The Journalist Who Actually Apologized
If only CNN, the Washington Post, and lots of others would follow
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This is the second newsletter accompanying Episode 21. To see why it’s called “Hack-pocrisy,” be sure to check out the previous newsletter. Also, read on to learn how to access just about any news article online for free…
On They Stand Corrected, I point out a lot of falsehoods spewed by mainstream media, and the systemic problems behind them. Recently, a prominent journalist actually apologized for something she said involving Israel, Trump, and Netanyahu. Unfortunately, she posted the apology on Twitter with comments open, which allowed haters to jump in. But we should all note how unusual it is for a journalist these days to actually take responsibility for getting something wrong. PBS’ Judy Woodruff showed that it can be done.
Also in this episode, what The Guardian left out of its story about the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American hostage in Gaza, when they spoke at the Democratic National Convention.
ICYMI, here’s video of their powerful speech:
And the crowd chanting “Bring Them Home.”
Something many of us have been chanting since last year.
What you can do
Judy’s apology should make the rest of the media feel pressured to apologize for their far worse falsehoods. Instead, they leave most of their most egregious mistakes up, and never acknowledge them. See, for example, CNN’s bonkers lie that I reported on.
When you see lies coming from the media, search for the email addresses of the top executives, and send a note like this, below. CC me at this address: josh@joshlevs.com. It can make a big difference in how they respond.
Recently, PBS’ Judy Woodruff apologized for getting something wrong. Meanwhile, your news agency has done far worse. (Include one or more examples.) Why have you not corrected and apologized for this/these? As Josh Levs explains in his podcast They Stand Corrected, all news agencies have a responsibility to correct any and all falsehoods, and to fix the systemic problems behind those falsehoods.
A faster step you can take: Send me links! Let me know things that you want me to fact check. And I reach out to news executives all the time. I know for a fact that some are listening, because I keep hearing from people in major news organizations.
Paid subscribers: Post links in comments or message me. Everyone else can find a form at my website. Also for paid subscribers, this exclusive content:
Thanks,
JL