Readers of this blog know that the declining standards of media reporting is a theme I return to periodically on Work, Wine and Wheels. Too many layoffs, too many beats for those that remain, long-time experts in their niches being replaced with new graduates for budget reasons are some of the factors driving quality down. It’s true everywhere in media but especially so in the technology trades.
I’m not talking about complaining because my client wasn’t portrayed favorably. I’m talking about factual errors, lack of sourcing and not including relevant information. Here’s an example from early 2011.
It’s easy finding articles online decrying shoddy work by communications professionals, and in truth there are some lousy firms out there. But precious little is said publicly about bad media reporting, for fear of bridge burning and not having access to the outlet ever again.
Last week I was in a LinkedIn discussion thread about things aggravating things reporters do to PR folks. I mentioned the points above, and Brian Pittman of the communications professional resource site CommPro.biz invited me to write an editorial.
The piece published today, and has already generated some comments. Jump in and let me know what you think.