Assertion (A): When in doubt, leave it out.  

Reason (R): Time may run out while you try to clarify the doubt. 

(A) Both (A) and (R) are incorrect.  

(B) Both (A) and (R) are correct.  

(C) (A) is correct, (R) is incorrect.  

(D) (A) is incorrect, (R) is correct

Correct Ans: (D)

Explanation:

The assertion (A), “When in doubt, leave it out,” is incorrect. In journalism, accuracy and truth are essential. Journalists should aim to clarify doubts before reporting rather than omitting information altogether. Omitting important details could lead to incomplete or biased reporting, which impacts credibility and trustworthiness. Journalistic integrity demands thorough investigation and fact-checking to ensure the news represents reality.

The reason (R), “Time may run out while you try to clarify the doubt,” is correct. Journalism often operates under tight deadlines. Time constraints can make it challenging to verify every detail before publishing. However, this does not justify leaving out critical information entirely. Instead, journalists should strive to balance accuracy with timeliness. They could acknowledge uncertainties in their reporting while continuing to seek clarity later.

Thus, the correct answer is (D): (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.

In conclusion, while time constraints are a real challenge, responsible journalism requires verifying facts rather than omitting doubtful information. Reporting incomplete stories might save time, but it can damage a journalist’s credibility and lead to misinformation. Clear communication and transparency remain vital even under pressure.