Media

Eyes wide shut: The New York Times reports on Egypt

The headline on Page 1 in the 4th of July New York Times proclaimed that “Ambassador Becomes Focus of Egyptians’ Mistrust of U.S.” Ambassador Anne Patterson’s face and name were indeed featured on many signs among the anti-Morsi protesters on Tahrir Square before his ouster by the Egyptian army. But the suggestion that she, and not President Obama, was the “focus” of anti-American rage (for our government’s closeness to and endorsement of Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood party) belies the evidence available from photographs – photographs our paper of record and others in the mainstream media chose to ignore.

Media

St. Louis’ Channel 4 earns plaudits for parade coverage

BY TRIPP FROHLICHSTEIN / Kudos to Channel 4 (KMOV) for its special “Veiled Profit Parade” coverage July 4. It was the perfect combination: broadcast a great civic event for all those who could not make it downtown (or did not want to) and have it paid for by sponsors. The production itself was excellent, with floats stopping in front of the station’s cameras for a good look – and often a musical performance as well. There appears to have been excellent planning between the parade organizers and the Channel 4 producers.

Media

The ‘Who Is a Journalist?’ debate picks up steam, substance

The early shots in the “Who Is a Journalist?” debate, ignited by the Edward Snowden-to-Glenn Greenwald leaks about NSA surveillance, were of lightweight caliber. (See “Who Is a Journalist? The New Republic Tickles but Does Not Tackle the Question,” GJR, June 27.) Now that a couple of journalistic heavyweights have entered the fray, the debate has gained steam and substance. Or, their contributions to it could put an end to what some see as a silly or insidious charade.

Media

Errors show impact of TV station cutbacks

As television stations cut back on people to save money, it shows up on the air with sloppy writing and spelling. Now, mistakes can happen in any media. But I have noticed a significant increase in errors on TV over the last year or two. Like the anchor for St. Louis’ Channel 4 (KMOV) who read a promo on the air ending with, “I don’t know what that means.” Perhaps she should have read it at least once before going on the air.