Final answer:
Determining newsworthiness is a critical step when delivering bad news within an organization, reflecting ethical communication and the potential impacts on privacy and reputation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person must deliver bad news within an organization, it is indeed essential to first determine whether the negative information is newsworthy. This concept aligns with responsible communication and ethical journalism practices. Newsworthiness dictates that not all information is suitable for public dissemination; when dealing with sensitive subjects such as private individuals, accuracy, and the potential impact on reputation must be considered carefully.
Moreover, the rise of online media platforms and the decline of traditional newspapers have resulted in news sources becoming more fractured, with each segment of the audience choosing what it aligns with, potentially reducing the breadth and balance once prevalent in broad-based reporting. The implications of publishing without due consideration can include damage to reputations, as illustrated by the case of Katie Holmes, where an inaccuracy led to a lawsuit and settlement. Therefore, establishing the newsworthiness and truthfulness of information is a critical first step in the process of delivering bad news.