An interesting discussion occurred in the WIBW newsroom today about the viability of the web site (channel?) Wikipedia as a news source. Is it responsible journalism to reference information found on Wikipedia in a news story? How about linking to Wikipedia from a news story on WIBW.com?

First, for anyone who does not know what Wikipedia is, you can find it by visiting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page and looking around. Essentially, it is an online encyclopedia that is updated by the people who use the web site. If there is any information in doubt, the site clearly lists that. However, that is dependent on someone recognizing incorrect information and informing the site.

My opinion is that it is NOT a viable source. While I am sure Wikipedia strives for accuracy, it cannot be trusted at all times. Therefore, if I was to check information that was wrong (prior to someone informing the site it is wrong) I could use information in a news story that is not only NOT factual, it could be harmful; not to mention lazy.

I cannot say I have never looked at Wikipedia. On the contrary, I have it saved on my computer. It is a good place to double check a fact, or even learn something new about something that interests me. But I will not use it as a primary source for a story, nor would I use it as a source for a paper if I was still in school. its just not 100 percent safe.

Sooo...what do you think? I'll be interested to hear what you have to say.

BQ