Is This Really News?

Shame on CNN, Reuters, Yahoo, ABC News and any other media outlets that made the decision to tell us that John McCain's New York Times opinion article was "rejected." This is not only not news, it is irresponsible journalism. First, the primary source, The New York Times itself, has avoided making it a big deal. No where on its opening web page does it mention the "story." Furthermore, the paper has made it clear that it is "standard procedure... to go back and forth with an author on his or her submission." How does CNN see "standard procedure" as news? Worse yet, CNN claims in its headline that McCain's article was "rejected." This is misleading. One of the verb's meanings denotes "refuse to accept," which is technically correct. The paper did refuse to accept that particular version of McCain's article. But the word "reject" connotes something much more final. Upon scanning the headline, the reader will conclude that the essay submission process is finished and that McCain's opinion will not be published. This is simply not true. The Times will likely publish McCain's article (as it has with seven of his previous Op-Ed pieces) only when the process has been completed. CNN has failed in this case to convey news that is true - especially with its exaggerated headline choice. Unfortunately, shallow stories and misleading titles at CNN are all too common. So, is it time to "reject" CNN?