Posted on 01/04/2006 3:57:30 AM PST by Erik Latranyi
Once again, the MSM (mainstream media)has exposed its complete lack of credibility, decency, morality and integrity.
The story this morning of the trapped West Virginia miners is just another example of how our primary sources of information cannot be trusted.
Let's face facts, folks....even here at FR, we get our information from the MSM. However, by assembling many sources and then testing those sources against the combined experiences of those on this forum, we determine whether a particular story passes the smell test.
However, in order to separate the wheat from the chaff, we must still have some faith in some of the sources of stories we read. Unfortunately, that faith is continually shaken by the exposing of media bias, sloppiness, immorality, etc.
What appears to have happened this morning with the trapped miners story is that some members of the media were in the vicinity of the command post when the radio call from the mine came back that the miners were found.
It was from that single thread of information that the story appeared to break out that the miners were all found alive. Even the governor, who stated he had to ask his security detail what was going on , was not aware of the breaking story that all 12 remaining miners were found alive. You see, the governor was in the church with the families. A single family member received a phone call from someone watching the news that it is was being reported that all 12 remaining miners were found alive. That family member announced the news to the others in the church and then the bells started ringing.
The media will hide behind the "unconfirmed report" label that was ignored. The media will refuse to take responsibility (most are liberals after all) for toying with the lives and hearts of the families of those who were lost. The media will refuse to acknowledge any need to show concern for those waiting nearly 2 days for news about their loved ones, but will talk about the need to be first with the story.
Just like Hurricane Katrina reports about rapes and murders and 10,000 dead, the media has demonstrated that facts do not matter.
Just like on 9-11, when the media was reporting at least 10,000 dead in the twin towers.
Just like, just like, just like..........
So, let us use this space to compile a list of the media mistakes. Let us make this the news and let us refer back to this thread whenever a news story breaks and our "trusted" sources get it wrong----again.
I agree, while it is extremely sad, I don't believe the MSM is too blame this time. The families were given wrong information, it was info they desperately wanted to hear, who can blame them, it was a very emotionally charged situation, the families were actually heard and seen by the media, they reported what they were seeing and hearing.
That said that was terrible and should be investigated as to who told the families they were alive, it wasn't the MSM.
Very very sad and heartbreaking, God Bless the families.
It's probably not greed motivating them. Anger at the death of their loved ones and looking for somewhere to focus that anger. I think it might just be a coping reflex at this point. Could be wrong tho.
That had nothing to do with the media. That originated with Chief Moose.
And those of us driving white vans with roof racks in Virginia were not happy, I assure you. I pulled into a gas station in Waynesboro that Fall, and there was a similar van on the other side of the pump from mine. The other driver and I eyed each other warily before laughing it off and suggesting we start a convention.
But I digress. Let us continue bashing the media for the instances when they were reporting mistaken events or information that had already been disseminated for public consumption from other sources.
Every day, Fox News becomes more and more mainstream. Very disappointing.
The post mortem I'm reading indicated the media said "unconfirmed reports," and the media is inclined to blame the command center for not acting faster to correct the unconfirmed report.
The media was an unwitting part of the rumor mill, the megaphone part, a positive feedback loop where the word "unconfirmed" was quickly lost is the euphoria.
Let's hope so.
So they should have not gone with the information they were given?
Suing whom, I have no idea but it hardly seemed like grief for a lost parent but rather an opportunity to cash in on a tragedy.
The media talks about mine violations with little or no mention of the fact that the mine has been under new owners for 30 days.
Actually- Bill Hemmer (around 5:30ish) on FOX is the only newsman I've heard take any responsibility for this. He said he felt ashamed at the reporting of mis-information. He was really taking stock of himself.
And it shouldn't take too long to find a jury of neanderthals to send them into bankrupcy.
I think that you are right. Someone gave information based on assumptions of calls overheard.
Just heard the WABC newsreader discussing criminal prosecutions with the odious hatemongering Ron Kuby.
I will say if this was done to me.....I would sue their asses off also.
No matter what though....thoughts and prayers to those families
They are falling all over themselves this morning trying to backpeddle.
All these news agencies want to be first! when news breaks (that's understandable)....but to plunge headlong without confirming is unprofessional.
I started wondering at this 'wonderful' news around 1AM when the supposed press conference didn't happen.
I thought, if the news is so great, why aren't they having a pr moment just to say they're alive.
But I too was caught up in the 'good news' because FOX's Bill Kemmer and a couple others said it was true.
FOX is getting some angry emails this AM....they admitted.
Thanks, that is good to know that there are grownups at FNC
Posters at FR always attack the media when the incorrect reports are in opposition to our built in biases. However, many here are quick to back media reports when they favor our position or biases even when the reports are later shown to be incorrect.
They can't get very far. The new owner acquired this company in November and the new owner has been cutting down the number of safety issues since taking over.
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