CREDULOUS OR INCREDULOUS REPORTING

By Keith Taylor


How often have you felt like throwing a brick at the TV or radio when
a credulous host allows a "psychic" to utter nonsense, especially when
the host doesn't ask one critical question?  Have you ever tried to
call an astrologer on a talk show only to be cut off because your
question would require a specific answer?  Did you groan the last time
you read a report of psychic healing?

On the other hand, how about the time you saw a thorough report on
faith healers, dowsing, or another so-called phenomenon, one where the
investigator actually took the time to look at all sides of the
question?

Such credulous and incredulous activities should be recognized.  SDARI
intends to do just that.  We are going to establish an award -
probably a semiannual one - that will recognize local media folks who
get involved with fringe science.  If the reporter gives it the usual
pop-eyed gee whiz, that's amazing treatment without attempting to
determine what really happened, he should be singled out for his
gullibility.  The media person who actually takes the time to look at
both sides of an issue, especially if she calls in an expert to help,
should be honored.

We need to establish appropriate titles for the awards.  Suggestions
so far include "The Open Eye Award" and "The Closed Eye Award".  I
rather favor "The Credulous Award" and "The Incredulous Award" except
that I always get credulous and incredulous mixed up.  Even if you
don't have a dandy title, please keep an eye out for examples of
honest, skeptical reporting as well as for the nonsense favored by so
many reporters.  Please try to be as accurate as possible.  If the
story is in a paper or magazine, please save it.  If it is taken from
TV or radio, try to tape it; otherwise make notes (station call
letters, day and time of broadcast).  While the award will be given
every six months (if that's what we decide), we could report examples
of shoddy reporting or of excellent reporting in our quarterly
newsletter.

Please send any suggestions, comments or examples to
"DipsyDmstr@aol.com", "ehemming@adnc.com", or the San Diego
Association of Rational Inquiry, 945 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA
92101.


----------------

Keith Taylor is a member of the San Diego Association for Rational
Inquiry.  He can be reached in care of SDARI or by email:
DipsyDmstr@aol.com.

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