1. Justify Schmitz’ decision to go to his editors, who work for the same organization that broadcasts This American Life, asking to reinvestigate the story.
2. Was the retraction that Ira Glass provided ethically justifiable? Why or why not?
3. Many reporters work in countries where they do not speak the native language. What are the risks to accurate reporting when the individual journalist does not understand the words that are being spoken? Should translators receive some byline or on-air credit for their assistance with such coverage?
4. How should journalists treat sources that lie to them, particularly after the lie has been discovered?
5. Is Mike Daisy right – even when his facts were wrong? Was the overall story “true”? What definition of truth do you use in responding to this question?
6. Is “fake but accurate” a strong defense for a media outlet?