http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-920054.mp3
Macomb, IL – The panelists discuss the uproar over plans to build an Islamic community center and mosque near ground zero in New York City. How or why did this become such a big story in the mainstream media?
Bill Knight believes two factors played a role. One is demagoguery. The other is that many reporters were lazy or had an agenda. Knight says there was a pack journalism mindset.
Mark Dial encourages news consumers to seek out journalists who are working hard - those who are trying to get beyond the white noise and who are digging to find the story within the story.
An article in Salon.com follows a time line of the story. Plans to build the community center generated little attention and no controversy late last year. It did not become a national issue until a blogger started a campaign to stop construction of the building.