After some media outlets ran with a misleading story that the FBI planned to examine new evidence associated with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s email server, numerous reporters and media figures criticized the initial coverage for using Rep. Jason Chaffetz’s (R-UT) spin rather than the actual letter from FBI Director James Comey, which said only that new emails “pertinent” to the investigation had been discovered and will be assessed.
Journalists Criticize Outlets Who Ignored FBI Letter And Ran With Republican Congressman’s Spin
Written by Brennan Suen
Published
Journalists: “Do Some Investigation Before You Go To Print” With A Story From Jason Chaffetz
Dear Reporters:
If Jason Chaffetz gives you a story, and you care about accuracy, do some investigation before you go to print.— Ian Millhiser (@imillhiser) October 28, 2016
Chaffetz called it ‘reopen’ hence confusion https://t.co/Yzj8rNPZgU
— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) October 28, 2016
Interesting thing to watch: How local newspapers hed it. Chaffetz description of what Comey said is not holding up https://t.co/yLPQqAvLil
— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) October 28, 2016
A distinction: Comey did not say 'reopening investigation.' That language came from House Oversight Chair @jasoninthehouse.
— Katie Bo Williams (@KatieBoWill) October 28, 2016
As I said in my piece, Comey did not say case reopened. Rep Chaffetz said that. Now FBI saying to reporters on background thats incorrect.
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) October 28, 2016
1) Chaffetz said re-opened
2) NBC said re-opened
3) Other media began reporting and decoding concise Comey letter https://t.co/jNftp10wdo— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) October 28, 2016
1.Comey speaks. 2.Chaffetz over-reacts. 3. Dems panic. 4. Twitter freaks. 5. Markets jump. 6. Reporters report. 7. New Trump video surfaces.
— Marc Ambinder (@marcambinder) October 28, 2016
Let's look at politics. Chaffetz, who's cuddled up to DJT, seems to be first to talk about it...made it sound far graver than letter (1/2)
— Steve Singiser (@stevesingiser) October 28, 2016
Media immediately gives it Chaffetz's characterization, rather than much more vague characterization of Comey's letter. No? (2/2)
— Steve Singiser (@stevesingiser) October 28, 2016
Lots of bad headlines re Comey letter. Reason? Instead of leading with letter, reporters led with Republicans view of the letter.
— John Stoehr (@johnastoehr) October 28, 2016
Leaks and spin from Chaffetz, Gowdy et al are baker’s chocolate, and reporters are children who think “maybe it’ll taste sweet this time!" https://t.co/cb0U5Ne4wf
— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) October 28, 2016