This is a blog. A pretty good one at that that occasionally makes mistakes, but tries hard to get it right. As Cronkite once said, famously, "Sure--get it 'first, but get it 'right, first'."
A normally 99% credible source told me that there'd "been a 'huge shake-up at KNTV/San Jose" on Friday. He was right, he just screwed up on the station and location. And so, I went with the tease only to find out later, that KNTV, (NBC Bay Area had not dismissed anyone). My bad, throw all your shots and all, I deserve it.
The obligatory shots started coming and even though a majority were from the usual trolls, I published their shots, which is OK--hey, I blew it. Everyone makes mistakes, but I feel a little wounded today. I also know that this is a blog, which doesn't necessarily give me any cover or excuse. I try hard to get confirmation on all stories, but then again, many exclusives I get right all all due to anonymous sources who would not give out any information if they went on the record. So while I have made a few mistakes, (which I fully acknowledge and regret), there are many stories I've broke with those same sources, one of whom royally screwed up.
I will say, 95% of my info is generally reliable. I wish I could say 100%, but guess what? Even the NY Times, Washington Post, and LA Times have had egg on their face too. I'm the only schmucky blogger who posts retractions! I'm not asking for praise or redemption; to the contrary, I'm quite sorry and hope you ladies and gents understand that I'm no different than the rest. Yeah, it's a blog, but we do try to get it right, contrary to other sites on the lovely Internet.
*Finally, to the staff at KNTV, (NBC Bay Area), my sincere apologies. (Can I still keep my coffee mug?)
*Gene Burns: A speedy recovery to Gene Burns. Get well and defy the odds once again.
*Follow me on Twitter
You've done such an a amazing job so far - you're more than forgiven!
ReplyDeleteI vote "forgive."
ReplyDeleteYour willingness to be up-front about it lends further credence to me, and should be respected among your "sources."
Mistakes happen. Better to fess up and write a retraction or correction rather than ignore the goof.
ReplyDeleteI, for one, am glad my favorites down in the South Bay will still be there for now.
Rich--Don't beat yourself up about it! There are so many foolish blogs around that promulgate utter nonsense and the authors are too busy typing to check the facts.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog because you are so tuned in to this topic (SF Bay area media), and provide a plethora of fresh news and thoughtful commentary. So--you made a boo boo, but you owned up to it immediately. No big deal to me anyway.
Have you considered approaching sfgate to run your pieces in the CIty Brights section? They have some wonderful bloggers there, and also have acquired some miserable writers writing about BS...Margot Magowan blogs frequently and gets "highlighted" on their home page.
Magowan is on a pretty silly campaign to remove all sexism from children's toys, entertainment, and more. Her latest harangue is an indignant condemnation against Lego toys--because they made PINK toys recently! And it oppresses women children, according to this so totally irrelevant "writer."
Maybe they could kick her out and bring your blog to their page!
I didnt mind that,you corrected. It's the praise for Fitzgerald that is unforgiveable!
ReplyDeleteI can only hope the euphoria drug of choice had kicked in when you wrote that.
This smuck still has it backwards...his information is usually 95% wrong 5% right. Wacko and a half.
ReplyDeleteI would rather you take an educated risk and miss rather than do nothing. This is a blog, not a newspaper. I enjoy reading your posts and hope you continue. It takes a great deal of courage to make a mistake, admit it, apologize, and move on. I wish many of the folks involved in the KGO mess would have done the same. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteBeing a non-perfect person myself I appreciate someone who can admit a mistake!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you get right.
Mistakes do happen. Enjoy your blog, but a reminder not to believe everything you hear, or read.
ReplyDeleteDitto. I found this blog purely by accident from a reference on sfgate.com. It was the only place to find information on the changes at KGONE. I've learned so much--including where to find the folks I used to listen to all the time. Keep up the good work!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with 12:04. You're doing a great job! No need for apologies or beating yourself up.
ReplyDeleteHey, the national news gets it wrong all the time. No Worries.
ReplyDeleteNobody is perfect, it is the intention that counts. I read your blog everyday because I can't find Bay Area radio information nowhere else. Thank you Rich.
ReplyDeleteRich baby, don't even trip about it. The trolls are gonna hate no matter what. They're gonna hang on anything that will discredit you. As a long time follower of your blog I know you get it right 99% of the time and you got the balls to stand up and take the fall when you get it wrong. I am behind you and I know many others do too. Stay strong and keep doing your thing. As long as you ruffle the feathers of the big ego media a-holes in town and do your best to keep them in check you will have a following. They hate you for voicing what many of us think. Shabbat Shalom bro'!
ReplyDeleteTHE MONTY SHOW?!
ReplyDeleteW - T - F?
Has Hosely, Hart & Cumulus TOTALLY lost their effing minds?
AM Radio is dead as we know it.