Peering through binoculars towards London Bridge

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Writer/ Poet blogging about the human experience

2 years ago

In community: World Today(70ff)

Topics: My blog for today, Content

Earlier today, media houses around the world raced to report on a statement from Buckingham Palace announcing that the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, was under the medical supervision of her team of doctors who were concerned for her state of health. Those reports were followed by a slew of articles on the arrival of members of the royal family to be at her side in Balmoral, Scotland, reports of politicians buying black ties, etc., and with even some publications rehashing the procedures that one can expect to take place should the Queen pass on.

The Queen is, of course, 96 years old, and has, to date, survived many obituaries and premature reports about her demise. But today's statement from the Palace has certainly fanned the flame of global attention, whatever one's opinions may be about the monarchy. In the media, journalists are stumbling over each other for the scoop, eager to be the first off the draw to report, as is tradition, London Bridge is down, that is to say, the Queen is dead, long live the King.

Without being fully apprised of the Queen's condition, I do not propose to comment on the state of her health, other than to wish her, her loved ones, and all of England well. I will note, however, on a separate but related note, that today's media reports once again remind us of the brutal nature of reporting, particularly in an age where social media has made real time communications possible and accessible to everyone so that the public no longer has to wait for a news hour or a newspaper on the following day to catch up on current events.

In order to maintain relevance in this age of instant communications, mainstream media houses are recognizing that it's no longer sufficient to say that they are the official source of news and then take their sweet time to deliver it. And so, the trade off in the race to the finish line, sadly, is oftentimes efficiency, accuracy, and premature reports about the Queen's state of health.

Full disclosure, many years ago, I served as a member of the media for a stint, and so I can absolutely relate to the adrenalin rush that comes with getting to the news first. I've walked in those shoes, and so I will not propose to attack or vilify a group that I was once apart of and will always think of as family. I do know though, as a former journalist and even in the field of corporate communications, that while enthusiasm on the job is great, unchecked enthusiasm can land you in hot water, particularly when reports are inaccurate for matters as important as this.

For the mainstream media, speed is important to remain competitive, but credibility is currency. Media houses and personnel are held to a higher standard than the regular John or Jane Doe spreading the gossip of the streets. And so, when inadvertent errors are identified, it is to the reporter and media house's credit, to recognize the faux pas and apologize. Thus, much credit to Yalda Hakim for the apology highlighted above.

And now, I'll join the rest of the world, binoculars trained, focused on London Bridge, and await an official update.

Update

The media has confirmed the official Buckingham Palace announcement that Queen Elizabeth II has died at Balmoral Castle today at the age of 96, ending a 70 year reign after ascending to the throne in 1952.

May her soul rest in peace.

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