Speed kills accuracy

Tue., Jan. 3, 2017

With all the talk about “fake news” lately, I find it ironic the biggest recent fake news story was the one about Cathy McMorris Rodgers, which was perpetrated by the so-called mainstream legitimate media. These front page lies were shrugged off as “rumors,” but really are caused by an overzealous media more interested in being first with breaking news than second with well substantiated fact.

The media have spent a lot of time patting itself on the back recently. Stop. It’s past time The Spokesman-Review (and all media) reconsider its policy regarding the use of unnamed or undisclosed sources.

Since Watergate, every reporter wants to be the investigative sleuth who uncovers that big story. Accuracy has become secondary to being first with the story. Vet the story completely before printing. It’s less embarrassing that way.

Ron Hardin

Spokane

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