What’s Wrong With This Headline?

Wednesday's Example of Media Bias   —   Posted on August 29, 2007

What’s Wrong With This Headline?:

“Bush Motorcade Kills Cop”

When I first read it, I assumed one of the limos had swerved into a crowd. But no, here’s what happened. A member of the President’s motorcade died Monday when his motorcycle crashed violently near a parking garage. Police aren’t saying exactly what happened yet, but I don’t think anyone suspects foul play.

The suggestion of Time [Magazine’s] headline is that someone is culpable for the officer’s death and the only name in the headline is that of the President. Better options would have been “Bush Motorcade Cop Dies” or perhaps “Presidential Motorcade Officer Killed in Crash.” Time is suggesting blame where none exists.   ………………..

Here are the headlines from a few other major news outlets:

• “New Mexico motorcycle officer dies escorting Bush” – Reuters
• “Bush motorcade cop dies in crash” – UPI
• “One Dead in Bush Motorcade Crash” – ABC News

Time’s phrasing remains unique.

Go to VerumSerum.com for the original posting.

(view the headline and article at Time’s website here:  www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1656739,00.html)