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Ear to the Ground

Top Reporter: Stop Reporting Pols’ PR Events, Photo Ops

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Posted on Jul 14, 2006
Mission Accomplished
From hammeroftruth.com

Washington Post reporter Walter Pincus, one of the few traditional media reporters to have forcefully challenged Bush’s prewar claims on WMDs, has called for a moratorium on publishing government statements “that are designed solely as a public relations tool,” like ones where the president speaks before backgrounds that read “Mission Accomplished” or “Restoring America’s Values.”

Walter Pincus at Nieman Watchdog:

... A new element of courage in journalism would be for editors and reporters to decide not to cover the President’s statements when he—or any public figure—repeats essentially what he or she has said before. The Bush team also has brought forward another totally PR gimmick: The President stands before a background that highlights the key words of his daily message. This tactic serves only to reinforce that what’s going on is public relations—not governing. Journalistic courage should include the refusal to publish in a newspaper or carry on a TV or radio news show any statements made by the President or any other government official that are designed solely as a public relations tool, offering no new or valuable information to the public.

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By Salsa, July 16, 2006 at 6:24 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

Stop the polls that show Bush is the worst President in the history of the United States?

Say it ain’t so!!

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By Vietnam Vet, July 16, 2006 at 1:08 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

Right on Walter! But, unfortunately, I doubt that many, if any, are going to listen. They are far too involved in preserving their career, not offending this sad administration, or just don’t have the guts that is required to follow your advice. In today’s world, the only ones taking your advice are the bloggers, who are quick to comment on the PR efforts of this administration and call them for what they are. Given that situation, I predict that many of these so called journalists are simply contributing to their own demise!

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By DvCm, July 15, 2006 at 12:21 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

Bless his rational little heart - but it’s ‘way too late to stop that locomotive. Do you remember how long the issue of press releases posing as real news lasted?  I thank Mr Pincus for publicly pointing out that grandstanding and manipulation are what the media are covering as ‘news’ these days, and I hope that his point makes it through to at least one editor or station manager or news producer who is ready to say, “Enough!”.

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