How the Media Got Newtown Wrong

Initial media reports of Newtown shooting littered with misinformation, falsehoods
News briefing in Newtown, Conn. / AP

Myths and misinformation littered news reports as the media updated rapt audiences on the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut this Friday, highlighting the dangers and ethical problems inherent in covering an unfolding tragedy with an eye for being first rather than being correct.

Governor in Absentia

Montana governor Brian Schweitzer more visible on cable than in home state
Brian Schweitzer / AP

Watch CNN, and the odds are good you will see Democratic Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who appears frequently on cable news as a guest pundit. However, while the gregarious governor may be building a personal brand, his recent TV hits have put him out-of-state almost as much as in-state.