However I also see some problems with two-party recordings if tapes are used
in evidence, not just because they can be doctored, but because one party is
prewarned and can be more cautious in the conversation, while the other isn't.
I think this is a real problem.
However, I don't believe this really applies to journalism -- except when the
other party is deliberately trying to mislead the journalist. A lot of
interview recording by journalists used to be to prove to your editor that you
had an accurate quote -- that you were right when complaints were later made
about journalistic distortion.
In my experience this happens quite a lot.
--
Stewart Fist - writer and columnist
See http://www.newsit.com.au/index_opinion.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/http/sfist/ (some archives)
http://www.electric-words.com (main archives)
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