(Cynical attempt to) fool media
A recent article in The Australian accuses the Australian Federal Police of releasing a story when “half the country’s media” was on strike.
Now, fair call; it does seem a bit suss but the criticism is a bit rich. Obviously, the story wasn’t buried. At least one astute reporter picked it up. He asks in his article:
Can the AFP please explain why it appears to have delayed its inevitable public embarrassment until very late on a day when the news stood a good chance of being buried.
Apart from the mystifying lack of a question mark at the end of that question, the writer acknowledges that “it appears” to have tried to befuddle the Australian media.
The whole thing is bullshit. If half the country’s media want to go on strike (even if it’s for a good reason), then they might not get every story. You can’t then turn around and ask news not to happen just because you’re not there to see it. It’s like a goalie in a soccer match, after watching a penalty sail into the back of the net, saying “Oh, I wasn’t looking. Have it again”
If the media decides that striking is more important than being there for every news release, then don’t blame anyone releasing news for failing to report on it. I dont’ care if it’s a strike or the Olympics.
The media chooses what to report on. If the story’s important, give it status but if you’re too busy going after the big-rating stories, giving front-page space to sport as if it matters, then don’t get angry at the world because you’re not on your guard.
