Is the competition in the mainstream media worldwide causing a drop in standards? I’m beginning to think so. Look at the coverage of some recent events.
Georgia vs. Russia. Who invaded and who acted in self defence? Many TV reports carried voice-cuts from persons identified as victims. Local officials and persons with authority in the regions were conspicuously absent. It is however possible that they were not available. Even with a multitude of reporters seemingly camping out at every checkpoint in Georgia, the picture is still hazy.
Plane crash in Madrid. Unsubstantiated figures were being quoted for at least a day before the government figure of nineteen survivors was given. Why the rush to quote a figure before it is authoritatively known. Competition no doubt.
Right now it’s the Obama VP. Who will it be? Speculation is rife. Free Press calls it ‘what passes for big time political journalism’. Read all about it here …