Our weekly recognition of less-than-meritorious excellence in journalism is worthy of Pulitzer consideration
As an extension of the media-mocking venture at Townhall, Riffed From The Headlines, we once again recognize the exalted performances in our journalism industry and compile worthy submissions to the Pulitzer Prize board in numerous categories. Let’s get to the best examples of journalistic failure-excellence in order to properly identify the low watermark within the media.
Distinguished Public Service Reporting
- Ken Dilanian — NBC News
As most are aware, there is a massive amount of interest across the country for ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ chants — and the press is here to tell you how improper this is! With growing resentment — and volume — journalists are taking a stand against this practice…which means they are taking a stand WithThe government. Many people have demanded action from the government by running TO it.
NBC’s Ken Delanian learned of a gunmaker that is printing the accursed phrase on some gun parts. After receiving this disturbing news, he took the necessary steps to get it resolved.
The Secret Service was not available for comment. The Secret Service did not respond to my request. https://t.co/CmcATXY5DV pic.twitter.com/vD7dblz9JG
— Ken Dilanian (@KenDilanianNBC) November 1, 2021
Reporting private citizens to the government for punishment — and these are the journalists who lose their mind if you suggest they are the enemy of the people.
Distinguished Investigative Reporting
- Bill McCarthy — PolitiFact
This is some grand defense of Joe Biden against the woes we are enduring from his inflation — we guess. It is easy to see why these factoid fighters are busy correcting memes and jokes. Politifact informed us this time that an image of a frozen turkey priced at the level of perhaps a small condominium was not accurate.
The $123,000 price is exponentially higher than the cost of a frozen turkey at Target — or at other U.S. grocery stores, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This Facebook post is rated False.
You won’t need to borrow a loan to buy a Butterball.
This viral image of a $123,000 turkey has been missing context for several years and is not representative of the current prices of turkeys at Target. https://t.co/1pjQ0GzmZF pic.twitter.com/1VTrlQAeFr
— PolitiFact (@PolitiFact) October 20, 2021
Distinguished Feature Writing
- Alex Isenstadt — Politico
As Tuesday night’s off-year elections have proven, the press absolutely needs to involve Donald Trump as much as possible. Although Trump has been gone for 10 months now, the media would be forced to cover Biden’s multiple scandals. It’s January 6, and Orange Man Bad is always on the news.
In Nebraska, in an election that barely has a national interest, Politico delves into the details for one reason — it involves Trump. They were able to also work for it. Bull Semen Baron into a headline.
Pete Ricketts, the governor of Nebraska and scion of one of the most powerful megadonor families in the Republican Party, had a pressing request for Donald Trump: Please stay out of my home-state politicshttps://t.co/C72fSZOy5G
— POLITICO (@politico) November 2, 2021
Distinguished Cultural Commentary
- Tristan Balagtas — People Magazine
It was nearly painful to read this one, but it was written and delivered. Already the topic of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s family Halloween plans would defy interest. But then we learn that not only did he adorn his recently adopted newborns as traffic cones, but he did so for them to represent “Infrastructure” — well that is the kind of information that irrationally inspires one to want to punch an otter. This feature would be rejected by most journalists or publishers. But Mr. Balagtas did it.
This is your periodic reminder to remind you not to make your adopted children look like traffic cones for political support.
🙄🙄🙄
(h/t @COTriadConnect)https://t.co/zI202wz49f— Dr. Lisa Munro (@llmunro) November 2, 2021
Internationally Distinguished Reporting
- Hannah Sparks — New York Post
When New Zealand entered a national pandemic lockdown, it was a feat that impressed The Stasi. Yes, they might not be the most model of governance, but we now know that this is just another sign of their thinking.
The announcement was made that the annual naming ceremony for that country had just been held. Bird of the Year Not only are we facing two whole months of avian activity, I feel it safe to state that they are not great people. I am not going to question another culture, but the B.O.Y. was just announced. is — a bat.
Bat named ‘Bird of the Year 2021’ in controversial decision https://t.co/7kAemnXz6W pic.twitter.com/o68sIE3tLb
— New York Post (@nypost) November 2, 2021
Distinguished Frozen Dessert Coverage
- Drew Weisholtz — The Today Show
It is safe to assume that the story of Olivia Rodrigo getting a shoehorn by President Biden during her visit to the White House was circulating in the media because The Today Show had the details. The story is incorrect, it turned out!
The industry cannot be charged with spreading false news. Ms. Rodrigo appears to have been the one who provided incorrect information. It can be corrected now, however — what she actually received from Biden was an ice cream scoop.
Olivia Rodrigo just learned Biden’s gift to her was an ice cream scoop, not a shoehornhttps://t.co/gRe23W0W4D
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 29, 2021
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