To the Point
Truth, Lies and the Fighting in Gaza
Today’s 72-hour ceasefire in Gaza lasted for about 90 minutes. Once again, professional journalists are caught in the middle, trying to report the claims of Israelis and Palestinians and assess their credibility. But distrust and angry emotion extends to the news media. Is there any chance of achieving “fairness” and “balance?”
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenToday’s 72-hour ceasefire in Gaza lasted for about 90 minutes. As deadly fighting resumes, each side — as always — is blaming the other. Once again, professional journalists are caught in the middle, trying to report the claims of Israelis and Palestinians and assess their credibility. But here’s the problem: distrust and angry emotion extends to the news media. Accepted “facts” for part of the audience will be seen as “lies” by the other. Is there any chance of achieving “fairness” and “balance?”
Also, could the US tolerate not one, but six, Californias?
Banner Image: IDF soldiers operating in Gaza; Credit: Israel Defense Forces
In this episode
3 storiesGaza Ceasefire Breaks Down Hours After It Begins
It took an hour and a half for a 72-hour ceasefire in Gaza to break down today. In the Southern City of Rafah, 2 Israeli soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber, and a third reportedly has been kidnapped. Since then, Israeli tank fire has killed at least 35 Palestinians. Nicholas Casey is in Gaza City for the Wall Street Journal.
Read the story7 minTruth, Lies and the Fighting in Gaza
Today’s 72-hour ceasefire in Gaza lasted about 90 minutes, and the fighting has been resumed. Now, we’ll pull back and look at what it’s like to cover this ongoing story. It’s the ultimate challenge to the very concepts of “fairness” and “balance.” What one part of the audience sees as reporting the truth the other sees as propaganda.
Read the story36 min6 Californias Ballot Initiative
California is vast, diverse, dynamic and influential. But Tim Draper thinks it has become too big to be manageable. He wants voters to divide all of California into six parts — new states with governors, members of Congress and US Senators. John Myers reports from Sacramento for KQED, public television and radio in San Frandcisco.
Read the story8 min
