Should News Media Test School Security?

Since the Columbine high school massacre, any violent or potentially violent incident at or near a school draws media attention. Community members read, listen, and watch with interest the news accounts of the incidents.

Because school security incidents are so newsworthy, some news media have begun conducting their own tests of security at schools in the area their medium serves.

The question is: Should news media test school security?

At its website Poynteronline, The Poynter Institute provides two different journalistic perspectives. The website links readers to the decision-making processes two different media outlets used. One outlet chose to test, the other chose not to test. Both sides are worth reading.