Worse than not news

Who, what, when, where, how, and, if independently verifiable, why are the hallmarks of journalism. At least, so I was taught when I first encountered the concept in school. If the story did not contain the first five, then the story was incomplete. The sixth element was allowable only if it could be ascertained by one or more sources independent of involvement in the incident.

News: A three alarm fire that has been claimed to be arson by a Fire Department Investigator, was brought to the attention of authorities around ten o’clock last night. The fire, which appears to have been started on the loading docks, located at the back of the old paint factory on Second and Maple Streets, created the need to evacuate the surrounding neighborhood. Any tips leading to conviction of the perpetrators would be eligible for rewards.

Not News: It was horrible. People were told to leave their homes. The city needs your help.

Worse than not News: The big fire yesterday, which anonymous sources say was set by Joe Blow who hates the owner, was bad for everybody. The big fire today is bigger than the big fire last night, so it will get worse for everybody. Any information that puts Joe Blow in jail will get the informant money.

On matters of most import, the major American media becomes more and more exemplified by the third example. Instead of news we get opinion and/or propaganda. The same lies that the news used to cheer lead the drumbeats that got us into war with Iraq are now beating the drums for war with Iran. This in behalf of a nation that has no constitution. American news quickly assigned blame for the latest assassination in Lebanon to Syria. Why wait for facts or even ask who else might be responsible.

Now, into the circle file...