Updating The News
Poynter, Tuesday, July 5, 2011 2 PM
Should news sites show readers every time they update a story? Poynter's Steve Myers examines the question in detail. For example, readers can lose out when "a witness' account in a developing news story disappears when it's replaced by the version that appears in the next day's paper."
One suggestion: show -- or provide links to -- alternate versions of a story. However, while "this transparency [could] bolster media credibility... it could also strengthen arguments that the media can't keep its stories straight," writes Myers.
Also, a "simple comparison between two versions of a news story will show what was changed, but it won't tell people why. Explaining these revisions, some of which editors would consider trivial, would create more work; ignoring readers' questions would alienate them and raise more suspicions."
Read the whole story at Poynter »
One suggestion: show -- or provide links to -- alternate versions of a story. However, while "this transparency [could] bolster media credibility... it could also strengthen arguments that the media can't keep its stories straight," writes Myers.
Also, a "simple comparison between two versions of a news story will show what was changed, but it won't tell people why. Explaining these revisions, some of which editors would consider trivial, would create more work; ignoring readers' questions would alienate them and raise more suspicions."
Recent Around the Net In Media Articles
-
In Memorium: 'Smash' Departs Sunday May 24, 3:40 p.m.
Jason Lynch chronicles the rapid demise and death of NBC’s “Smash,” from its hot start to ... -
Fox's Roger Ailes: 'We Stand Proud And Fearless' May 24, 3:40 p.m.
Fox News chief Roger Ailes has sent a memo to his subordinates at the leading cable ... -
Turner's Wakshlag: TV Creates 'Frankenmetrics,' Needs Focus May 24, 11:24 a.m.
Turner Broadcasting System chief research officer Jack Wakshlag said the TV industry is creating complicated, useless ... -
Discovery Network Launches Video Network Aimed At Young Men May 23, 1:17 p.m.
Discovery Network is looking to snare a young, male-centric audience online with the launch of its ... -
'Inquirer' Staffers Charge Philly.com With Cannibalizing May 23, 1:17 p.m.
“It’s basically outright warfare going on,” says one source. “None of us wanted to be part of ... -
CBS Adds 'Bad Teacher' Series May 23, 11:32 a.m.
CBS' plan for five new sitcoms for the upcoming season just moved to six. The network ... -
Cable Network Name Changes Could Mean Drama for Pay-TV Operators May 22, 4:38 p.m.
Cable networks are changing their names in an effort to grab more viewers and advertising dollars. ... -
ESPN Layoffs Could Number 300-Plus May 22, 4:38 p.m.
ESPN is axing a single-digit percentage of its global workforce, a move that could pink-slip 300-plus ... -
CBS Nets Tony Awards Through 2018 May 22, 11:51 a.m.
CBS has reached a new broadcast agreement with the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing ... -
TV Networks Concerned Over Nontraditional Competition May 21, 5:09 p.m.
The day has come when TV networks not only have to compete with fellow networks with ...
Be the first to comment on "Updating The News "
Leave a Comment