Quote:
Originally Posted by fleury
I don't think heads roll at The Star regarding this. It's not like the one reporter who seen the video is just posting what he saw without having it verified. From what I understand with journalists who hide behind sources and other such hidden people, is that their bosses know who those sources are and actually contact them to verify that the story/rumor is true. In this case with The Star sitting on it, you would assume that the editor checked multiple sources that it was apparently true. With Gawker posting it first, The Star simply followed suit. Just yesterday they posted the stupid Rob Ford video of him putting magnets on cars - almost like a warmup. Perhaps they had a heads up that Gawker was going to publish the story and they simply didn't want to appear to be on the witch hunt. I for one think they do have it in for Ford, but lets be really honest - Ford is the consumate f-up, who has no social common sense. He gets busted for everything because he doesn't think ahead. The only two things I give him credit for is not spending like a drunken sailor like so many in his position do, and secondly, finally deciding to expand the subway system which was long overdue. Aside from that, he can't do anything without embarrassing himself.
The best twitter quote this most recent mess up has brought has been something like, "Mayor Rob Ford has now taken his Chris Farley impression too far"  . |
Except that the onus is on the Star to prove its true, and not on Ford to defend himself without seeing the proof.
Without the video in hand that can be shown then the whole story is questionable.
For them to say that Ford has to answer questions, I think his first answer is, go buy the video and show it to me, then I'll answer any questions.
The burden of proof is on the accuser every time.
The Star is a failing paper that's desperate for anything that will save its failing subscription base and falling dollars, the fact that they went whole hog into this without having the video in hands just feels desperate and sleazy, and like I said, Rob Ford is an a$$, but if the Star is going to destroy his career and his life they'd better have way more then, but reporters saw it.
Its not protecting a source anymore, we know from the Gawker who has the video and how much their asking for, the video tape is not something that can be protected by confidentiality rules.
If I was the person with the video I'd double down and raise my price on the video with the caveat that if I don't get the money, I burn it, because without it, the Star and probably Gawkers owners are sued into oblivion.