Yesterday, a Grindavík resident shared footage of a RÚV photographer trying to enter her evacuated home, sparking disapproval on social media. RÚV and the involved photographer subsequently issued apologies, acknowledging that the actions violated the news organisation’s ethical standards.
Not in line with ethical standards
Yesterday afternoon, a Grindavík resident shared footage from her Ring camera of a RÚV photographer attempting to enter her home, which had been evacuated owing to ongoing geological unrest in the area: “A journalist walked up to my house earlier today, took pictures, tried to open doors, and then looked for a key!” Incensed by the incident, the woman requested that journalists leave the homes of Grindavík residents “alone.”
RÚV subsequently expressed its regret over the incident and offered an apology to the residents of the house and to the people of Grindavík. Heiðar Örn Sigurfinnsson, News Director of RÚV, emphasised that the behaviour was not in line with RÚV’s code of ethics:
“Our journalists have strived to report on the events in Grindavík with respect for the residents and their properties. The practices seen in the video do not reflect the editorial guidelines or the ethos of the newsroom. We have traced the incident back to a misunderstanding and haste at the scene, but will subsequently review our procedures and guidelines, emphasising to all field reporters the importance of respecting the privacy and properties of Grindavík residents, and not causing them any more discomfort or distress than they are already experiencing.”
Photographer apologises
Following RÚV’s press release, the photographer in question, Ragnar Visage, apologised for his behaviour on social media:
“Dear friends, as I am probably the most unpopular person of the day, I sincerely apologise for my behaviour in Grindavík today. I was in a complete rush, and I was the only one left in town (apart from the first responders), and I was asked to capture indoor footage. In a moment of utter thoughtlessness, and amidst all the chaos, it seemed most straightforward to try to enter the nearest house. Idiotic, I know! I have received considerable reprimands from rescue workers, understandably, and have sincerely apologised to them. This behaviour is in no way in line with the principles of RÚV or the spirit in which the newsroom operates.”
