Media lessons learned

On Nov. 7, we were treated to a display of media reporting unequaled in our past. The media responded so quickly in picking the winner of the presidential race that they managed to report election results incorrectly many, many times. Afterward, most of the media admitted to poor discipline and errors in an effort to be the first to provide breaking news. They also indicated they would provide more care and discretion in the future.

Skip ahead five weeks. The U.S. Supreme Court finally released its “opinion” or ruling on the Florida recount. The media immediately called it a victory for Gore because it was remanded back to the Florida court. Within 90 minutes, it was obvious the opinion had virtually slammed the door for Gore. Oops. Evidently, the media are slow learners. It would serve the media (and the public) well if they would first resolve what a news item might be before they report on it.

A lesson I have learned through all this is to not turn on the TV for at least three days after a national election … and never to watch MSNBC or FOX News channels again. What a waste of time, energy and emotion.

Jim Lake

Hermon