usually requires asking the victims’ friends and family questions at an uncomfortable time.

The Daily Californian follows the Code of Ethics outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists. Two points covered in the second section, titled “Minimize Harm,” had particular relevance the stories written two weeks ago.

— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

— Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.

These standards came into play for news editor Katlyn Carter and photo editor Skyler Reid, both of whom contributed to the coverage and later told me it was one of their most difficult assignments.

“You approach them really slowly so they adjust to your presence,” Reid said. “If they are uncomfortable you back off.”

Carter noted she was especially mindful of the tone and attitude she used when interviewing. Showing sensitivity and compassion when reporting such a story may make it easier for a journalist to do his or her job, but it does not necessarily make it any more comfortable for everyone involved.

“You make it clear that you’re doing this because it’s your job,” Reid said. “You really become aware how loud a shutter of a camera can be.”

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