Observer editor Roger Alton will step down at the end of 2007. It appears that the terrible MMR/autism coverage from the Observer - and their failure to issue a proper retraction or apology - played a role in this. Much more than the ‘mainstream media’, bloggers have been pushing this issue and refusing to let it go quietly away. Le Carnard Noir (the previous host of the Skeptic’s Circle) has even put up a counter marking the number of “weeks without [the Observer offering] a correction of apology about MMR and Autism.
We can’t know exactly why Alton stepped down - and other factors were definitely involved - but it is nice to think that we may have played a part. Alton ran a frontpage story he should have known was incorrect, then refused to offer an adequate apology - it has been 16 weeks now. Madame Arcati - who correctly predicted this last month - says that “The Scott Trust got involved [over the MMR coverage and] editor Roger Alton had to go to before them and receive six of the best like a naughty schoolboy.” As the Independent suggests, criticisms of the Observer’s MMR coverage may have been part of the reason why Alton is going. Soon, the Observer might even stretch to a proper apology or retraction.
As you’re putting together your submissions for the next Skeptic’s Circle (which will be hosted on this blog) it’s worth remembering what is possible for bloggers - so, what’s the next target..?
9 responses so far ↓
sharon // October 28, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Blogging is great!
It’s a wonderful way of focusing attention and putting pressure on the media folk, when they try to pass bullshit off as news.
Commius // October 29, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Does anyone think that a change in editor may lead to an improvement in the quality of reporting, or is that just wishful thinking?
draust // October 30, 2007 at 2:52 am
The media pages seem to be suggesting that the Observer may well ultimately end up being more or less “the Sunday Guardian”. Which might imply merging staffs.
I wouldn’t say the Guardian’s science reporting is necessarily universally good, or even all that much better than the Observer. It is just a bit more howler-free. Perhaps the Guardian are a little more circumspect about letting “the news agenda” (transl: the news editor’s frantic desire to have a SCOOP to run) override the facts or analysis… which is really what we were criticizing the Observer for.
The Observer’s recent flailings are odd in some ways, as the quality Sundays were historically noted for prioritizing analysis and investigation over “hot news” - the point being that, sport aside, you couldn’t reliably find too much new news on a Sunday that hadn’t already been covered in the Saturdays.
Claire // October 30, 2007 at 11:12 am
apologies for diverting attention to another newspaper but have you seen this: http://living.scotsman.com/health.cfm?id=1727272007 Guess who? featuring:
“…RED ONIONS
THE ILLNESSES: asthma and eczema.
THE CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE: asthma and eczema are both inflammatory conditions that often occur due to unidentified allergies.
Inhalers delivering corticosteroid and beta-agonist drugs for asthma control the progression and symptoms of the illness.
Cortisone creams for eczema thin the skin, making you more vulnerable to infection.
• THE FOOD MEDICINE: quercetin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemical found in red onions that may reduce allergic symptoms associated with asthma and eczema…”
stever // October 30, 2007 at 11:35 am
hopefully there will be a change at the Observer following the MMR disgrace/debacle. Never nice to see heads role and i dont think Alton has been all bad by any stretch. But the MMR bollocks, and more specifically the fasilure to rertract apologise appropriately was inexcusable.
There was a good Nick Cohen piece/debunk/critique of homeopathy and related politics in this weeks edition which maybe bodes well. Apparently he has been talking to some of our blogging colleagues.
LeeT // October 30, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Does anyone have any idea when we will know of the outcome of Dr Andrew Wakefield’s disciplinary hearing at the GMC?
jdc325 // October 31, 2007 at 10:17 am
The GMC press office here: http://www.gmcpressoffice.org.uk/apps/news/events/index.php?key=0 has details of forthcoming hearings and you can check on a doctor’s status here: https://webcache.gmc-uk.org/ods/home.do
PS - the Nick Cohen piece is on CiF. Here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2200815,00.html
jonhw // November 1, 2007 at 2:55 am
Thanks for all the comments. Claire, blogged the Scotsman piece here.
1 in 58 Have Autism Redux: I Blame The Observer « Holford Watch: Patrick Holford, nutritionism and bad science // April 6, 2008 at 2:26 pm
[...] though Observer Editor Roger Alton has had to stand down from his post, for matters relating to this fiasco, the Observer has not officially retracted that story or that [...]
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