Craig Crawford: Media should question the motivation and timing of alerts

[highplainsdem]

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2005/10/07/publiceye/entry924555.shtml


CBS News

Public Eye

October 7, 2005

Outside Voices: Craig Crawford Talks Terror Politics And Media Response


<snip>

Sure, we don’t want to discount a threat that might be real and leave citizens vulnerable to danger. But there is also danger in the potential abuse of terror warnings and the crying-wolf syndrome that might set in, causing Americans to tune out alerts when they most need to be heard. Look at the demise of the color-coded alert system. It was basically scrapped because the public came to regard it as overused and silly, just more fodder for late-night comics.

The news media should be aggressive and skeptical from the outset about the possibility of manipulation in these moments, so that public officials are not tempted to play games with terror threats as yet another news management tool.

Instead, we have an environment that spooks reporters and their bosses off this trail, especially when the alerts are first announced, because they know that the politicians will attack them for being callous, or worse, treasonous.

But if the public stops buying politically-motivated attacks on the media, we could do our job and the truth might have a better chance.

<snip>


Crawford was openly skeptical on Countdown last night, too -- as was Olbermann -- but it's great to have his thoughts in writing on this already.

The column should be required reading for everyone in the media, as well as those who aren't.

[Coexist]

1. any video of this Countdown slot?

I want to see it. I love that show.

[highplainsdem]

2. I'm checking. Haven't been able to find any yet.

This column Crawford did for CBS makes what he has to say on the subject clearer, though.

[highplainsdem]

3. kick

[me b zola]

4. I wonder if any of Craig's peers will listen to his words of wisdom

~from the article~

Pardon my skepticism at the breathless warnings on Thursday of yet another “specific threat” to our safety – in this case, the danger to New York City subway riders. This one could be quite real, and I don’t necessarily quarrel with that.

But I worry at how the news media seems to feel forced to take these dire warnings at face value despite the pattern of politicians provoking these episodes at suspiciously opportune moments. Most memorable was the time last summer when we heard warnings of terror attacks on the East Coast – announced just as the Democrats wrapped up their national convention in Boston and sent presidential nominee John Kerry on the road for what they hoped would be a high-profile launch of his general election campaign.

It later turned out that the terror alert that overshadowed Kerry’s launch was based on outdated intelligence, raising suspicion that it was done for political reasons and had little to do with public safety.

Yesterday we heard about possible attacks in New York just hours after the President delivered a tough-talking speech about the dangers we face from terrorists. And the subway story stepped on breaking news that White House political boss Karl Rove would again testify to a Grand Jury. How convenient!

~more~



Wolf's show today was working overtime selling fear. Earlier reports from people on the subway were that people were going on about their day not giving the threats much thought. As the day wore on, The Situation Room ran a few pieces where they found passengers who were a bit more nervous. I wonder how many people they had to interview to find a couple who were buying into the fear. :shrug:

Thank goodness for the few sane voices in the media. I really like Craig, he gets a big thumbs up for being a voice of reason. :thumbsup:

[highplainsdem]

5. I really like Craig, too. I was hoping he might be on Countdown again

this evening, but Keith isn't even on.

[me b zola]

6. I've noticed a pattern on Countdown

If KO does a knock out piece that goes against the corporate grain, he is not on the next day, sometimes for several days. I am not sure if he comes out strong when he knows that he is going to have days off, but my suspicion is that he gets taken to the principal's office for a whacking.

Notice that not only was KO not there today, but half of the show was dedicated to fear mongering, the same kind of fear mongering that he was challenging other journalist to stear clear of. Hmmmm.


Yes, those who dare to speak out do so at great peril to their careers. What kind of inner conflict that must be. Not only for self-interest, but also knowing that if they are silenced who would be left to speak out.

[texpatriot2004]

7. It seems that the media is played like a fiddle where these

TERRA alerts are concerned.