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May 16, 2005

How Do You Retract 17 Deaths?

If you don't know by now, Newsweek printed a claim that U.S. interrogators were using, as one of their tactics, the flushing of the Koran down a toilet. The result was riots and death in Afghanistan.

Way to go Newsweek. But here's something to ponder. They admitted they were wrong. Once upon a time, I believe such an admission would not have been likely. But after Rathergate, the media can no longer hide their mistakes, and they know it. They know, thanks to the blogosphere, that doing so will cost their credibility, and even their jobs. Today, the new strategy is to admit the mistake, ask for forgiveness, and move on. But that might not be enough for Newsweek, because they haven't just smeared the reputation of the U.S. military. People are dead.

From Jackson's Junction, Fox's John Gibson asks "How do you retract 17 deaths?"

Meanwhile, Brian Maloney, formerly of 710 KIRO, notes that Newsweek's radio program is facing the axe from various stations around the country.

Last, but not least, Austin Bay has a nice take on the incident, but only read it if you've got a lot of time, or you've just finished school and have nothing to do but drink and pack up your Jeep Cherokee.

Posted by March at May 16, 2005 02:20 PM