By Deborah Howell
Washington Post
Published 8/19/2007
Excerpt:
Bob Steele, an ethics scholar at the Poynter Institute, which trains journalists, said: "Quotes should accurately and authentically reflect the words used in an interview. If we start changing words inside quote marks, then we raise questions about all other quotes. We will increase the distrust factor about the veracity of our journalism."
It boils down to this: Be honest with readers. That's what Post policy requires. But it doesn't mean reporters need to put every "huh" or "ya know" into a quote or to embarrass someone whose English skills are sparse.
