Sunday, January 29, 2012

Listen, do you want to know a secret? Do you promise not to tell ....

AAh the Beatles again!
SDTs found at NZ Herald as it faces tougher times.

It has come to light that there could possibly be discontent and SDTs at the NZ Herald in the future. Several close sources have suggested that some journalists may not entirely be satisfied with their pay levels.

 At the same time, it has also emerged that some journalist might possibly be a little “flexible” and may indeed be, at times “inventive” with what we often tend to call “the truth”. 

One source said “sometimes they never say who said what”; they simply attribute their so-called “knowledge” to “sources”.

It has emerged, that some of the Herald’s sources may not be as reliable as my sources. A close source revealed that the Herald may rely on some sources who, in turn rely on yet other sources.

Researchers have suggested that this reliance on “sources” was once termed “gossip” or even the now derogatory term “Chinese whispers”.

It has been reported, however, that the NZ Herald may well have officially banned the use of the word “gossip” in favour of the term “source driven truths” or SDTs for short. However, it has been confirmed that there has been no confirmation of phone hacking by the newspaper. However, it has been revealed that if phones have been hacked, no steps will be left taken to find out those responsible. 

A key source stated that “any tapping discovered will be uncovered along with any boozy lunches and other such naughty goings-on.” The source went on to say “we will force it (that is the taps)  to the surface and that no leaks should not be believed”.

It is understood that if any investigation is forthcoming, it will be conducted. A reliable source stated that a source told her so.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

I read the news today oh boy / About a lucky man who made the grade ....

Back after a long break!

The New Zealand Herald ... broadsheet or tabloid .... news or gossip?

A leading story yesterday was on the great league/rugby/boxing star ... Sonny Bill Williams also know as SBW.

The article was a fine example of tabloid journalism.

I love discourse analysis, and a short and brief analysis revealed what a load of unadulterated trash this "story" was.

I have selected a few choice morsels from the article for you dear readers and notice the morsels come with their sauces (sources)

and here they are:

“All Black Sonny Bill Williams has been linked to a new girl” (linked by who(m)?)

Sources yesterday said that Williams, 26, was dating …” What sources?

They [ the sources??] said the pair had been seeing each other …” Again, what sources?

One source said Sally Ridge met Williams after ….:  Who is this source?

“ ….blah, blah, blah  according to the source.”    Who? Is this tomato sauce?

Another source close to the couple said the news of the new relationship came as a shock". dah???

It is understood Ms Ridge has been spending time in   …”  Understood by whom?

“In December, it was reported the she was in a relationship with …..”  who reported?

“She dumped Dwayne and hooked up with Sonny Bill Williams, one source said".  …who said? Chile source?

The phrases in bold red are telling, are they not? (pun)

On my next blog, I think I'll construct a little story about the NZ Herald from my many sources!!!