When I heard Alex Beam’s disgraceful article, ‘Hardball in Liverpool’, was to be discussed on Friday’s Beat the Press, I was optimistic that he and his article would be ripped to shreds, receiving the criticism and scorn of his peers that would hopefully lead to the apology we are all waiting for. Sadly, I could not have been more wrong. I have watched the discussion once but have no inclination to view it again. However, if you wish to view it, you can find it here: http://www.beatthepress.org/episode/segment/1263
As I commented on the site, their complete lack of research (the host didn’t even know what the ‘correction’ printed by the Globe said) and understanding of the Hillsborough Disaster let Alex Beam escape with an almost apologetic and sympathetic panel wondering why Liverpool Fans have gotten themselves so worked up over Beam’s semantics and phraseology. For me, they have completely missed the point.
According to their own website, “Beat The Press takes a sharp look at how the media, new and old, covers and analyzes the big issues of the week”. In order to save time, it appear that research is not seen as a vital component to cover and analyse the stories of the week.
The final line in the segment is “Everybody loves to be a victim” is uttered by panelist Jon Keller. Tell that to the 96 men, women, and children that died that day, Jon.
Liverpool fans are looking for just one thing and that’s an apology from both Beam and his employers, the Boston Globe. If “Beat the Press” is indicative of the standard American journalism and understanding of the world outside of the United States, I fear that apology will never come.
JFT96 & YNWA
Julian