Dear Sir,

Am I the only person who is appalled at the ability of politicians (and others) to use the news media to make political statements (and oft times mischief) without the media making any attempt to question, verify, or ask for another viewpoint before blindly broadcasting/printing whatever the speakers have to say?

How many times recently have we listened to the ZBM evening news containing statements which are subsequently proved to be totally incorrect?

How often has the RG printed bold headlines based on political statements with the opposite view hidden in small print at the end of the article?

Do the news editors not have a responsibility to check facts, obtain responses and ask questions before blindly publishing?

Do the Broadcast Commissioners not have the intestinal fortitude to haul the media before them? What happened to balanced reporting?

Reporters who would seek the truth rather than rush to get something on the news to fill the time?

I look forward to responses from the media and opinion from the public.

COLUMBA