Thursday, July 8, 2010...11:15 pm
Why fact-checking should start early
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Nine-year-old Anna Carnochan has been in the news today, taking the prime minister to task over a potential tax on toys.
She wasn’t happy with his reply, it seems, and is pursuing the matter with the tenacity of a young Jeremy Paxman. Apparently Anna “wants to be a news reporter” when she’s older. She’s currently drafting a new letter to press him for more focused and detailed answers.
Here’s my tip for getting more out of your interviewee: spell his name right. Then maybe “David Camron” will take your letter more seriously.
Yes, I know she’s only young. But this is why I have to deal with undergraduates who don’t understand why getting facts right is important. The rot has to stop…
6 Comments
July 9th, 2010 at 6:42 am
Be honest, you’ve met adult, qualified journalists who’ve made similar errors.
I know I have.
July 9th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Yes, you’re right. In fact, I’ve probably done it myself…
July 16th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Psst. When I was nine, I also made spelling mistakes. I can rite well know tho.
July 16th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
I don’t believe it for a second – I bet as a toddler you clutched a dictionary in your chubby little hand rather than a teddy bear…
July 18th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
If I’d been her mother I would have checked it before she posted it off. Being nine is no excuse.
July 19th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Yes – if I had a child writing a letter to the prime minister, I think I’d double check key facts like this as well…
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