Apparently, a CNN "citizen journalist" reported that Steve Jobs, of Apple, had been rushed to the hospital with chest pains.
The article said, "The report raised questions on several blogs about the role of citizen journalism, and there was speculation that the incident would lead to an investigation by securities regulators."
These citizen journalist are giving us with a degree a bad name!
Lauren D.
1 comment:
Lauren, yes, we're seeing more of these rumors spread on the 'net. I agree -- whether it's unintentional, unconfirmed misinformation that fails basic journalism standards, or deliberate sabotage -- it does impinge badly on our field's reputation.
It's been reported that Apple's stock took a brief dive after the wildfire "news" spread. But then the company's stock bounced back after Apple's denial of the heart attack rumor. Wow.
Something to really think about on the implications of irresponsible use of the 'net as rapid communication device, yes? But, then, journalists (including good vs. bad citizen ones) should help counter such misinformation, the moment it comes out, right? And that journalists'/news organizations' reputations should be based on that track record as well?
Also, a similar, but less damaging, event happened some weeks ago. I don't know the details myself, but I believe it was Bloomberg online news which picked up on a MOCK obituary on Steve Jobs, but which the Bloomberg reporter(s) did not even check for validity and thus reported as fact?!
Concerns about Jobs's health have been serious for quite some time. Some suspect a recurring cancer (which he and Apple reportedly hid from the public a few years back). But Apple won't publicly disclose his current health status, out of fear of the above. I.e., how such information might negatively affect shareholders' confidence in the company, thus impacting Apple's stock value.
Professor Reis, who is an Apple devotee, should know more than we on this topic! Definitely an array of technology-business-society-journalism issues on this topic.
The competitive rush to publish unsubstantiated "news" can have serious consequences. And in much more serious situations that may have irreversible, adverse massive-scale impact.
- Misako M.
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