About "Getting It Wrong"
It must have been a giddy time in the bowels of the CBC/Radio Canada this week when CTV NewsNet had to make a retraction for prematurely eulogizing former Bloc Quebecois Leader Lucien Bouchard. Suffering from their own internal labour strife, they must be frustrated to watch the world go by and not put their leftist spin on everything that crosses their blotter.
There's no question CTV messed up big-time. I just found it humorous when I Googled the story that the first to offer up NewsNet's retraction on a platter was CBC's website which, on any other occasion, would post:
CBC is currently experiencing a labour disruption, which means some of the information we normally offer you is unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
In 30 seconds, you will be automatically redirected to the CBC.ca homepage.
Or, you can:
What's truly interesting is that CTV accredited the source to Radio-Canada, an allegation the french CBC vehemently deny. One call to the CRTC from either side to summon the audio records alone will solve that one. Was CTV trying to deflect their ineptitude? Is Radio-Canada covering something up?
Being in the media for over 25 years, I've been aware of and been witness to the scalping and trolling that goes on between competitors. Everyone wants to get the scoop. Everyone wants the edge. When someone, however, gets too close to their competitor via the lazy route, it's not uncommon for the competitor to troll something erroneous to trip 'em up. It's a risky game but it's usually under the radar of the watchdog.
There's a strong possibility that what NewsNet said is true. CBC has denied it with a vengeance, but CTV is wise enough to let it go because, in the end, they did not confirm the Bouchard story with another source - and that's what CBC is likely banking on. Besides, trollers cover their tracks quickly.
Still, I'd just love to have someone comb those tapes or trace the website archives. I just wonder, though, why NewsNet is scalping a dilapidated and decimated lockout version of their competitor.
There's no question CTV messed up big-time. I just found it humorous when I Googled the story that the first to offer up NewsNet's retraction on a platter was CBC's website which, on any other occasion, would post:
CBC is currently experiencing a labour disruption, which means some of the information we normally offer you is unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
In 30 seconds, you will be automatically redirected to the CBC.ca homepage.
Or, you can:
- Go to the homepage now
- Send your feedback to CBC Audience Relations
- Click here to view on-air schedules for all CBC services
- Click here to go to the CBC negotiations site
What's truly interesting is that CTV accredited the source to Radio-Canada, an allegation the french CBC vehemently deny. One call to the CRTC from either side to summon the audio records alone will solve that one. Was CTV trying to deflect their ineptitude? Is Radio-Canada covering something up?
Being in the media for over 25 years, I've been aware of and been witness to the scalping and trolling that goes on between competitors. Everyone wants to get the scoop. Everyone wants the edge. When someone, however, gets too close to their competitor via the lazy route, it's not uncommon for the competitor to troll something erroneous to trip 'em up. It's a risky game but it's usually under the radar of the watchdog.
There's a strong possibility that what NewsNet said is true. CBC has denied it with a vengeance, but CTV is wise enough to let it go because, in the end, they did not confirm the Bouchard story with another source - and that's what CBC is likely banking on. Besides, trollers cover their tracks quickly.
Still, I'd just love to have someone comb those tapes or trace the website archives. I just wonder, though, why NewsNet is scalping a dilapidated and decimated lockout version of their competitor.
posted by Woodman at 9/11/2005 02:31:00 PM
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