Bad reporting 101
One of the joys I get from doing my job over the last 10 years is being able to write about what's happening. I like to think, and no one's told me anything to the contrary, that I do it with accuracy, honesty and fairness.
Lately, there's one reporter's story whose actions have given me, and every other hard-working journalist, a bad name.
Speed Channel's Bob Dilner reported after Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway that NASCAR inspectors had found illegal modifications on winner Kevin Harvick's car after the race. Both NASCAR and the Harvick team vehemently denied the report, but Dilner's bosses at Speed Channel, naturally, stood by it.
What a load of irresponsible journalistic garbage.
If this story had legs, why wasn't Harvick and/or team owner Richard Childress docked points or fined by NASCAR for the alleged infractions? Why doesn't Harvick drop names if there was an alleged "plant" that was trying to rattle him and his team with the allegations?
Getting sources who claim they have (mis) information is one thing. Putting that (mis) information on the air, or in print, without corroboration is totally different.
This story was a non-story. Speed Channel should be ashamed.
Wonder what Dilner will say if Kevin Harvick wins the Nextel Cup championship. If it's something that has the smallest drop of truth to it, I'll be impressed.
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