After CNN, the Associated Press, Fox News, and a number of local media outlets incorrectly reported that an arrest had been made in the Boston bombing case, the Boston division of the FBI released the following statement:
Contrary to widespread reporting, no arrest has been made in connection with the Boston Marathon attack. Over the past day and a half, there have been a number of press reports based on information from unofficial sources that has been inaccurate. Since these stories often have unintended consequences, we ask the media, particularly at this early stage of the investigation, to exercise caution and attempt to verify information through appropriate official channels before reporting.
What a media world we live in –one where the FBI has to explain the fundamentals of responsible reporting to some of the biggest outlets in the country.
As of now CNN is taking on the most criticism for its incorrect reporting, probably because it was the most dramatic, which was followed by the network’s utter inability to regroup afterwards. For a good hour, America watched anchors Chris Cuomo, Anderson Cooper, and a female expert attempting to clean up a debacle without appearing as though they were trying to clean up a debacle.
The elephant of failure wasn’t just in the room, the elephant was in a tutu dancing to Swan Lake.
It was utterly bizarre, more than a little uncomfortable to watch, and the fact that CNN kept its live camera on its anchors as they melted in the sun instead of going to commercial, is about as amateur hour as it gets.
“The Most Trusted Name in News” is taken on more water than they might be able to recover from.
Follow John Nolte on Twitter @NolteNC