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 in journalism.
Distinguished Public Service
- CBS Mornings — CBS News
Although most Americans are now content to ignore Dr. Fauci’s and the press about Thanksgiving gathering limits, media continues to serve the fears-mongering minority. On “CBS Mornings,” they ran a segment covering family gatherings and looked intent on fostering tensions.
The CBS Mornings crew sat down with a psychologist and discussed potential problems. They also asked him how to handle the topic of vaccine status, as well as how to ask people to get their vaccination cards. Expert guest, CBS Mornings asked how to set up an automated testing station and rely on quick tests before you allow people into your house.
“So, if it feels like it’s going to be weird, maybe make it kind of fun. Say, we’re going to start with hors d’oeuvres in the garage, you know, we’ll have drinks, we’ll do our rapid tests – and then c’mon in. Make it funny, playful..”
Setting up viral decontamination units near the riding lawnmower and softball gear is a joyous activity that’s more fun than being jovial. You will feel the joy of this holiday.
Specialized Explanatory Reporting
- Julian Glover — ABC 7 News
For three consecutive daysWe have witnessed organized robberies at high-end boutiques, where large numbers of thieves storm in and steal huge quantities of goods in organised thefts. This has happened in San Francisco. One local news station examined the smash-and grab crimes and concluded that many people were not describing these incidents in sensitive terms. It is now considered inappropriate to refer to these crimes as ‘Looting’.
To some, the distinction may be small, but Lorenzo Boyd, PhD, Professor of Criminal Justice & Community Policing at the University of New Haven, and a retired veteran police officer, emphasized that words matter. “Looting is a term that we typically use when people of color or urban dwellers are doing something. We tend not to use that term for other people when they do the exact same thing,” said Boyd.
It’s important that when we refer to criminals, that we do so in a way that does not upset their feelings.
Experts caution use of ‘looting’ in describing rash of Bay Area smash and grabs https://t.co/dQfftRG84T
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) November 23, 2021
Distinguished Sports Reporting
Another pseudo-sporting contest inspired by the pandemic is fresh off of the Balloon World Cup. CNN reveals that pillow fighting has been officially sanctioned.
The Pillow fight goes professional: From the bedroom to the boxing ring
👉 https://t.co/J9oOXwThjG pic.twitter.com/r8RwnNSvt5
— CNN Sports (@cnnsport) November 23, 2021
Distinguished Feature Writing
- Amy Forliti, Gene Johnson, Todd Richmond — Associated Press
It seems that we now understand the reasons for so much incorrect and biased reporting on Rittenhouse’s case. The AP displays in their lengthy think piece on the trial that they’re actually surprised at how the defendant was treated during the proceedings.
Rather cute the way they went with “some observers” to describe the entirety of the corporate media complex. What can we say when three journalists write a piece about the corporate media complex? It is a surprise to see defendants treated with deference in courtrooms, as that is how our legal system was built.
Is there a fair trial? As Kyle Rittenhouse’s trial unfolds, some observers have been struck by the judge’s apparent deference to the defendant.https://t.co/Zul1lNMaO6
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 17, 2021
Internationally Distinguished Reporting
- Alison Fox — Travel and Leisure Magazine
We see that there’s a novelty in the tale of a cow who escaped from a slaughterhouse only to be later discovered stuck in a water slide flume. Many reporters would report on such situations. Alison Fox is ridiculed for using the phrase “vacation publication” to cover this story.
“While the legen-dairy escapes are fun to watch…”
No, Alison – just…no.
This Cow Got Stuck on a Waterslide After Escaping a Nearby Cattle Ranch in Brazil https://t.co/6WzQHkMaEq
— Travel + Leisure (@TravelLeisure) November 18, 2021
Distinguished Reporting on Frozen Desserts
- Ben & Jerry’s PR Division
The Rittenhouse trial was not only a racist case for activist confection sellers, but also the lactose merchants who were lecturing got many facts wrong. However, the double scoops made of condescension are a lovely touch.
The #RittenhouseTrial displays yet again that our “justice” system is racist.⁰⁰How would this trial be going if he was a Black 17 yr old that crossed state lines illegally carrying an AR-15 and shot 3 white protesters?⁰⁰We need real justice in the legal system. This isn’t it.
— Ben & Jerry’s (@benandjerrys) November 12, 2021
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