Editor of Austin American-Statesman backs down on Netroots Nation story
Today, the newspaper's editor responded to the outrage with this comment:
Readers expect front-page stories to speak directly and clearly about events and issues. Eliminating the possibility of misunderstanding from our work is a critical part of our daily newsroom routine. When we communicate in a way that could be misinterpreted, we fail to meet our standards.Well - this is about right.
Our front-page story Sunday about the Netroots Nation convention included doses of irony and exaggeration. It made assertions (that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi might find herself at home politically in Beijing, for example) and characterizations ("marauding liberals" was one) meant to amuse. For many readers, we failed.
In trying for a humorous take on the Netroots phenomenon without labeling it something other than a straightforward news story, we compromised our standards.
— Fred Zipp, editor
As I went through security at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, I was wearing a shirt with a very subdued looking peace sign. The Transportation Security Administration officer said to me, "Peace sign, huh? Welcome to America."
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