“Reporting the facts accurately is the cornerstone of our journalism,” an ABC News representative told the L.A. Times. “As he acknowledged on Sunday, Matt Gutman’s initial reporting was not accurate and failed to meet our editorial standards.”
Gutman’s was one of multiple false reports from Sunday as a number of outlets carelessly rushed to find breaking news. Gutman conceded the error in a later televised report, also tweeting the correction with an apology to viewers and Bryant’s family.
“We are in the business of holding people accountable,” Gutman said according to the L.A. Times. “And I hold myself accountable for a terrible mistake, which I deeply regret. I want to personally apologize to the Bryant family for this wrenching loss and any additional anguish my report caused.”
The 42-year old reporter has been with ABC News since 2008. The length of Gutman’s suspension has not been announced.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
