If you call someone out, or if a source calls out someone else, allow that person/organization a chance to respond.
For example, if a candidate criticizes their opponent, allow their opponent to respond to the criticism. If there is news about an organization, allow them a chance to share their point of view.
You should report your attempt in one of four ways as appropriate. I’ll use an example of Acme Company’s stock price having the sharpest fall on the Zendorf Stock Exchange in one day:
1. “A spokesperson for Acme was not immediately available to comment.” (Report this way when you had a fast approaching deadline and your phone call or email weren't returned within an hour or two.)
2. “A spokesperson for Acme did not respond to repeated requests for comment.” (Report this way when your phone call and email weren’t returned after several hours or a day—depending on your publication cycle)
3. “A spokesperson for Acme declined to comment.” (Pretty much speaks for itself)
4. Acme spokesman Winston Smith said the company is "continually reviewing operations in order to best serve shareholders and customers." He added, “We’re excited about the new products our R&D team has ready for launch next quarter.” (Or whatever their response might be.)
Here are some stories that show great examples of this:
Company to lay off many workers and sell properties:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-illinois-layoffs-20131212,0,4666988.story
Incident in parking lot after football game. After quoting police extensively, reporter gives chance for both stadium authority and team to respond:
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24715325/stabbings-fights-after-broncos-game-at-mile-high-denver
A spokesman for a city being sued is given the chance to respond:
http://news.adventist.org/all-news/news/go/2013-09-19/adventist-church-files-lawsuit-against-us-city-for-blatant-religious-liberty-violation/
For example, if a candidate criticizes their opponent, allow their opponent to respond to the criticism. If there is news about an organization, allow them a chance to share their point of view.
You should report your attempt in one of four ways as appropriate. I’ll use an example of Acme Company’s stock price having the sharpest fall on the Zendorf Stock Exchange in one day:
1. “A spokesperson for Acme was not immediately available to comment.” (Report this way when you had a fast approaching deadline and your phone call or email weren't returned within an hour or two.)
2. “A spokesperson for Acme did not respond to repeated requests for comment.” (Report this way when your phone call and email weren’t returned after several hours or a day—depending on your publication cycle)
3. “A spokesperson for Acme declined to comment.” (Pretty much speaks for itself)
4. Acme spokesman Winston Smith said the company is "continually reviewing operations in order to best serve shareholders and customers." He added, “We’re excited about the new products our R&D team has ready for launch next quarter.” (Or whatever their response might be.)
Here are some stories that show great examples of this:
Company to lay off many workers and sell properties:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-illinois-layoffs-20131212,0,4666988.story
Incident in parking lot after football game. After quoting police extensively, reporter gives chance for both stadium authority and team to respond:
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24715325/stabbings-fights-after-broncos-game-at-mile-high-denver
A spokesman for a city being sued is given the chance to respond:
http://news.adventist.org/all-news/news/go/2013-09-19/adventist-church-files-lawsuit-against-us-city-for-blatant-religious-liberty-violation/
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