My former colleague, John Quigley wrote a must read piece about gas drilling and reporting about it. See http://pennfuture.blogspot.com/2011/05/boy-trapped-in-refrigerator-eats-own.html.
We all have a huge stake in good, accurate information no matter what judgments we ultimately make. Secretary Quigley's piece is a plea that should be heard.
While the correction is appreciated, I don't understand why this is so important.
ReplyDeleteThis headline is a snoozer: British journalist got quote wrong, but context correct.
If you're trying to make a point that we here in the US and in PA should be vigilant against yellow journalism, then it would be far more helpful for you to point to examples here in the US when it comes to covering fracking.
What it seems like you're doing, instead, is refuting the context of the Doggart's article by talking about the hero John Hangar. I understand that during his tenure Hangar did a lot, but clearly not enough to protect PA from the dangers of fracking.
So what are you trying to say? Is it that a British reporter was lazy or pressed for time under deadline? (that's not a story) Is it that the mainstream media in PA or the US is being unfair to the hero John Hangar? (that would be interesting, and a tough pill to swallow) Is it that despite valient efforts from Hangar's tenure, the industry is still leading the decisions, and that we need tougher regulations so that our state can not be the example of what NOT to do with our Marcellus Shale? (That would be interesting)
Here were some other pretty big stories last Friday about MS fracking that you also could have posted on:
New Report from Penn Environment: Shale Gas Extraction Poses Risk to Vulnerable Populations in Pennsylvania
http://bit.ly/jBpZ4Y
The State of Maryland is sueing Chesapeake Energy for polluting the susquehanna river and consequently the Chesapeake Bay after the Bradford County MS spill.
http://bit.ly/jsBl1x
Please reread the last 7 paragraphs of my posting.
ReplyDeleteThere is too much sloppy and slanted reporting on fracking. Such stories generate heat, but not much light. Journalists who help to illuminate the additional study, regulatory, and enforcement work that needs to be done in PA perform a vital public service. Purveyors of panic do not.