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Journalists! What do you do when you think a contributor is lying to you?

5 replies

MrsMerryHenry · 29/01/2009 13:26

I've been chatting to someone about a project she established, which could work well as a package on a radio programme. She then told me that she was the mother of a well-known British musician, which would make a great hook for this piece (and it would mean I can pitch it to two stations instead of just one). However there's not much on the internet about who this musician's mother is, only one article in a broadsheet contradicting everything she told me (about the musician's place of birth, country of origin and mother's name).

I've tried to get hold of the musician's record company but bizarrely there are no contact details on their website (it's his own company and his previous company haven't replied to my messages).

Also I still think the project (without the star connection) in itself is worth pursuing, but I am now wary of whether she's telling the truth.

So what do you advise? (can you tell I'm a newbie):

  1. Drop the whole thing
  2. Tell her what I've found out and ask her in a subtle way for more evidence of her claim to be related to this chappie
  3. Is there any other route I can use to find the record company details? Maybe a register of some sort?

Your advice is much appreciated!

OP posts:
MrsMerryHenry · 29/01/2009 14:46

bump

OP posts:
Nancy66 · 29/01/2009 18:27

Why don't you ask her if it would be possible for you and the musician to have a quick chat on the phone and whether she can facilitate this?

If she isn't able to sort that out then I would steer clear.

It's sound like her project and not yours and if she is at the helm (and a compulsive liar) then she's probably not somebody you want to work with. If she's flakey and you can't deliver the goods then you will look unprofessional.

morningpaper · 29/01/2009 18:33

could you ask her for a photo or two 'for the piece'?

is he on Facebook? Friend him and ask or message him

jeanjeannie · 29/01/2009 20:36

I'd always ask someone for the details - numbers to contact these people so you could take it further.

Any contributors I've used need to supply me with the package - so I / or another editor (I'm written word journo)can fact-check the piece.

I agree with Nancy66 - sounds like she's supplying the goods and is in control - so you need to ensure that if it's also got your name attached then she hands over the 'evidence'! Good luck

MrsMerryHenry · 02/02/2009 21:36

Nice suggestions, girls, those are all great and I may just use them all. Thanks!

xx

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