Truthout makes a ‘partial apology’ for false Rove story

Earlier this week we wrote about the credibility rule when it comes to blogging – and Truthout reporter Jason Leopold’s ability to lose all of that credibility in less than 48 hours.

Now, nearly a week later, Mark Ash, the Executive Director of TruthOut have posted a note offering a ‘partial apology’ for publishing the story.

Now, I know an apology when I see one, and a ‘partial apology’ and ‘being ahead of the news cycle’ doesn’t cut it.

Take a look at the ‘Partial Apology’:

On Saturday afternoon, May 13, 2006, TruthOut ran a story titled, “Karl Rove Indicted on Charges of Perjury, Lying to Investigators.” The story stated in part that top Bush aide Karl Rove had earlier that day been indicted on the charges set forth in the story’s title.

The time has now come, however, to issue a partial apology to our readership for this story. While we paid very careful attention to the sourcing on this story, we erred in getting too far out in front of the news-cycle. In moving as quickly as we did, we caused more confusion than clarity. And that was a disservice to our readership and we regret it.

See Also
"Storytelling Elevation"

It’s clear to me what the news is: no indictment.

Self-serving political stories that serve only to support your own view do nothing to improve the cause of bloggers wanting to be treated as journalists rather than as hacks. Shame on you, Jason Leopold. Shame on you, TruthOut. Shame on you, Mark Ash.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

Join Free Now

Picture of Matt Craven

Matt Craven

Matt Craven is the former editor & publisher of The Blog Herald. Currently, Matt is the co-founder of Bryghtpath LLC, a consulting practice located in Woodbury, Minnesota. Matt's presently looking for new blogging gigs. Ping him at matt (at) bryghtpath dot com. You can follow him on Twitter.

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

4 zodiac signs who become rich later in life

4 zodiac signs who become rich later in life

My Inner Creative

6 zodiac signs that can sense a lie before you even finish your sentence

6 zodiac signs that can sense a lie before you even finish your sentence

My Inner Creative

8 subtle habits of people who are always a joy to be around, according to psychology

8 subtle habits of people who are always a joy to be around, according to psychology

Hack Spirit

6 zodiac signs who always end up in “situationships” instead of real relationships

6 zodiac signs who always end up in “situationships” instead of real relationships

Parent From Heart

If you had no one to lean on as a child, you’ve probably developed these 8 traits (according to psychology)

If you had no one to lean on as a child, you’ve probably developed these 8 traits (according to psychology)

NewsReports

Men who never felt truly respected by their fathers often display these 8 hidden behaviors

Men who never felt truly respected by their fathers often display these 8 hidden behaviors

Hack Spirit