Comments on: Media Fail

By: Doohickie

Doohickie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:53:58 +0000

Here’s something you can do: Identify the reporters mostly likely to cover bicycle issues. Take them for a ride (in all the ways one can understand that phrase). Show them a new way of understanding. Then follow up. And follow up. And follow up. And correct the record when appropriate. You can start with Roman Mica ;-P

By: Wayne Pein

Wayne Pein — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:30:07 +0000

It seems to me a “Point of View” column can achieve a lot of positive results. After all, reporters read their own paper, one would think. I’ve done several locally over the years, as well as numerous “letters to the editor” on bicycling.

Wayne

By: Keri

Keri — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:33:31 +0000

That’s why I love my “edit” button

I look forward to reading your post on this topic. It is a big problem and you’re the best qualified bike blogger to take it on!

By: acline

acline — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:21:58 +0000

Oh… and thanks for not pointing out my double-negative logic break-down That sentence ought to have read: “Or, rather, they have a big disincentive to accept characterizations outside standard lines of authority.”

By: acline

acline — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:19:10 +0000

Keri… I’m thinking about adding some detail to this on CT this week. It’s a problem.

By: Keri

Keri — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Andy, thanks! I was hoping you’d weigh in on this one.

Reporters interested in seeking truth that runs counter the popular mythology seem fewer and farther between every day.

By: acline

acline — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:52:27 +0000

Putting on my journalism professor hat: In many coverage situations, the news media speak with the voice they consider the standard in the culture, i.e. the voice of the the authority they recognize as legitimate for a given situation. In the case of bicycle accidents, the press is going to follow the characterizations of the police. The press has no incentive to follow other authority. Or, rather, they have a big disincentive to avoid characterizations outside standard lines of authority.

The press creates its stories around set master narratives with set plots, set protagonists, and set antagonists. Once fixed, a master narrative is damned difficult to change because the press merely sees the created narrative as reality.

The press is, however, vulnerable to attack in regard to accuracy. It takes a sustained effort by a would-be new authority to challenge a master narrative and the authorized characterizations upon which it is built.

Reporters are vulnerable to schmoozing. The more you do it the more chance you have to influence their messages.

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:45:41 +0000

Here is an article that recommends wearing a helmet while walking.

Bicycle helmet saves the day — on foot
http://www.examiner.com/x-2429-Bicycle-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m11d3-Bicycle-helmets-saves-the-day–on-foot

By: Steve A

Steve A — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:18:41 +0000

NOW, the story has been picked up by OTHER news outlets:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010227052_helmet08m.html

Without the video, it’s clearer what’s going on. Comments on this one mostly have not had time to develop into their full, brainless glory, however. Perhaps Bell helmet sales are down?

By: ChipSeal

ChipSeal — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:27:12 +0000

Keri, I try to be cynical, but it is hard to keep up! (<— Swiped from Lilly Tomlin)