NO, PERO WHY?

The storm photo is from last year.

Quick cases



A dramatic flooded-street photo is circulating with today’s event poster. The earliest version you find is dated last year. There might still be rain today.



LUPA ASKS

What does finding last year’s image tell us, and what does it leave open?



TRY ONE RESPONSE

Say the event is safe because the photo is old.

Debunking one image does not establish today’s conditions or travel safety.



TRY ANOTHER RESPONSE

Explain the photo’s date and check the current event notice separately.

That corrects the evidence without replacing it with a new unsupported conclusion.



MAKE SOMETHING USEFUL

Write a correction that separates the old image from today’s unknowns.



TELL A FRIEND

That photo is old. Today’s conditions are a separate question, so let’s use the current event and travel information.

Say it your way. Keep the supported meaning and the part you still need to check.



READING

Society of Professional Journalists: Verification, context and accountability

https://www.spj.org/spj-code-of-ethics/

Professional ethical guidance is not a statute or a guarantee that a claim is true.



MY NOTES