Wiston Papers

I'm tweeting.  I'm not reporting news.

This week the headline service Twitter was in the news. The micro-blogging source continues to evolve and that was recognized positively by two different sources.

The preeminent broadcast news organization Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) announced that it would present its First Amendment Award to Twitter.

According to the RTDNA news release, the award recognizes those who have “...played a significant role in dissemination of news and information.”

Furthermore, continues the RTDNA statement, “Social media has (sic) added a new and important dimension to information dissemination and Twitter has been in the forefront of those efforts.”

RTDNF Executive Director Mike Cavender is quoted.  “Millions of people turn to Twitter as an instant source of information, especially in times of crisis.”

Two days later ReadWrite blogger Jon Mitchell captured our attention with the headline “Watch Out CNN:  New Twitter Search Capabilities Will Rule Breaking News.”

Mitchell argues that traditional news sites are slower than Twitter and have less information about what’s happening.  He continues by claiming that Twitter “is increasingly where breaking news emerges.  That’s just a fact.”

No.  It is not a fact.  

Jon Mitchell obviously does not understand what Twitter is and the RTDNA apparently has forgotten what news is.  Here is the truth.

Twitter is a source of rumor, innuendo, speculation, opinions, tips and--on occasions--a link to actual news. But it is not news itself.

RTDNA erroneously asserts that Twitter’s limited 140-character messages constitute significance.  In fact, Twitter is nothing more than headlines.  There is no detail, no context, no explanation, no elaboration and no guarantee of accuracy.

Although Twitter often is first in spreading rumors about breaking news, every posting must be confirmed elsewhere.  First is not a synonym for fact. 

Mr. Mitchell incredulously claims most news sites have less information about what people find interesting.  On the contrary.  Legitimate news sites are not limited to Twitter’s 140-character restriction.  News sites have space to provide critical detail and background on news of interest to people.  Twitter cannot and does not do that.

 Yes, I tweet about my blog.  But I don’t delude myself that I’m disseminating anything more than a tease to my latest opinion.  I'm tweeting; I'm not reporting news.

It is true that social media are increasingly prominent forums for exchanges of opinions and information  But the overwhelming percentage of content is not actual news.  News is information that has been checked for accuracy.  News consumers should have confidence in the veracity of statements in the story and believe that the journalists who compile the information strive for fairness and balance.  In other words, news should present the truth.

Twitter and other social media have a place in contemporary society.  But we should not ascribe to them attributes they do not have nor a role they do not play.

Let’s recognize Twitter for what it is.  A headline service about topics of possible interest to families, friends and followers.  Actual news about those topics will be found elsewhere.

Steve Coon

January 09, 2013