We Want Media

Charles Johnson over at Little Green Footballs brings us this gem today:

Not terribly outrageous or controversial until one reads the caption: "Palestinians attend a demonstration against violence in Gaza, April 23, 2007."

You can see the original context here.

How is it that Reuters could look at this photo and conclude -- despite the obvious presence (indeed, emphasis) of a rocket propelled grenade launcher -- that this is a "demonstration against violence"?

Johnson believes it's because Reuters, along with many other wire services and newspapers, use local stringers to gather the news in remote areas like the Middle East. While I don't know any specifics about this particular photograph, the phenomenon of specious news coming out of the Middle East in such a manner is well documented.

Perhaps it's time for a revision of reporting practices. Or at least more direct oversight from within the organization.