Editors Ponder How to Present a Broad Picture of Iraq

This article covers a meeting of editors whose newspapers are members of the Associated Press. Some excerpts are:

"It was uncomfortable questioning The A.P., knowing that Iraq is such a dangerous place," she said. "But there's a perception that we're not telling the whole story."

Mr. Silverman (managing editor of the A.P.) said in an interview that he was aware of that perception. "Other editors said they get calls from readers who are hearing stories from returning troops of the good things they have accomplished while there, and readers find that at odds with the generally gloomy portrayal in the papers of what's going on in Iraq," he said.

A perception? I think justifiable accusation is more accurate.

This is the stuff that makes my blood boil. The Associated Press' excuse is that Iraq is such a dangerous place that reporting the "full story", (you know some of the objectives met as well as the fatalities), is just too difficult.

"For example, she said, the editors understood that it was much easier to add up the number of dead than to determine how many hospitals received power on a particular day or how many schools were built.
Mr. Silverman said the wire service was covering Iraq "as accurately as we can" while "also trying to keep our people out of harm's way."

The Associated Press is the oldest and largest news organization in the world and has received 48 Pulitzer Prizes. They consider themselves the essential global news network. I believe their readers deserve more responsible, balanced journalism.

Thanks to Mr. B at New Optimates for the title link.