Media spin - it's getting silly

Another example, from a while back, which popped up on a recent thread:

WC 2002 - Press conference with SAF. He's asked to predict the semi-finalists for the WC. He does so; Italy, Argentina, Brazil and Germany (or something similar).

Headline in the Sun?

"Ferguson: England have no chance"

Fair enough you're gong to always get a spin from most of the gutter press. Don't get your thoughts for Redknapp though as it does make sense??

In a load of cases though it's just sensationalism to draw your eye or the interpretation of a journalist or worse a headline writer. It's particularly bad on the blogs of the BBC where people like Mcnulty get crucified for a heading that they don't write and often has a diffrent take than the main blog. Very frustrating!

GODBA (U9941)

It doesn't make sense to me, for two reasons:

1. Bemoans is a rather exaggerated expression - far more serious than his comments were

2. What was he expected to answer? He answers a question but then he is positioned as complaining

I liked the reporting on the interviews from after Wednesdays games after Fergusons apparent outburst and then a full story being written up on what Lindegaard said...

Sounds like your problem is with the headline writer, and not the journalist.

Don't really see the problem with the Harry Redknapp example, but the second one certainly is stretching it. Although technically correct, it was phrased in such a way that makes Ferguson's comment seem somewhat antagonistic.

But then, the whole point of a headline is to attract people's attention - the problem (and the media know this all too well) is that many people don't read past the headline.

Bemoans means to express regret in this instance so I think its pretty fair. I think the point I'd make though is that there are far too many poeple out there who make there judgements on the spin or opinion of journalists without actually reading the facts or quotes or even the main article sometimes. Can be very frustraing talking to some people to find they are quoting what they think they know rather than what is right.

RipleysCat (U1862)

Yes, sorry - I should have been clearer!

My issue is that you read this article and people will form the opinion that Redknapp has been whinging, when the reality is far from it.