You know, I thought the same thing. At first, I thought this piece was some kind of satire. It seemed too bizarre to be real. Mark Steyn had another column once (it's in his book, that's where I read it) about the preference of reporters to "ponder" rather than report the facts. I recall him ascribing a lot of shoddy journalism to the reluctance of reporters to "get their shoes a little dirty" and actually seek out facts; they'd rather have a little bit of facts and then endlessly ponder their "meaning." He actually came out in a somewhat spirited defense of tabloid journalism. It's a very good column. I think he really has a solid take on the failings of mainstream journalism today.
He has only published one book as of yet, right?
I think I need to both get the old one, as well as the upcomming book.
I need to read that coloumn, as I am about to start my journalism studies and I need the Master's take.
Cheers.