You be the Editor

For three weeks there has been a persistent rumor in the business community that a local manufacturing firm plans to lay off up to one-quarter of its work force. Your reporter checks it out from all angles but the best sources come up with nothing. Although baseless, the rumor persists.

Do you:

A.  True or not, you believe the rumor is news because it's so widespread. You ask that a story be written reporting it is a rumor and also that no basis in fact can be found.

B.  You decide to print no story because some readers may interpret it as a sneaky way of hinting the rumor may be true. Also, publishing non-news about a baseless rumor seems irresponsible.