TigerLogic launches personalised Facebook newspaper PostPost

TigerLogic Corporation yesterday announced the release of a platform called PostPost, which creates a personalised newspaper using posts shared by a user’s friends on Facebook.

According to a press release, PostPost “enables users to quickly skim relevant passages of text shared by their Facebook friends and sort shared content by type”, as well as comment on, like and re-share material.

This week paper.li also announced that it would be developing its Twitter stream newspaper product to offer similar functionality with public Facebook posts.

Hatip: Shaping the Future of the Newspaper blog

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Press Gazette: Freelancer in libel case represented by Carter-Ruck

An update from Press Gazette on the libel fight of freelance journalist Hardeep Singh, which reports that the freelancer is being represented by high-profile law firm Carter-Ruck – better known for its work elsewhere…

In October the High Court in London granted Indian national His Holiness Sant Baba Jeet Singh ji Maharaj the right to appeal in his libel case against Singh.

Singh was sued by His Holiness Sant Baba Jeet Singh ji Maharaj, the head of a fringe Sikh religious institution, for an article published in the Sikh Times in 2007. The piece written by Singh called Jeet Singh “an accused cult leader” and alleged that his teachings were not in line with mainstream Sikh doctrine.

The case was thrown out by Justice Eady in May 2010, who ruled for a permanent stay with no right to appeal. In May Singh said the case had already cost him “in excess of £90,000″.

Full story on Press Gazette at this link…

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#cablegate: Is WikiLeaks a whistleblower?

“Whistleblower” – it’s a word that we have used ourselves here at Journalism.co.uk to define WikiLeaks, the site currently publishing batches of more than 250,000 confidential diplomatic cables and at the heart of debate over the rights and wrongs of doing so.

But when news organisations use this word to describe WikiLeaks, what, if anything, are they communicating about the body itself? This is a question raised in an interesting post on Yahoo’s The Cutline news blog, which reports that this issue has actually led to a series of news organisations asking their journalists not to use the word in their reports.

“We’ve had ‘whistleblower’ in some copy but have decided not to use it any longer,” AP spokesman Paul Colford told The Cutline. “Our description now reflects the site’s own name: a website that specializes in displaying leaked information.”

Colford didn’t say whether the AP considers “whistle-blower” to be inaccurate. He simply said that “we think we have a better, clearer description, and that’s what we’re using.”

NBC News spokeswoman Lauren Kapp also told The Cutline that the network was retiring “whistle-blower” in its WikiLeaks reports, even though it called WikiLeaks a “whistle-blower” on last Monday’s “Nightly News With Brian Williams.” Reuters, which has used “whistleblower” since the State Department leak, no longer uses it either. “Our style guidelines ask that reporters not describe WikiLeaks as a whistle-blower,” Reuters spokeswoman Erin Kurtz said.

So what’s the problem? The Cutline looks at the true definition of the term and the impact this could have on a reader/listener/viewer.

The term “whistle-blower” is usually used to describe someone within, say, a corporation or government agency who risks a career to speak out against corruption or fraud. It may just seem like a semantic issue, but how the media describe WikiLeaks can affect public perceptions. A whistle-blower is probably viewed positively, as an individual speaking out against wrongdoing.

Editors note: In hindsight, it makes sense that ‘whistleblower’ is not the most appropriate term for an organisation that is in fact a platform for whistleblowers. But then, “a website that specializes in displaying leaked information” is not exactly the most concise. I think ‘whistleblower’s website’ is a good compromise. Feel free to chime with suggestions though.

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Axel Springer blocking browser access to its newspaper on iPad to promote apps

A curious strategy from German publishing group Axel Springer – the publisher is reportedly blocking access to the website of its tabloid Bild from iPad browsers so that users can only access the title by downloading a paid-for app.

Full story on Fox Business via Dow Jones at this link…

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Emily Bell: ‘WikiLeaks has woken up journalism’

Emily Bell on how WikiLeaks and cablegate is forcing journalists and news organisations to assess their stance on the leaks and where coverage of it fits into their news agendas:

The idea that this is the first real battleground between the political establishment and the open web is very arresting. It also forces journalists and news organisations to demonstrate to what extent they are now part of an establishment it is their duty to report. Some like the Guardian, which has a long tradition of free speech attached to it, has been at the heart of disseminating WikiLeaks cablegate information.

…It is an excellent exercise for students (and editors) to think through what they would do. Many diplomatic and overseas correspondents one suspects already had a defacto access to the essence of the cables through their relationship with diplomats. Otherwise how are we so unsurprised by their content.

WikiLeaks  has ignited a debate about the rights and responsibilities attached to freeing information.It has illustrated that Governments, however well intentioned, do not have the best judgement in terms of what it is right for  citizens to know. It has shown that the established media no longer necessarily gets to make that call either, and forces us all to think about the consequences of that shift.

Full post on Emily Bell’s blog at this link…

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Journalisted Weekly: More snow, big leaks, and World Cup bid fury

Journalisted is an independent, not-for-profit website built to make it easier for you, the public, to find out more about journalists and what they write about. It is run by the Media Standards Trust, a registered charity set up to foster high standards in news on behalf of the public, and funded by donations from charitable foundations.

Each week Journalisted produces a summary of the most covered news stories, most active journalists and those topics falling off the news agenda, using its database of UK journalists and news sources. From now on we’ll be cross-posting them on Journalism.co.uk.

for the week ending Sunday 5 December

• An avalanche of snow and a WikiLeaks flood deluged the news
• England’s World Cup bid failure generated anger at FIFA
• Attempted assassinations in Tehran, and a US school hostage-taking received little attention

See new profiles for UK national newspaper editors on Journalisted

The Media Standards Trust’s unofficial database of PCC complaints is now available for browsing at www.complaints.pccwatch.co.uk

For the latest instalment of Tobias Grubbe, journalisted’s 18th century jobbing journalist, go to journalisted.com/tobias-grubbe

Covered lots

• WikiLeaks, which released 250,000 secret US diplomatic cables into the public domain, 851 articles
• More snow, with airports closing and Scotland worst affected, 699 articles
• England’s bid losing out in the voting for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, causing outrage and sparking critcism of FIFA, 577 articles

Covered little

• The 146th execution in Iran this year, with the hanging of a footballer’s mistress Shahla Jahed, 12 articles
• Suspected assassination attempts on two Iranian nuclear experts in Tehran, 6 articles
• The murder of Hermila García Quinones, one of a handful of women taking on chief police roles in Mexico’s drug war, 5 articles
• A high school hostage-taking in Wisconsin, with the teenage gunman taking only his own life, 4 articles

Political ups and downs (top ten by number of articles)

• David Cameron: 702 articles (+24% on previous week)
• George Osborne: 265 articles (+15% on previous week)
• Nick Clegg: 220 articles (+11% on previous week)
• Gordon Brown: 212 articles (+44% on previous week)
• Vince Cable: 171 articles (+44% on previous week)
• Ed Miliband: 142 articles (+22% on previous week)
• Tony Blair: 126 articles (+1% on previous week)
• Philip Hammond: 98 articles (+158% on previous week)
• William Hague: 94 articles (+25% on previous week)
• Andrew Lansley: 78 articles (+95% on previous week)

Celebrity vs serious

• Ann Widdecombe, in the week she finally left ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, 43 articles vs. former MP David Chaytor, facing imprisonment on admitting expenses fraud, 25 articles
• Cheryl Cole, who has been chosen to be a judge on America’s X Factor in £3 million deal, 98 articles vs. Haiti’s election, characterised as fraudulent and badly organised, 16 articles
• Angelina Jolie, premiering her new film ‘The Tourist’, 32 articles vs. a huge forest fire in northern Israel, killing 41 and prompting aid from foreign fire crews including Palestinians, 29 articles

Who wrote a lot about…’Putin’s Russia’

Luke Harding – 17 articles (The Guardian), Andrew Osborn – 10 articles (The Telegraph), Tony Halpin – 8 articles (The Times), Sam Wallace – 7 articles (The Independent), Tom Parfitt – 6 articles (The Guardian)

Long form journalism

• 3,612 words: ‘Seeing the wood for the trees’ – Ben Webster, The Times, 2nd December 2010
• 3,399 words: ‘Wiki’s world’ – Christina Lamb and Bob Tyrer, Sunday Times, 5th December 2010
• 3,318 words: ‘Who is Mr Justice Eady?’ – Ian Burrell, The Independent, 4th December 2010

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Eighteen new editorial, media and PR vacancies posted this week on Journalism.co.uk

Grants manager – Impact Innovation in Online News
IPI is seeking to hire an experienced grant manager responsible for the day-to-day management (administration, application and distribution process) of the IPI Grant Innovation Online News Project
Salary: DoE
International Press Institute
Vienna, Rest of Europe
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Freelance writers
Are you interested in extending your reach and showcasing your work? With over 28 million readers worldwide, Suite101 is the ideal platform to help build your portfolio and profile.
Salary: Lifetime royalties plus bonuses and incentives
Suite101.com
London, England
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Features editor
Melcrum Publishing is seeking a talented features editor to deliver must-read features, profiles and other content. Working across print and online, the successful candidate will identify great feature ideas and set out a unique forward agenda.
Salary: DoE
Melcrum Publishing
London, England
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Deputy editor
Noble House Media is looking for a talented and dedicated individual to join its busy editorial team as deputy editor for our growing contract publishing activities.
Salary: DoE
Noble House Media
London, England
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Freelance writers wanted
Demand Media Studios is looking for freelance writers. Claim and work on the assignments of your choice. Get paid for each published article.
Salary: $15-$25 USD per hour
Demand Media Studios
Location based, All
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Freelance financial reporters – Eastern Europe
Freelance reporters wanted – Eastern European countries
Salary: DoE
SNL Financial
Home based, Poland / Russia
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Content writers
Adfero, a leading online news agency, is looking for talented and enthusiastic writers to join its DirectNews division in Manchester.
Salary: £16K
Adfero
Manchester , England
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Staff writer
Linux Format is looking for a talented and passionate Staff Writer to join its editorial team.
Salary: £competitive
Future Publishing Ltd
Bath, England
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Online media sales/account executive
To work for Brighton-based Journalism.co.uk
Salary: DoE
Mousetrap Media Ltd
Brighton, England
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Senior reporter
Senior reporter needed for International Financial Law Review, a leading legal publication covering the capital markets.
Salary: DoE
Legal Media Group
London, England
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Nutrition and fitness writers
As a LIVESTRONG.com writer, you have the ability to claim assignments from our system, write from home, and earn money for each of your published articles.
Salary: $15 – $30 USD per hour
LIVESTRONG.com
Telecommute, United Kingdom
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Communications and media intern
Environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth’s award-winning communications and media team needs a volunteer for six weeks at the start of the year.
Salary: Unpaid
Friends of the Earth
London, England
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Sub-editor
Experienced sub-editors needed to join Argus Media’s dynamic, growing team in London. We are looking for subs who have a keen interest in global energy issues and business journalism. Argus is one of the UK’s fastest growing media companies.
Salary: DoE
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London, England
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Experienced finance web editor
A fantastic opportunity to join a friendly web editorial production department in the Brighton or London office of a leading global marketing agency.
Salary: DoE
iCrossing
Brighton or London, England
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Freelance internet desk journalist
Digital media is at the heart of FRANCE24. We are currently looking for desk journalists who will play a key role within the FRANCE24 web team and add value to the FRANCE24 website.
Salary: DoE
FRANCE 24
Paris, France
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Senior photo editor
We are now searching for an experienced in-house senior photo editor. The position will report into the vice president of production, Europe
Salary: DoE
Travelzoo (Europe) Ltd
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Associate producer
Based in London, the associate producer, UK, will research travel deals, manage client campaigns, work with sales managers and write travel deal contents.
Salary: DoE
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London or Manchester, England
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Senior art editor
Are you an experienced art editor or senior art editor who wants a new challenge? Cycling Plus is looking for a talented senior art editor to play a pivotal role.
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#Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – group messaging on Twitter

Twitter: Want more control over who sees your Twitter updates or who you can send messages to? Have a play with group Twitter tool Twitsper. Tipster: Laura Oliver.

To submit a tip to Journalism.co.uk, use this link – we will pay a fiver for the best ones published.

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Comment: Joe Lieberman, the New York Times and the idea of ‘bad citizenship’

Speaking to Fox News yesterday, Senator Joe Lieberman, who is among WikiLeaks’ fiercest critics, makes very clear his desire to see the organisation’s founder Julian Assange extradited to the US and indicted by any means possible. Or not possible just now, but possible very soon, perhaps.

More interesting than Lieberman’s quite naked desire to prosecute Assange or WikiLeaks, or both, is his speculation that the New York Times may have also committed a crime and may also be subject to some form of prosecution.

That isn’t a great leap though, if WikiLeaks has committed a crime in publishing the cables then surely the New York Times has also committed a crime. It seems likely that attorney general Eric Holder, try as he might, will have enough trouble bringing a case against WikiLeaks. The state has been bitten once already in this kind of fight with the Times and I suspect it will be quite shy about trying again.

More interesting still is Lieberman’s comment toward the end of the interview:

I think the New York Times has committed at least an act of bad citizenship.

Holder can’t indict the Times for bad citizenship – yet – but the charge is an interesting one. It rests, at least in part, on the assumption that the interests and motives of the ‘good citizen’ align with those of the government. The American author Don DeLillo succinctly exposed the error in this assumption in 1988, in response to a very similar criticism by newspaper columnist George Will.

That year Will published a scathing review of DeLillo’s novel Libra in the Washington Post. He wasn’t a huge fan of the book. He called it:

… an act of literary vandalism and bad citizenship.

DeLillo’s novel, which tells of the events leading up to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, mixes fact and fiction in the mold of Public Burning or Executioner’s Song. It challenges the official version of events presented by the Warren Commission report. In doing so it wounded George Will and, in Will’s mind, America too. The New York Times’ publication and coverage of the embassy cables has wounded Joe Lieberman and in Lieberman’s mind, America too. Lieberman makes his feelings plain in the Fox News interview: rather than discuss the possible indictment of Julian Assange in the (relatively) factual terms of breaking the law or not breaking the law, Lieberman whimpers about the “negative consequences” for America, about the country being “hurt”.

It sure looks to me on the facts that WikiLeaks and Julian Assange have violated America’s espionage act, with great negative consequences for us.

He ought to be indicted and then we can ask the authorities to in England to extradite him to the United States. If we don’t do that someone else will come along and do exactly what WikiLeaks has done and that will hurt America even more.

But did DeLillo’s novel hurt America? Will the embassy cables? Are they acts of ‘bad citizenship’? More importantly, is an act of ‘bad citizenship’ a bad thing? Should the newspaper feel chastened?

This was DeLillo’s response to Will:

I don’t take it seriously, but being called a bad citizen is a compliment to a novelist, at least to my mind. That’s exactly what we ought to do. We ought to be bad citizens. We ought to, in the sense that we are writing against what power represents, and often what the government represents … In that sense, if we’re bad citizens, we’re doing our job.

Journalists should, of course be responsible, professional, and transparent where possible, but if the Times did not act as a ‘bad citizen’ in Will’s and Lieberman’s terms, would its journalists be doing their jobs?

Whether or not the newspaper has committed a crime is one thing but this stuff about ‘bad citizenship’, this stuff about America the Brave being wounded by one of its own, is as ludicrous now as it was when George Will said it. The New York Times should pledge allegiance to the truth, not the flag.

Senator Joe Lieberman, a good citizen?

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#cablegate: WikiLeaks essential to a strong media, Assange argues in new op-ed

Just hours after the arrest of Julian Assange in London, the Australian has published an op-ed piece by the WikiLeaks founder in which he places the organisation squarely among the media firmament:

“Democratic societies need a strong media and WikiLeaks is part of that media”, argues Assange. “The media helps keep government honest. WikiLeaks has revealed some hard truths about the Iraq and Afghan wars, and broken stories about corporate corruption.”

The piece begins with a quote from a young Rupert Murdoch, who said in 1958: “In the race between secrecy and truth, it seems inevitable that truth will always win.” A particularly poignant statement, given that WikiLeaks is now in the fight of its life: trying desperately to stay online amid sustained cyber attacks; facing possible prosecution under any law the US attorney general can find to fit the bill; and press coverage of the leaks diverted by the arrest of its founder and editor-in-chief for alleged sex crimes.

The attacks on WikiLeaks have come thick and fast from many fronts, but, as Assange points out in his op-ed, the newspapers that published secret diplomatic cables by its side are not suffering anything like the same treatment:

WikiLeaks is not the only publisher of the US embassy cables. Other media outlets, including Britain’s the Guardian, the New York Times, El Pais in Spain and Der Spiegel in Germany have published the same redacted cables. Yet it is WikiLeaks, as the co-ordinator of these other groups, that has copped the most vicious attacks and accusations from the US government and its acolytes.

Assange goes on to claim that his organisation has coined “a new type of journalism”, which he calls “scientific journalism”.

We work with other media outlets to bring people the news, but also to prove it is true. Scientific journalism allows you to read a news story, then to click online to see the original document it is based on. That way you can judge for yourself: is the story true? Did the journalist report it accurately?

His call for journalism to adopt something more akin to a scientific method are not new. It echoes comments he made back in July, prior to the release of Afghanistan and Iraq war logs and the US embassy cables:

You can’t publish a paper on physics without the full experimental data and results, that should be the standard in journalism. You can’t do it in newspapers because there isn’t enough space, but now with the internet there is.

As he has done for many years in defence of his own organisation, Assange raises the issue of the Pentagon Papers as he closes his piece:

In its landmark ruling in the Pentagon Papers case, the US Supreme Court said “only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government”. The swirling storm around WikiLeaks today reinforces the need to defend the right of all media to reveal the truth.

See the full article on the Australian at this link…

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