Media Standards
Two linked stories, yesterday and today.
The Sunday Express issued a grudging and weasel worded apology for their shameful treatment of the Dunblane survivors. Not adequate at all and no real responsibility taken either by the reporter nor editor.
Today, the Sun also have a "It's not our fault" type of apology over Hillsborough. Click on 'more' on the right hand column. Notice that they blame everything on a Yorkshire news agency
People thinking the Sun's apology is sincere, should read this from then editor, now columnist, Kelvin McKenzie. Note that they are blaming everything on a Liverpool news agency.
When you were editor of the Sun you've said you apologised to Liverpool because you were told to by Murdoch and you didn't mean it."
"That's true", replied MacKenzie.
if you are a media person,
if you are a media person, you should be liable for what you say or what you write. you should not blame something or somebody from what you have wrote or said.
Much of the press in this
Much of the press in this country, the tabloids especially are generally allowed to voice opinions and attitudes that are merely those that they BELIEVE their readers want to hear regardless of whether it is their true feelings. This is no different to Mr Mackenzie printing an apology because his boss suggested it would be a wise thing to do.
If you believe it then you should be allowed to say it regardless of the repercussions, have the courage of your convictions and be damned with it.