Reporting by Google

No, not the company doing the reporting.

Reporters using Google instead of finding out, from horses' mouths, themselves.

It's a worry, especially as It is getting more and more prevalent.

Just last week a forum group I was on noted how at some point a reporter in London had used Google to measure the distance of Weston-super-Mare from Cardiff to demonstrate the size of the pier fire smoke plume: at 60 miles. It is, but only if you drive. If you look across the water it's more like 15. It was taken as 'fact' from the Indy to the Times.

Then there's this: Late-breaking April Fool prangs snoozing Guardianista

So far, so trivial, but as budgets go down as the need for content goes up, one does wonder if this is not a trend to be concerned about.

I have neither the time nor money to go places and check them out to the extent I'd like, so the best I can do is rely on a bit of common sense, being fairly well travelled... and having an eyebrow ready to crank at just about anything these days. But even so, it is getting harder as what might be considered reliable sources of information are now content to source from what might be a poisoned common well.

Truth is the first victim in more than war

Over on Junkk Male RE:view I have had cause to comment already today that the ratings of 'debate' seem more important than actually getting to the truth... or facts.

But then I look at my morning blogs and newsletters and see that is is pretty much across the entire mainstream media estate.

Guardian - Time to stop criticising China - we've already come so far - An interesting position, with perhaps a few flaws worth exploiting. A poster asks what the writers' background is. Fair question. Not saying there is any merit but, how, exactly, does one acquire the status of main, or even 'guest' blogger, and evidently without the possibility of any editorial concern.

Telegraph - Inquiry into television shows funded by ministers - 'Nuff said, shot, edited and served up as...?

You expect government, and indeed any body with an interest to promote, to try all they can, including porkies, to swing their message past us.

But when there is almost no attempt by those media being so used and abused to cut through to the objective cores, and act as informed modertators, they really deserve no more trust than those whose propaganda they carry so willingly and for such dubious ends.

Telegraph - Why is the Home Office funding TV programmes with your money?

Indy - Guy Adams' US Media Diary: The 'scoop' the US papers ignored

Indy - How the Taxpayers' Alliance is making headlines

Brains, facts... and guts. A novel change.

Pity it is but for one day.

Just caught The Andrew Marr show, and and example of why you don't let go of your slot if you can help it.

From cosy fireside chats with mates to a real interview, but temp Zeinab Badawi.

I doubt it will get printed, but:

Wow... you go girl!

I guess you have not been moving in the 'right' circles enough... and certainly might not get invited to the 'right' cocktail parties, but that's how I like my political interviews to happen... even on a Sunday morning.

And as we're on the subject of changes for the better, though still on moving in the 'right' circles, why is Ms. Toynbee the only default pundit of choice? Her stances and opinions over the last year have been so devalued as to make anything she comes out with meaningless.

Plot loss #101

I just watched Mark Thompson on BBC's Newswatch (the few minutes each week they devote at 7.50am on a weekend to atone for cock-ups over 24/7 programming, especially at priem time).

I have been moved to write:

I have just watched this morning's Newswatch.

So, instead of any detail sharing, answering and addressing all the serious issues of reporting, editorial decisions and diverting money from quality news and programming to tat and bonusses, we get the entire story devoted to a smug senior guy from the classic 'BBC in a blazer' tossing us a bone ('maybe there are too many tricksy graphics!!!!') but then essentially dismissing a few easy serves with the usual 'well, I don't think so... and anyway now it is better'. Heavens above, I even heard the derided 'we should learn from...' platitude over/misused by our political classes gaily wheeled out. Plus the outstanding arrogance of telling the 'public' what we are telling them, when by any measure the accolades claimed must be coming from pretty selective sources. A few minutes a week meant for some introspection and we get a party political broadcast for keeping the gravy train running...because, frankly, what can the public really DO about it.

Good try Ray, but... beyond parody.

News driven

First the disclaimer: there is nothing but horror at the act, and sympathy for all those affected (a term that does not do justice to the primary victims) by the crime in Antigua.

And in the great scheme of global medical insurance and international police cooperation I can see how private jets bring victims back for more specialist medical care and complementary detecting support gets flown out to assist in investigation.

But unless we are talking a very well connected bunch of opportunistic bungling burglars I am having trouble fathoming why the ambulance for the surviving spouse needed a police escort from the airport to hospital.

And here is the news... that we'd like to see

One expects certain newspapers, and their employees, to follow certain paths.

However, it seems these days some can wander so far off the track that they simply fall into a crevasse.

This week, Miliband made winning look possible again

Just look at the comments, especially by those asking why one earth they are being subjected to such blatant propaganda as wishful thinking that simply defies logic and insults intelligence. It is so crass that it almost gives credence to the notion that this is indeed some bizarre set-up.

I have to say it is about time some commentators and reporters were given cause to think before they write.

All that glitters is not golden?

Has Brown's reverse Midas touch upset the British Energy takeover deal?

I was idly pondering, and it struck me the reverse of 'Midas' reads 'Sad, 'im'. Seemed appropriate.