Candidates frequently make, or leak, wild accusations about opponents, who then scramble around trying to discredit the reports. This is a nightmare for the newsroom as reporters and editors struggle to give voters the vital information in a fair and impartial way.

But do we always print everything we know? Isn't it our job to make judgment calls, to decide what's relevant and print it, leaving unimportant details on the composing-room floor?

How far should a reporter go in making those decisions alone? Offering insight are Joy Franklin, executive editor of the Times News in Hendersonville, N.C.; Tim Gallagher, editor of the Star in Ventura, Calif.; and Stan Tiner, executive editor of the Mobile (Ala.) Press Register.

Joy Franklin

If I believed the reporter didn't think this 20-year-old misdemeanor drug conviction was important or relevant, I would stress the need to share such information with the supervising editor.

I would ask the reporter to confirm the candidate's record and schedule an interview with the candidate. If the candidate protested our decision to do a story or refused to discuss the conviction, I would ask the reporter to point out that a rival already knew and would likely find a way to bring it to light. If the candidate still declined to comment, I would ask the reporter to write the story from the record. In either case, I would ask the reporter to note that the candidate's opposition had told us.

If I thought the reporter didn't share this information because he or she were sympathetic to the candidate, I would reprimand and remove the reporter from covering the election.

Tim Gallagher

The first question is one for the editor and reporter to discuss. The candidate's age at the time of the arrest is one factor in determining if the story gets published and, if so, what prominence is its given. The nature of the charge is also important. Was the candidate selling or receiving the drugs? Finally, has the candidate made a platform out of "Just Say No"?

The political reporter is in trouble. I'd remind the reporter that decisions such as this one are best decided in a group, with the ultimate decision lying with the editor. A reporter won't be asked to defend the decision about whether to publish. The editor or publisher will. If the reporter has a history of hiding such information, there might be reason to send the reporter packing.

Stan Tiner

Then I would have a serious and frank discussion with the political reporter. His or her failure to report the information suggests one of two possible problems: Either the reporter is lacking in news judgment or he or she has allowed personal feelings, leanings or prejudices to overcome good news judgment and concealed pertinent information from the editors, and ultimately the public.

I would explain the necessity of communication and trust among our staff, and the necessity for full disclosure of similar information in the future. Another such mistake would be grounds for dismissal.

Silverberg is executive editor of the Florence (Ala.) TimesDaily. Mail your quandary to P.O. Box 797, Florence, AL 35631 or e-mail it to TimesDaily@aol.com.