Media ethics
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Wednesday, November 11th, 2009The news should be made as interesting as possible, but no more. (With apologies to Einstein, who’s often quoted as the source for the saying that “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler”. Ironically, it seems he didn’t say that at all, but something much less simple: “It can scarcely be […]
Bad English
Thursday, October 29th, 2009Let me get this straight: TVNZ7 scripted this ad? What were they thinking? I must say, my first response was the same as Graeme Edgeler’s: this might be an “election programme” under the Broadcasting Act. It’s an offence to broadcast a promo that “advocates support for a candidate or for a political party”. Interestingly, the […]
What’s wrong with trial by media?
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009I get irked by those who rail against “trial by media” as if it’s some general category of wrongdoing. Yes, some reporting of allegedly criminal conduct is unfair, inaccurate or unbalanced, and some may even prejudice an accused person’s right to a fair trial. In such cases, we should by all means criticise the reporting […]
Carter-Rucked
Monday, October 19th, 2009Heavy-hitting UK libel law firm Carter-Ruck has been getting some bad press lately. The Guardian reported that Carter-Ruck (famously referred to as “Carter-Fuck” by its nemesis Private Eye) had gagged it from reporting Parliamentary proceedings. What’s more, the gagged material related to a report concerning a toxic waste spill by giant oil company Trafigura. And […]
Not quite…
Sunday, July 12th, 2009The Herald On Sunday has a story on the Solicitor-General’s investigation of blogs and social networking sites that are commenting on the Clayton Weatherston trial in ways that may prejudice the trial. I’m quoted explaining the reason for the law of contempt, and also as saying it has nothing to do with shutting down freedom […]
Muckhacking
Friday, July 10th, 2009For anyone who’s missed it: a fascinating expose of journalistic practices at News of the World. They hire private investigators to illegally hack public figures’ mobile phones; try to pass it off as a one-off lapse by a rogue journalist if caught out; and if sued pay out enormous sums as hush money in confidential […]
The Bain of the media?
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009Team David has set up a very professional looking website, including a Bain blog, to raise funds for him. The site credits TV3, TVNZ and the NZ Herald for “their support in making this site possible.” I suspect that their role was restricted to allowing the site to use some photos. I hope so, anyway. […]
Karla Cardno’s dad suppression case: not much of an issue
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009You might have caught me on TV3 last night explaining that it was worth a shot for Karla Cardno’s dad and his new wife to seek name suppression for their sex charges on the grounds that they’re going to get extra publicity given the notoriety of those past (but unconnected) events. If you’re het up […]
Northern Exposé
Sunday, May 31st, 2009From the third season of Northern Exposure: Maurice Minnifield (local magnate and Cicely’s newspaper proprietor): You give ’em what they want. That’s the role of journalism. Joel Fleishman: No, Maurice, that’s the role of professional wrestling.
Disappointing commentary
Tuesday, April 7th, 2009When a batsman gets out, I think most of us can figure out how he’s feeling. Do we really need to be told, almost every single time, “he’ll be disappointed with that”? Oh, and when did “average” and “ordinary” become synonyms for “awful”?
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