Was Straits Times' apology given sufficient prominence?


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reachme2003

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Oct 6, 2003
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In Sunday times, salma khalik reported that William Tan , the paraplegic adventurer is battling leukaemia. that report with a photo took one quarter of a page's space. however, in monday's s.t., william wrote in forum that he does not have leukaemia and asked for an apology. Following his letter, this appeared, "Editor's note: We apologize to Dr. Tan and his family for the error." It seems inadequate. how could a veteran reporter make such a blalant mistake?
 

well ... it could be a genuine mistake ...
or it could be a case where the person involved (a prominent figure) does not want it to be publicised ...

So which is which ....

Which ever the case ... i don't think ST will make a big fuss about an apology. It is already difficult enough to make them do an apology ... you think they would do it in big bold prints ...
 

It may be defamation to say someone has leukemia when he does not.
 

For such a serious news, why didn't the reporter asked the good doctor to confirm?
If the doctor did not comment, then ST should not publish.

I remembered what former ST Lesile Fong said about their journalists:
Whether in writing news stories or features, properly trained
journalists check and double-check their facts
, set these
in context, work in relevant background information, insist on
objectivity and balance, organise their material so their
account flows smoothly and logically, and use temperate
language unless there is a powerful reason to resort to strong
words. Even in offering views, they ensure that the opinions
expressed are based on fact, failing which, as any libel lawyer
would tell you, what they write cannot be defended as fair
comment.

Link

I hope that Mr Fong would give the current editors some lessons.

Senior editors cannot be that "relaxed" nowadays, right? :dunno:
 

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I remember back then when a prominent ex-politician was reported of being involved in a hit-and-run. Turned out to be same name different guy. ST ran two days of full page apologies in all their papers (ST,BH, NP etc.).
 

I remember back then when a prominent ex-politician was reported of being involved in a hit-and-run. Turned out to be same name different guy. ST ran two days of full page apologies in all their papers (ST,BH, NP etc.).

I remember this too. On the front page of New Paper.
My first impression was, how can that ex-politician be driving a van around?
 

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"33 YEAR OLD SALESMAN TOH CHIN CHYE HAS BEEN CHARGED
WITH CAUSING A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN THE
DEATH OF A TEENAGER. TOHS BELIEVED TO HAVE COMMITTED
THE OFFENCE WHILE DRIVING HIS VAN ALONG THE ECP LAST
JUNE.

HE'S ALLEGED TO HAVE COLLIDED WITH 17-YEAR-OLD MOSES
SEOW CHEE SIANG WHO WAS STANDING BEHIND A MOTORCYCLE
PARKED ON THE ROAD SHOULDER. HIS CASE WILL BE HEARD AGAIN
ON 26 MARCH AND HE'S BEEN OFFERED BAIL OF 20 THOUSAND
DOLLARS.

TOH'S CASE WAS RECENTLY IN THE NEWS AS THE ACCUSED SHARES
THE SAME NAME AS SINGAPORE'S EX-DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER,
DR TOH CHIN CHYE
.

THE NEW PAPER HAS SINCE APOLOGISED TO DR TOH
FOR THE GRAVE ERROR AND HAS SAID THAT IT WOULD PAY
DAMAGES."

LINK

 

when did this accident happen? it is unforgiving to see the elder toh chin chye as a 33 yo. tks anyway.
 

LOL, it's that rag known as "The New Paper".

'Nuff said.
 

Well, it's a case of an Ex-DPM & a commoner.

I briefly remembered that news & that editor then was most careless.
 

Said editors involved in the news were either demoted during that time or have left TNP. Dr Toh wanted to pursue legal action but matter was settled out of court. Not sure if Dr Tan would pursue legal action and whether it would have resulted in a different reaction from the papers can only be speculated. However, coming back to the topic, I too agree that a one-liner is most inadequate. Can anyone, though, confirm that no other form of apology was made with regards to this issue?
 

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