Seattle P-I Response to Eason Jordan
I emailed the Seattle Post-Intelligencer about their lack of coverage of the Eason Jordan scandal. Here is the response in full:
Thanks for your message. I discussed the topic with several editors. None of our wire services offered a story when Jordan made his remarks and subsequent stories I have read say he immediately sought to clarify what he said as being mainly concern for his reporters in a dangerous situation.
Had CNN done a story supporting the position that the military targets journalists, or even if Jordan had made that claim and stuck to it himself, that would be a story worth reporting. As is, it seems considerably less. Any editor who sends reporters into harm's way has concerns about their safety.
Our editors are willing to consider running something if the controversy itself becomes a story.
We appreciate your interest and that you took the time to write.
Glenn Drosendahl Reader Representative Seattle Post-Intelligencer (206) 448-8007 readerrep@seattlepi.com
So it would seem that unless the AP or CNN puts out a story, there is nothing the poor P-I can do! They are at the mercy of forces greater than themselves! Can't expect a paper as small as the P-I to, you know, write something on their own. Or read (dangerous, mind-bending) blogs.
Our editors are willing to consider running something if the controversy itself becomes a story.
If the stonewall crumbles then they will be forced to come up with their typical weak attempt to turn the tip of the controversy towards the accusers and the evil blogs. Maybe Eason will notice and give them a job!
UPDATE: Then again, maybe not. Eason Jordan resigns. Is it a story yet, Mr. Drosendahl?