In the ever-evolving world of digital media, where each click and comment counts, a brewing controversy is shining a spotlight on ethical journalism and proper attribution. Big Bend Times, the respected newcomer in the region, has taken issue with the recent actions of Rod D’Amico, the Managing Editor of Big Bend Sentinel and a contributor to Texas Monthly.
The controversy began when D’Amico referenced comments from a social media post by Big Bend Times in a recent Texas Monthly article without properly attributing them. This omission raised eyebrows in the tight-knit journalistic community of the Big Bend region, and Big Bend Times was quick to request that the comments be correctly credited to their publication.
Big Bend Times’ Facebook post linking to its article about the arrival of shipping containers which would soon be arranged into a “Sleeping Figure” sculpture, had sparked a flurry of 472 comments, many of which were critical of the installation. D’Amico’s Texas Monthly piece referred to this as a “local Facebook post,” which, according to Big Bend Times, didn’t accurately represent the context. The comments in question were in response to Big Bend Times’ reporting on the subject, and the post on their Facebook page linked to an article about the installation.
D’Amico’s initial response to Big Bend Times’ request was far from conciliatory, suggesting they should be focusing their efforts elsewhere and questioning their journalistic ethics. In contrast, Big Bend Times maintained their stance, emphasizing the importance of proper context and attribution.
This incident has raised questions about journalistic integrity and the responsibilities of media outlets to provide accurate context and credit when referencing content from others. The dispute also highlights the role of digital media in today’s news landscape and the challenges it presents.
Big Bend Times, established just this year, has quickly become a digital leader in the region, amassing an impressive online following. With over 101,800 reactions, 93,900 comments, and 3,000 shares on their Facebook page in the last 30 days, they have demonstrated their influence and engagement within the local community.
D’Amico, with his extensive journalism background, was recently appointed as the Managing Editor of Big Bend Sentinel, a longstanding print publication that competes with the digital-only Big Bend Times. This move marked a significant change in leadership within the local media landscape.
As the controversy continues to brew, the issue of proper attribution and ethical reporting in the digital age remains at the forefront. Big Bend Times has called for accountability and hopes to see their comments appropriately credited in the Texas Monthly piece. The incident serves as a reminder that even in the world of fast-paced digital media, accuracy, ethics, and integrity should always be paramount.
