WIBU to go to the papers about someone

[Sadie789]

I wish I could tell the story as it would help greatly but the details would be far too outing, but I’ve found out something about a friend which has made my blood boil and I don’t think they should get away with it.

Normally I wouldn’t be a “snitch” but this person has a high profile position especially at the moment, and has done something pretty heinous not to mention some other unethical things as a result of the heinous thing.

The reason I’m considering the papers is that this person was interviewed just a few weeks ago and painted as a bit of a local hero, which they absolutely are not.

They’re a friend of a friend so some of the details If they got out would lead back to my friend and then to me.

Has anyone ever gone to the paper about something? How did you feel afterwards? Did you get anonymity?

Just do point out this is not a “neighbour went for a 40 mile cycle in lockdown” type story.

[Sadie789]

@Greysparkles the point is I want to know if others have experienced going to the papers about something, and what happened. I clearly express this in my OP.

HTH.

[Aveisenim]

Create an anonymous email and send the information with any proof you have?

[Sadie789]

Good plan...

Maybe that’s a compromise.

[HappyHammy]

The press will want some proof. Just tell the police if its that serious and let them investigate.

[Caplin]

Well, if it is a Cummings style issue, the police may have been involved but they may not have done anything illegal. There is guidance, and there is legislation. You can essentially go against the guidance with no legal ramifications.

[Tdaadfb100]

Email it to a gossip site if you really need to get it off your chest. The tabloids often check them for stories. (Blind Gossip, Popbitch, etc)
Always some funny tales on there!

[Biglittlethings]

Is this your big cheese breaking lockdown? Cos we already know!

[Caplin]

I would call rather than email. You can withhold your number and easily hang up. Don’t commit anything to writing unless you want to be legally bound to it.

[AnneOfTeenFables]

Having worked in this field including in Scotland, I'd say you should be very wary. The media are such a small community and everyone talks. Only contact the press if you're willing for people to know that you did so and only if you're prepared for the story to become about 'you'.
Yy the latter is unlikely but as soon as you put a story out, you no longer control it. And if you're putting out something negative about someone famous or influential then their supporters/fans will be invested in doxxing, targeting and discrediting you.

[TheThingWithFeathers]

[KingSheathBelle]

I think you need to apply the 'If I don't act' test

If you don't act...will somebody else suffer, come to harm, lose financially? Will a person or persons be defrauded, misled in a significant way?

Think hard. Then decide.

[Sadie789]

@kingsheathbelle okay this is very helpful, thank you.

I’ve never heard of this test before but it makes a lot of sense.

[Sadie789]

The person isn’t famous by the way.

[maddy68]

Noone should go to the papers about anything full stop !

[SleightOfMind]

I’m a journalist.
Do be prepared to be outed if you are closely linked to the story.
The reporter you speak to first will do their best to protect you but, realistically, it’s nigh on impossible if you are part of an incendiary news event.
Look for a reporter who has handled stories like yours before and works for a responsible outlet.
Be clear from the outset that you are frightened of being identified and be clear about the details you think will identify you.
If you want to be paid, however, you should expect full exposure.

[Caplin]

@maddy68 hoping that is a joke?

If people didn’t blow the whistle to the papers then tons of scandals would have been buried over the decades, often with help from the police. Meanwhile the protagonists rise to some of the highest profile roles in the land.

It is up to the media to shine a spotlight on that.

[MissMarks]

If they are not famous why do you think it would be in the public interest?

[AncientRainbowABC]

OP I really admire your thought process/intentions here. It’s the right thing to be weighing up.

I’ve never gone to the press myself, but as others have said papers do respect sources. However it’s worth thinking of all the other stuff that might cause you sleepless nights - alternative journalists wanting to dig deeper into the story for example and finding a link to you. Rare but possible. Also, it doesn’t sound like it, but if you’re privy do the information through your job there could be consequences there.

On what you’ve posted, I would go ahead. It sounds public interest and public discourse is even more important in unprecedented times. Especially if it’s around hypocrisy/trust in arguably failing power structure (one rule for X another for the masses).

I too wanted to suggest emailing someone decent anonymously. Or semi-anonymously: call from withheld number and fake email for evidence.

The Chris Whitty Frogmore scenario was very funny. Bravo to the PP who wrote that.

[Fiddlersgreen]

If the person isn’t famous then why would it be “front page news”?
I don’t think you can guarantee anonymity so I’d tread carefully

[JingsMahBucket]

@Sadie789 STOP TALKING. You’ve already given out way too much info.

[TheLashKingOfScotland]

If they're not famous or influential ... and you're relying on third hand information (a friend of a friend) or hearsay then you may not have enough to interest the media.

[KingSheathBelle]

@Sadie789. Long ago I used to work in a job where I had to apply this often, it was my own internal monologue though my boss used to say:

'you are sat in front of a House of Commons Committee, justify your actions'

It certainly focused the mind! I

[Sobeyondthehills]

If you want to be anon, just get a throw away email and post it on an anon site like, for example mumsnet or tattle

You wouldn't be able to provide evidence, but for MNs you might get a reporter contacting you rather than the other way round.

[CorianderLord]

Unless there're a celeb or a political figure, as someone at a paper I can tell you we won't print it. Unless you have proof that's a libel case waiting to happen.

[CorianderLord]

Unless it's like a teacher who's a pervert or something but even then we risk contempt if there's a police case out against them