CNN's chief news executive, Eason Jordan, quit Friday over controversial remarks he made at the World Economic Forum in Europe last month. He allegedly asserted that he knew of 12 journalists who had not only been killed by US troops in Iraq, but they had in fact been
purposely targeted by the U.S. military. He repeated the assertion a few times, though he could not provide proof.
Outrageous as his undocumented charge was, especially considering his position at CNN, it was equally outrageous that the mainstream media did not report it. But then again, the media covers for those in its' profession.
It took one solitary blogger who was at the event to post Jordan's comments. The blogosphere answered & word was spread. Rep. Barney Franks, who was at the Forum & challenged Jordan's ridiculous statement, confirmed what was said. It was found that a video was taken of the conference, which the organizers initially agreed to release, then suddenly declined to. Thanks probably to CNN pressure for the change of heart. Still the mainstream media published nothing, nor aired the controversy.
The blogosphere went critical on the mainstream media for apparently ignoring a slanderous statement by one of their own. Meanwhile, the blogosphere kept at it, sharing information, updating the latest events surrounding the controversy. Finally, a few of the media mentioned it briefly or only in the context of castigating the blogoshere for its' "attacks" on Jordan. As the scandal spread on the blogosphere, some Congressmen finally took note of Jordan's statement. Additionally, Fox news & a few other television outlets brought it out. Then the Washington Times & a few other papers reported it or editorialized on it. It was at this time that Jordan resigned.
Though Jordan backed off on his statement & tried to claim misstatement, etc, neither he nor CNN used their influence to get the transcript or video of his speech released. If Jordan did not say what he was reported to have said, the video would have been invaluable to him. Even without the video, if he truly did not make that statement, why did he then resign? CNN's only previous response was an e-mail to some bloggers saying that Jordan's remarks were taken out of context (yeah, right).
Two points: The first is that even high ranking executives in the mainstream media throw out irresponsible charges without documentation. Their bias & unprofessional reporting is manifested all the way down the food chain of the news media. Who says there is no left-wing media bias?
The second point is that, as with Dan Blather & CBS's phony Bush Guard documents, the blogosphere is watching. The blogosphere has become the fact checker, the impetus for keeping the mainstream media honest & unbiased & when they are not, then the blogosphere will awaken & check the facts & research & network & spread the word. The blogosphere is fast becoming a power in its own right. And the Dan Blathers & Eason Jordans of the media had better watch out.
Oh, the power of the Blog.
....from sea to shining sea