In truth the mainstream media do report most scandals that we hear about -- at least eventually. I think the gripe most people on Twitter have is the unequal treatment and weight given to scandals involving the ALP, as compared to the soft touch the Coalition is invariably given.
Journalism is, of course, not merely about reporting issues, but is in given them the recognition they deserve. So, for instance, Nick McKenzie reported the ABF allowing the Ruby Princess to dock. But if it was reported lower down on the LHS of page 5 of The Age, it is forgotten.
All this is not the reporters' fault, but rather a decision by the editorial staff -- maybe even the editor for sensitive stories. And if an editor wants to disappear a story, he doesn't need to spike it, he can just choose to under-promote it. Hide it on page five, as mentioned.
Of course, sometimes social media find a big story thus disappeared and make it go viral. Then the MSM is forced to follow up and give the matter proper weight. Hence, reporters should be working with social media, rather than decrying it for ignorance or "hyper-partisanship".
Just a few thoughts on the current situation, where the media are treating a humdrum Victorian state party branch stacking incident as if it is the biggest scandal ever. The weight they are giving this, in advance of an important Federal by-election should raise eyebrows.
The moral of this story is the importance of social media in identifying scandals in getting the information out, especially Twitter -- which is the medium mainstream media journalists appear to use and regard.
In short, if Twitter misses it, don't expect the MSM to follow it up.
In short, if Twitter misses it, don't expect the MSM to follow it up.
*giving* them
If you want to read more about this issue, managing editor-in-waiting Michelle Pini is writing about this issue in this week's @independentaus newsletter editorial, which will be out in the next hour or two.
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