Language A Scientist's Appeal: Data, Language And Men's Hats by Lori Grisham January 31, 2012 • A biology professor pleas for a return to the proper use of "data" as a plural noun. But in the world of ever-changing language and fashion, is it too late to turn back time? If we could find a way....
Language Bahrain: When A Failed Uprising Is Not A Failed Revolution by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 27, 2012 • A Morning Edition report said that the Arab Spring "uprising" in Bahrain has "definitely failed." Yet, unrest continues. So is the "revolution" over? Or are reports of its death greatly exaggerated? The newsroom is divided. Join the discussion.
Language Ombudsman On Air: WMRA's Virginia Insight with Tom Graham by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 24, 2012 • Ombudsman Edward Schumacher-Matos was invited on WMRA's talk-show Virginia Insight to speak on the state of ethics in political reporting, particularly at NPR. Find excerpts from the interview and a link to the full audio.
NPR Public Editor Open Forum by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 24, 2012 • Want to post a comment about something we're not covering? Here's a space for readers to share their thoughts about media, policy and NPR's journalism.
Ethics To Catch A Lie: Political Reporting's Dilemma by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 20, 2012 • Sure, reporters should correct false statements by politicians and others, but that is not always possible on daily deadline stories. So what to do? The NYT ombudsman has been widely mocked for asking, but many of the critics know not of what they speak. Journalism has gotten better, not worse.
NPR Public Editor Mailbox: Semantics, Truths and Iran's Nuclear Program by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 20, 2012 • A selection of reactions to last week's post about whether NPR should correct a report about Iran's nuclear program. I said no--and stand by that conclusion--but many still disagree. Where do you fall in the debate?
Ethics The Wikipedia Blackout and the 'Scabs' at NPR by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 19, 2012 • An NPR online report told how to get around Wikipedia's blackout protesting web intellectual property bills in Congress. Some readers were incensed and accused NPR of taking sides in the fight. We take a look at it and find not so.
Ethics Santorum, Race and the Limits of Journalistic Fairness by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 18, 2012 • Digging to the bottom: An NPR team reported that Rick Santorum singled out blacks for receiving welfare, but the tape is in dispute. How far must NPR go to be fair and responsible in a matter that is racially explosive and continues to dog the candidate? Is NPR hiding behind objectivity?
Ethics Is NPR Fomenting A War With Iran? No. by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 13, 2012 • NPR has been inundated by thousands of emails to correct a story that is said to assume that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon. The fear is that this is Iraq all over again. But in this case, there is nothing to correct. A look at the story and at Iran.
Media Can Too Much Campaign Coverage Cause Heartbreak? by Edward Schumacher-Matos , Lori Grisham January 12, 2012 • It's only January, but according to a recent survey many Americans think the 2012 presidential campaign is getting too much coverage. Judging by our inbox, many of you think so. We even got a break-up letter from a listener.
NPR Public Editor Open Forum by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 11, 2012 • Want to post a comment about something we're not covering? Here's a space for readers to share their thoughts about media, policy and NPR's journalism.
Media Rick Santorum's Google Problem Becomes The Story by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 10, 2012 • As Rick Santorum's campaign has surged, so has Dan Savage's re-definition of his name on Google. NPR reported on the issue, but one listener thought the piece was inappropriate, and contributed to Savage's agenda. I sympathize, but don't agree.
Media More On Deford, Dancing Football Players And Race by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 9, 2012 • A New York Times story by a dance critic on the latest pas-de-deux by football players after touchdowns may vindicate NPR commentator Frank Deford. Black and white behemoths appear equally dainty in the Times. The discussion continues on race relations and journalism.
Media 'Brilliant' Report On Obesity in African-American Girls Navigates Race by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 6, 2012 • A Morning Edition report about high obesity rates among African-American girls prompted a tough question—why did NPR point the finger at one group when obesity transcends race and gender lines? The piece is, in fact, accurate and well-crafted race-related reporting.
Fairness & Accuracy We've Been Misled! No One Won Iowa! by Edward Schumacher-Matos January 6, 2012 • Mitt Romney may have come in first but got no delegates in the Iowa caucuses. So one discriminating listener says no one can be declared a 'winner.' NPR's Political Junkie, Ken Rudin, answers. Just when you thought you were caucused out.