Today, I received a breaking news alert from CNN stating that Congresswoman Stephanie Jones Tubbs had died. I checked Bloomberg News and The Cleveland Plain Dealer, which said the same thing. Ten minutes later, they went back to stating that she is in critical condition. So, which is it? It is a sad time when you cannot trust any “reputable” media outlets. The “scandalous” papers are now breaking news faster and more accurately — John Edwards anyone? Who can we trust? Are accuracy and journalism mutually exclusive? I bet Ms. Jones Tubbs family thinks so.
This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2008.
I think you are tackling two separate yet important issues. The first is that traditional news sources are in such fierce competition with new online news sources that vigorous fact-checking is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Being the first to report a breaking news story has replaced accuracy and investigative journalism as a priority.
Secondly, many people are citing the John Edwards story to justify their own previously-held belief that the media protects liberals and attacks conservatives. If you honestly think the tabloids are more “fair and balanced” because The National Enquirer broke the Edwards scandal, feel free to use those rags as your primary source of news.
I’ll stick with publications that have proven track records of journalistic integrity. And that list includes The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Keep writing, Nsenga. I always find your essays thought provoking.