Fucking finally!
Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:02 pm by Dr. S
This is what journalism looks like.
After the latest widely-publicized stories in national newspapers about weapons from Iran allegedly killing Americans in Iraq — based completely on unnamed sources — at least one smaller news outlet has had enough of it.
The news director of the public radio station in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has directed his staff to “ignore national stories quoting unnamed sources.” He also called on other news outlets to join this policy.
Bill Dupuy sent the following to his news staff.
Effectively immediately and until further notice, it is the policy of KSFR’s news department to ignore and not repeat any wire service or nationally published story about Iran, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia or any other foreign power that quotes an “unnamed” U.S. official.
What we have suspected and talked about at length before is now becoming clear. “High administration officials speaking on the condition of anonymity,” “Usually reliable Washington sources,” and others of the like were behind the publicity that added credibility to the need to go to war against Afghanistan and Iraq.
Don’t expect any major outlets to follow suit. Imagine where the administration would be if the MSM demanded some of that “accountability” stuff the administration is so fond of talking about.
Damn- this is a great idea and one policy most everyone could agree with- but see how many of the back-scratching MSM (mainly libs like Andrea Mitchell, Russert, Matthews, etc) would not have a single thing to report without the “unnamed source of both stripes”.
Where’d you come across this? Thanks for letting us all know. This, coupled with the Iowa State Senates voting against escalation, could signal a ‘60’s’ like change in how America views this war. I say bravo! It’s about time somebody other than all of us discovered they have a voice and a responsibility to use it.
You get it Al!
If “unnamed” sources had a real interest in the “truth”, then get quoted on it! Go one further KSFR, & don’t RUN any story on unsubstantiated information, regardless of the content.
News hot off the wire from Washington. But now always wearing a condom.
Without it, we don’t really know where this News has been.
“Trust your mother, but cut the cards.” — W.C. Fields
The news director was interviewed on KALW in SF. He said he’s been contacted from all over the word and is frankly shocked that others aren’t following.
They also had a good discussion on unnamed sources:
http://www.yourcallradio.org
It’s the firday show.
Any decent news outlet would report the original
story by saying, more or less:
“Today, three administration officials who insisted
on anonymity made charges against a foreign state
which we cannot in good conscience disseminate,
until those officials allow us to disclose
their identities.