Update, integrity check, not just Reuters.....

[AbbyMom]

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7...287774,00.html

Reuters has pulled two photos distributes through the wire services as they were doctored prior to release.

I wonder how many pics get manipulated the we don't know about?

This is a good question--considering how many scandals there have been recently regarding fiction in the newsreporting (such as USA Today). The editors, though, are responsible for tracking down the facts and checking with those who were interviewed to verify the story.

But how does an editor verify a picture of an instant in time? Since he or she can't, you can assume more will try to deceive.

There are losers in every profession.

[Lady's Human]

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satelli...cle%2FShowFull



More media organizations caught with their fingers in the cookie jar.........

[lizbud]

LH , though you might find this interesting. It's everywhere.


FCC Questions TV Stations on 'Fake News'

By Associated Press
Published August 15, 2006, 4:54 PM CDT


WASHINGTON -- The Federal Communications Commission has mailed letters to the owners of 77 television stations inquiring about their use of video news releases, a type of programming critics refer to as "fake news."

Video news releases are packaged news stories that usually employ actors to portray reporters who are paid by commercial or government groups.

The letters were sparked by allegations that television stations have been airing the videos as part of their news programs without telling viewers who paid for them.

FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein said Tuesday the letters ask station managers for information regarding agreements between the stations and the creators of the news releases. The FCC also asked whether there was any "consideration" given to the stations in return for airing the material.

"You can't tell any more the difference between what's propaganda and what's news," Adelstein said.

The probe was sparked by a study of newsroom use of material provided by public relations firms. The study, entitled "Fake TV News: Widespread and Undisclosed," was compiled by the Center for Media and Democracy, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that monitors the public relations industry.

When stations air video news releases, they are required to disclose to viewers "the nature, source and sponsorship of the material that they are viewing," according to the FCC.

The rules were prompted by payola scandals of the past, in which broadcasters accepted money from companies to hype their products without labeling the effort as advertising.

Diane Farsetta, senior researcher with the Center for Media and Democracy and co-author of the study, said that did not appear to be the case in the study but that "the main reason is economy. These are free stories that are given to stations that are continually under-resourced."

Farsetta said despite the publicity, stations are continuing to air releases without disclosure.

Stations that received the letters have been given 60 days to respond. If the FCC decides they have violated the rules, punishment could include fines or license revocation.

* __

[Lady's Human]

Liz,

all I have to say to that is Gee, I'm shocked.

[Lady's Human]

Well, At least SOMEONE gets to have some fun with this.

Someone took a bunch of the faKed/edited/staged pics and made a video out of them.

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/184421.php