Writing to the journo concerned is a good idea IMO. I have followed suit.
Hello Phil
The standards of journalism have certainly deteriorated over the last decade or so. The most obvious example of this is the ‘sensationalist’ approach’ where the overuse of adjectives and sometimes adverbs distorts the basic facts of a story.
However, I assumed that journalists scrupulously researched their material to make sure that even though their view might be inflammatory and/or polarising at least it was based on fact. Sadly, Phil, this is not the case in your article on illegal firearms.
Now that said, the first part of your report, where you diligently reported the facts was an example of good journalism, stating things exactly as they happened. Unfortunately, you found it necessary to get some quotes from ‘experts’ and you quoted them verbatim without checking their veracity. What you were quoted was incorrect (I have research from a valid source to support it) and I would have expected you to examine what you were told to make sure it was accurate.
I imagine that others have contacted you to also express their dismay about the accuracy of what you wrote.
I’m happy to supply that research if you wish to thoroughly check it out and publish a retraction.