Do you think newspapers and TV news should be banned from saying 'sources close to' or 'critics say'?

Question

Many people don't realise, and perhaps don't care, that this is often code for 'we made up these people so we can say what WE actually want to say'. Too much journalism is ingrained with laziness and white lies, whether deliberate or not, but they cynically think the public won't notice. Many of these journalists were well educated- they have no excuse for trotting out the same tired cliches.

Answer 1

Yes, I agree. What it translates as is rumour, leak, innuendo or just plain made up. It's lazy and unsubstantiated evidence does not constitute news or information.

Answer 2

I do agree with that. It is so annoying to read these words, I basically take anything that comes after them as a load of bunk.

You can't really ban them but I wish they would stop being so damned lazy and either come up with real quotes and figures or just stop making up shite like this.

Answer 3

I always thought that's what they're there for.
You ought to read 'a mathemetician reads the newspaper'
I have a feeling you'd enjoy it

Answer 4

Let the media be free and unbridled by political restraint, otherwise there will be corruption going on, unreported and unchecked.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FREEDOM OF THE PRESSES.

One of the great things about Britain.

Answer 5

we all want real news ...but most of the time there isn't any...!!! so what do our media do..?...youve guessed ...yes they make it up ...they blow it up ...they create sensation....they nearly lie....
anything to keep the circus going .........pitiful...the main problem is people think all this stuff matters....but most of it is just rubbish......try doing without it for a week......see what difference it make to your life..........diddly squat that what...!!