Our weekly recognition of less-than-meritorious excellence in journalism worthy of a skewed version of Pulitzer Prize 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 for the Pulitzer Prize board in numerous categories. We must recognize journalistic mistakes-excellence in order to correctly identify them.
The Most Distinguished Political Cartoons
- Lara Antal – Washington Post
It is not fair to say that Cassidy Hutchinson’s allegedly unrepentant witness testimony has captivated the media. With her inexplicable fawning, some have caused discomfort for others.
Adding to the embarrassments of lauding this compromised witness was the Washington Post, which decided to turn Hutchinson’s testimony into a graphic novel of sorts, turning Cassidy into a Marvel superhero–after a fashion.
Is it possible to laugh at this WaPo graphic book treatment of Cassidy Hutchinson?!
I can’t wait to read the 12-book storyline about ”The insurrector’ from THE CAPITOL LEGUE comics series!!https://t.co/4zrK0TnEpp pic.twitter.com/ePi6jajfhr— Lie-Able Sources (@LieAbleSources) July 5, 2022
Distinguished Investigative Reporting
- Sophia Tulp – Associated Press
I don’t want readers to take offense, as I’m not condescending to you all–but I feel a need to explain a social media basic for the sake of journalists.
You see, social media is full of jokes about celebrities who have some dirt on Clintons. These hilarious memes can be sent via photos or tweets. This explanation is provided to fact-checkers as a service, in order that they may avoid embarrassment when correcting jokes under their banner.
Shinzo Abe was the ex-prime minister of Japan, who was assassinated last Friday. He did not tweet about Hillary Clinton that day. This screenshot, purporting that it shows such a tweet, was fake. https://t.co/eNObjpxxdT
— AP Fact Check (@APFactCheck) July 8, 2022
Distinguished Cultural Commentary
- Erin Hill — People Magazine
As someone who had recently celebrated our country’s ability to overcome monarchical oppression I must admit that I never understood the attraction to British royalty. Add to that the fact Meghan Markle and her princely husband have criticised our country and you can see why my apathy grows.
This is why I have zero interest in the activities of their employees. I also cannot understand how someone would be so captivated by her new digit jewellery and its possible messages. People Magazine being on the case I assume that it is crucial information.
Meghan Markle’s New Pinky Ring Revealed — and It Has a Hidden Message for Women’s Empowerment https://t.co/8sX9jqQZEK
— People (@people) July 5, 2022
Distinguished Breaking News
The claims that Highland Park’s shooter was Trump-supporting fell apart forced the press to focus their attention on guns. MSNBC failed in their attempt to reframe the story. Stephanie Ruhle addressed this topic from her 11pm time slot, but she gave it to Ali Velshi who was reporting from Illinois’ bedroom community.
Said Velshi of the incident –“Guns get in from other places because there aren’t hard borders between states, and that’s the same problem with Highland Park. Guns get in from other places.”
What’s the problem? The Highland Park shooter purchased his weaponry legally in…Illinois.
The Best Local Reporting
- Gage Goulding — WBBH-NBC2
Large holes are being discovered on Sanibel Island in Florida. Officials investigated and discovered that the large holes appeared as a result a trend on social media. There is now a Tik Tok challenge. It is up to you to dig a hole.
DANGEROUS NEW TREND: There’s a new TikTok challenge that’s leaving SWFL beaches littered with GIANT holes.
Tonight at 11 on @NBC2, I’m digging to learn why it’s dangerous to you and me, plus wildlife. pic.twitter.com/rjRiKdB0Tb
— Gage Goulding – NBC2 (@GageGoulding) June 28, 2022
Distinguished Sports Reporting
- Jon Hoefling — Deadspin
The charm and purity of minor league baseball are a hallmark. None of these were present during the Eugene Emeralds’ recent game. The team’s manager Allan Benavides took a break from his dugout duties and made his way up to the press box, in order to deliver his rendition of the classic 7th Inning stretch song, “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”.
He had a unique twist on his version, as it were — he sang the ditty while he was getting a prostate exam. This was obviously done to encourage male fans of the procedure. However, it appears unlikely the coach would repeat this act.
1) doctors recommend getting prostate exams at most once a year, so unless Benavides really enjoyed it, he won’t be getting another during this season at least, and 2) his team has lost every game they’ve played since getting the exam.
You can’t sing Take Me Out To the Ballgame any other way. https://t.co/pFxNayO73m pic.twitter.com/hnl5ca3mS9
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) July 3, 2022
International Excellence in Reporting
- Tom Brown — The Daily Mail
Police in Egypt broke up an upcoming late-night brawl. The police stopped a late-night fight that was about to start. Online, four men were fighting over who is Batman. They then began to fight in public for the right to be named.
Before a heroic resolution was achieved, the authorities put an end to it all.
Four men are arrested for organising joke ‘Real Batman Battle’ event https://t.co/F8dHSprKSj
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) July 7, 2022
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