Quite often you’ll see news stories that conclude with “_____ didn’t return a request for comment ahead of publication.”
Christina Pushaw, press secretary for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has quite a doozy of an example, and it just reeks of “journalism”:
Hi @Adela_Suliman! You reached out to our office for comment at 5:20am and published your long, in-depth article at 7:44am claiming we "didn't respond to a request for comment." This is unethical journalism, and I demand an apology. Also, I responded in depth at 11am – UPDATE. pic.twitter.com/McFCsQmTAX
— Christina Pushaw 🐊🚛 (@ChristinaPushaw) February 9, 2022
It's pretty obvious you talked to progressive activist groups and wrote your entire article based on their talking points, then contacted us immediately before publication at 5:20am (assuming we wouldn't answer immediately at that time) so you could check that box. We see you.
— Christina Pushaw 🐊🚛 (@ChristinaPushaw) February 9, 2022
Pushaw would like some answers from the Post about why a London-based reporter is covering Florida issues. It would also be nice if somebody at the WaPo would explain time zones to their journo:
Oh cool look who got back to me after my tweets 👀🙏🏼 Now perhaps @washingtonpost can explain why a London reporter is writing stories about Tallahassee without taking into account our time zone. Also, it’s obvious Adela wrote this whole story before contacting us. pic.twitter.com/RCKTaqjJu8
— Christina Pushaw 🐊🚛 (@ChristinaPushaw) February 9, 2022
“We tried to get comment before publishing the story” is a common tactic and many reporters seem to send the request about three minutes before the story is published.
WaPo is covering Florida news from London. Makes sense. https://t.co/Sqd5UI7bU9
— Greg Pollowitz (@GPollowitz) February 9, 2022
It’s the most “journalism” thing ever!
To be fair there is no way she could she have known that it was 5 hours earlier in FL. 🙄
— Thor Svensonn (@thorsvensonn) February 9, 2022
Journalistic ethics on display: https://t.co/03RRBUDV3Q
— Grodkin Blodgett (@GrodkinB) February 9, 2022
Low rent. It is the reporters responsibility to account for time zones.@Adela_Suliman https://t.co/KeVLfJkQ26
— Magoo (@MagooActual) February 9, 2022
I LOVE that Desantis’ press team is fighting back against this behavior. https://t.co/1PlyKzrVa4
— Native FL Woman (@callmeflwoman) February 9, 2022
All Republicans need to hold the media accountable this way.
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