I remember playing this game of Chinese Whispers in primary school; and learned at the age of 6 how -people don't listen, hear what they want to, and always go to the source before accepting information.
Having left work I don't deal with press releases or the like anymore, but this weekend I was reminded of how bad journalism came be, and it really needs a shake up.
So on the day of my children's graduation three weeks back, I had my pic taken with them by the college photographer, by request of my supervisor. He said they needed one for the college website, having been given a Government research scholarship it was good news for the school. I couldn't really say no, so I agreed. We also wrote a press release to accompany it, which I edited very, very carefully.
Over the weekend, this was included in the college's county newspaper, and then, by extension, my local paper. I don't buy the paper, but heard from my family- IN AMERICA!
This then meant the local radio station popped it on their website- complete with photo. Started getting congrats texts last night from a friend who knows I hate this kind of thing, publicity and photos - he thinks its hilarious.
I read the trail of articles - two newspaper websites, the social media, (which I'm not on) and by the time the radio website picked it up, all the information had been changed. Nobody asked to use my photo, my separate degree and MA has been 'combined' and the information condensed. The only thing they got right is my name. On top of that, when you look at it online its above quotes from local politicians, so it looks like I'm running for elections!
I'm torn between laughing and crying, but hoping by Friday, and the elections, it will disappear from view. I look like a grinning hyena so I'm vainer than I thought also.
Moral of the story folks- do NOT believe all you read - lazy journalism is rife.
Having left work I don't deal with press releases or the like anymore, but this weekend I was reminded of how bad journalism came be, and it really needs a shake up.
So on the day of my children's graduation three weeks back, I had my pic taken with them by the college photographer, by request of my supervisor. He said they needed one for the college website, having been given a Government research scholarship it was good news for the school. I couldn't really say no, so I agreed. We also wrote a press release to accompany it, which I edited very, very carefully.
Over the weekend, this was included in the college's county newspaper, and then, by extension, my local paper. I don't buy the paper, but heard from my family- IN AMERICA!
This then meant the local radio station popped it on their website- complete with photo. Started getting congrats texts last night from a friend who knows I hate this kind of thing, publicity and photos - he thinks its hilarious.
I read the trail of articles - two newspaper websites, the social media, (which I'm not on) and by the time the radio website picked it up, all the information had been changed. Nobody asked to use my photo, my separate degree and MA has been 'combined' and the information condensed. The only thing they got right is my name. On top of that, when you look at it online its above quotes from local politicians, so it looks like I'm running for elections!
I'm torn between laughing and crying, but hoping by Friday, and the elections, it will disappear from view. I look like a grinning hyena so I'm vainer than I thought also.
Moral of the story folks- do NOT believe all you read - lazy journalism is rife.
