Governor Spitzer

“Client Clean becomes Client 9,” was on the front cover of almost every article in the “Daily News” over the past couple of days.

On March 11th 2008, Eliot Spitzer’s picture, the Governor of New York was visible on every newspaper and magazine in the state. Spitzer was said to be involved in a “high class hooker sting” as stated on the front cover of the “Daily News.” Throughout the week, the “Daily News” has been reporting what they know about the story, but in some cases it may be better to just wait until all the facts are correct.

On March 11th, there were nine pages filled with news on Spitzer. Every article was written about different aspects of the story. On this day, the newspaper did not tell whether or not Spitzer was going to resign yet, it said he was still deciding. On March 11th an article stated that Spitzer paid $5,500 per hour and on March 12th; the article stated that he paid $4,300. Additionally, on March 11th, the “Daily News” said that Spitzer was using his campaign money to pay for Kristen, the hooker; whereas on March 12th it said he was using taxpayer’s money. March 11th’s paper said that Spitzer had a number of clients and specified Kristen in particular. On March 12th, the “Daily News” said he had ten clients and listed ways in which he contacted each of these clients.

On March 14th, there were articles about Spitzer’s resignation from the Governor position and “Kristen’s Story.” This newspaper had articles listing the hottest girls Spitzer had. Additionally, there were some articles about Paterson taking over Spitzer’s role and the fact that he is African American, causing problems. Today, On March 17, 2008, Paterson if officially New York’s new Governor. There are articles in the newspaper today on the fact that Spitzer could have spent tens of thousands on call girls when on March 11th, it was only $5,500 on one.

From March 11th to March 17th, the “Daily News” has been reporting on Governor Spitzer. However, it is safe to say that because they were so quick to get the story out, they got some of their facts wrong. Is it better to wait and get the facts right than to report instantly? In my opinion, I think reporting instantly is what journalists are supposed to do. They are always in competition with each other and therefore need to be on top of it. Additionally, the public should know what is going on as it occurs; journalists can later correct mistaken facts as they did over the past couple of days in the “Daily News.”

“At least now Dianne Sawyer will be able to air her hooker special,” stated the “Daily News.”