Ed Augustin is a British journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Havana. He writes for the Guardian, the New York Times, and Al Jazeera. He does broadcast work for TRT World, France 24 and Al Jazeera.

During his time in Cuba, Ed has made films about Guantánamo Bay, the impact of the US ...

Cuban human rights and the hypocrisy of the media

13 Jan 2017  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article reflects on the death of Fidel Castro and the subsequent collective grieving in Cuba, contrasting the local sentiment with international media coverage. It discusses the Cuban perspective on human rights, highlighting the nation's focus on social welfare, such as health and education, as fundamental rights. The author, a correspondent in Havana, critiques the Western media's selective approach to human rights reporting, arguing that it often lacks context and fails to consider the impact of U.S. policy on Cuba. The piece suggests that the media's portrayal of Castro's legacy is overly simplistic and politically motivated, and calls for a universal approach to human rights that includes economic and social rights.

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Media Critique Human Rights

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

David Bailey is a journalist based in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dubious Digits: Is This Data Really That Accurate?

10 Nov 2014  |  HuffPost  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article critiques the over-precision of data presented in various reports across different fields, including oil price projections by OPEC, employment figures by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and budget figures by the European Commission. It argues that presenting data with more digits of accuracy than justified can mislead readers and undermine the rationale of scientific estimation. The article calls for authors and producers of such data to present figures to levels of accuracy that can be rigorously justified to avoid engaging in pseudoscience.

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Media Critique Data Accuracy Statistics

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Catherine Bennett is a freelance journalist currently based in Paris, France. Available for live coverage and reporting from France. Experience in stand up, translation, live interpretation, pieces to camera, phoners, liveblogging breaking news and in-depth feature reporting.

The Tory way with failure: deny, deny, deny

02 Apr 2023  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article critiques the way some UK Conservative politicians, such as Liz Truss, George Osborne, and Boris Johnson, manage their public failures by denying or downplaying them. It discusses the concept of 'failure management' where politicians spin their setbacks as part of their challenging journey. The author, Catherine Bennett, points out the irony in news organizations that once reported on the negative impacts of these politicians' actions now covering their attempts at rehabilitation without much criticism. The article also touches on Osborne's controversial past and his recent appointment to the British Museum and Lingotto investment company, suggesting that public disapproval can fade over time with strategic career moves and rebranding.

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Media Critique Politics

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

I am a visual journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Aveiro, Portugal. * Emeritus professor in the Department of Communications, Media, Journalism & Film at Missouri State University
* Co-founder of the non-profit documentary film studio Carbon Trace Productions 501(c)(3) in Springfield, ...

WHAT Teacher Shortage?

30 Aug 2022  |  nhjournal.com  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article challenges the widespread media narrative of a national teacher shortage, presenting data from the New Hampshire Department of Education and various researchers to argue that there is no such crisis. It criticizes journalists for relying on anecdotes rather than data, suggesting that the perceived shortage is exaggerated and not supported by evidence. The piece highlights that while some districts struggle with staffing, this is not a new or national issue, and overall teacher turnover rates remain stable.

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Media Critique Education Teacher Shortage

Interpretive

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Center-Right

Political View

Markus Feldenkirchen is a political author for DER SPIEGEL news magazine, based in Berlin

»Bild«-Guide for Life in Germany: The Potato Etiquette – Column

01 Oct 2023  |  www.spiegel.de  |  German  |  Media Critique

The article critiques the 'Bild' newspaper's new manifesto, which outlines 50 points intended to guide social behavior and cultural norms in Germany. It highlights the satirical and critical tone towards the manifesto's perceived oversimplification and potential targeting of immigrants. The text also references German political figures and cultural practices, questioning the effectiveness and inclusivity of such guidelines.

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Media Critique Social Norms Cultural Identity

Interpretive

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Center-Right

Political View

Aidan Foster-Carter is a journalist based in Exeter, United Kingdom.

Nothing to See Here? How Not to React to North Korea Rumors

28 Apr 2020  |  www.38north.org  |  English  |  Media Critique

Aidan Foster-Carter criticizes mainstream media's sensationalist and often inaccurate reporting on North Korea, highlighting the spread of unverified rumors and clichés about the country and its leader, Kim Jong Un. He points out the media's tendency to prioritize clicks over factual reporting, using the example of Kim Jong Un's health rumors to illustrate the issue. Foster-Carter argues that experts have a responsibility to provide informed analysis amidst speculation and misinformation, and to challenge the dominance of unqualified opinions in public discourse.

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Media Critique North Korea Kim Jong Un's Health

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Factuality Scale

Paolo Gambi is a multi-awarded post-contemporary multimedia artist, poet, performer, journalist and expert of communication. His mission is to bring ‘poetry everywhere’ as his motto states.
He has written more than 30 books
As for practical experience, he had an experience at the Financial Times, ...

The Island of the Boring, We Must Procreate More. The Words of the Week

22 Apr 2023  |  www.ilgiornale.it  |  Italian  |  Media Critique

The article provides a poetic critique of the week's most clicked news stories on the web, touching on various topics such as a controversial cartoon, a train derailment in Italy, the monotonous new edition of the reality show 'Isola dei Famosi', a Netflix documentary portraying Cleopatra as black, and the European Union's comparison of Italy's LGBTQ+ policies to Uganda's. The piece reflects on these events with a mix of irony and social commentary.

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Media Critique Social Commentary

Balanced

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Right

Political View

Amy Gray is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Q&A panel shows why we can't move beyond the basic questions in domestic violence

24 Feb 2015  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Media Critique

The Q&A panel on domestic violence was criticized for featuring more men than women, despite the issue predominantly affecting women. The show's producers were also criticized for seeking a male Indigenous panelist over a female expert. The article argues that mainstream media and the public are reluctant to deeply engage with women's perspectives on domestic violence, which is often relegated to a 'women's issue' despite its national significance. The piece highlights the government's inadequate response to domestic violence, contrasting it with swift action on other issues. It suggests that the fight for gender equality is far from over, as the seriousness of violence against women is only acknowledged when men discuss it.

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Media Critique Domestic Violence

Interpretive

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Left

Political View

Jo Harper is a journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.

In Krystyna Janda We Trust

23 Dec 2018  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article critiques the current state of Polish journalism, highlighting the influence of state-owned media and the superficiality of English-language news outlets. It draws parallels with the character Krystyna Janda from Andrzej Wajda’s film 'Man of Marble,' suggesting that modern Polish journalists are more concerned with personal matters than substantive reporting. The piece also criticizes the Law and Justice (PiS) party for its fragile legitimacy and ongoing scandals, and discusses the broader issues of media objectivity and the disconnect between liberal democratic institutions and the general populace.

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Media Critique Polish Politics Journalism

Interpretive

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Left

Political View

I have worked as a senior editor on, and contributor to, several specialist B2B publications focusing on global energy dynamics as well as geopolitics for more than a decade.

I received my BA (Hons) in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University in 2006 and, shortly thereafter, entered the ...

Editor’s Note: The Verge Takes Aim at SEO but Misses the Mark

08 Nov 2023  |  www.stateofdigitalpublishing.com  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article critiques The Verge's recent piece on the SEO industry, suggesting it contains outdated observations and lacks coherence. The author defends SEO professionals and highlights the complexity of Google's search engine, arguing that finding specific information online has always required skill. The piece also touches on the necessity for publishers to find new channels for discovery beyond SEO and questions the growing pessimism about the state of Google Search.

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Media Critique SEO

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Buse Keskin is a Culture & Arts editor based in İstanbul, Türkiye.
Her unwavering passion for culture and arts actually contributes to her great enjoyment of her work. She holds a  Bachelor's degree in American Culture and Literature and a Master's degree in International Relations departments.
...

Death of authenticity and why I can't bear it anymore

01 Oct 2023  |  Daily Sabah  |  English  |  Social Media

The article critiques the loss of authenticity in modern culture, particularly through the lens of social media. It draws parallels to Jean-Paul Sartre's existential themes, arguing that social media has homogenized individuality and created a culture of sameness. The author laments the disappearance of unique self-identities and criticizes the repetitive and insincere nature of social media content. The piece also touches on the decline of Turkish pop music, describing it as formulaic and lacking depth, contributing to a broader cultural malaise.

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Cultural Critique Social Media Authenticity

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Sarah is a multimedia journalist based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her expertise is radio, but she is also handy when it comes to video and print mediums as well. While Canada serves as a home base, she also travels through the Middle East and Europe looking for new stories to tell.

Online news in Canada continues to miss the why when reporting extreme weather

09 Aug 2021  |  j-source.ca  |  English  |  Media Critique

Canadian media has consistently failed to adequately address climate change in their reporting on extreme weather events, despite significant occurrences and scientific warnings. The article critiques the lack of context provided by journalists, who often omit the connection between climate change and extreme weather, leaving the public uninformed. It highlights the need for consistent and informed climate reporting to help communities understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Experts and organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the World Health Organization, and the Prairie Climate Centre are cited to emphasize the importance of linking climate change to extreme weather in media coverage.

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Media Critique Climate Change Extreme Weather

Interpretive

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Left

Political View

Austin is an Australian cross-platform journalist who began his career in Lebanon during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. He worked in the region for a total of four years, for major outlets like The Diplomat, CBC, CBS,  ABC (America), ABC (Australia), as well as independent and community ...

Further Thoughts on Media Mind Control

01 Oct 2023  |  austingmackell.medium.com  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article critiques the role of media, including left-wing outlets, in demobilizing progressive majorities by failing to highlight widespread public support for policies like rent control. It argues that media often perpetuates disinformation and fails to accurately reflect public opinion, leading to apathy and disengagement. The author criticizes specific media figures and outlets for their role in this process and suggests that better methodological accountability in journalism could help address these issues.

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Media Critique Rent Control Public Opinion

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Tawanda Majoni is a multi-media journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe, with more than 15 years as an international and local reporter/editor focusing on politics, business and news analysis. Writing in English, he is also a columnist with various publications and the national coordinator at and ...

Corruption Watch: Sadc election report: The guilty are scared!

27 Aug 2023  |  www.thestandard.co.zw  |  English  |  Media Critique

The Sadc Election Observer Mission (SEOM) presented a preliminary report on Zimbabwe's recent elections, noting both positive aspects and concerns such as late ballot arrivals and poor administration at some polling stations. The report found no irregularities at 97% of stations observed and orderly voting at 95% of centers. Media reactions to the report were criticized for being misleading, particularly the use of the word 'condemned.' The article also addresses criticisms of the SEOM, arguing that referencing Zimbabwean laws and stakeholder concerns is part of the observer mission's methodology.

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Media Critique Elections Political Analysis

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Neutral

Political View

Sarah Manavis is a journalist at the New Statesman based in London, United Kingdom.

Outing privileged people on social media isn’t as progressive as we think it is

19 Apr 2023  |  inews.co.uk  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article critiques the trend of outing privileged individuals on social media, particularly focusing on the discourse led by author and commentator Matthew Goodwin and the Twitter account @JournoSchool. It argues that while transparency about privilege is important, the current focus on identifying 'privileged' individuals does not contribute to meaningful change or address power imbalances. The piece suggests that the obsession with privilege detracts from the more critical task of deconstructing systemic inequalities.

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Media Critique Social Issues

Balanced

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Center

Political View

Peter Mwaura is a versatile freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in text, video, and photojournalism. His portfolio includes the comprehensive documentation of project stories in video and print formats, primarily for World Vision Kenya—a prominent international Christian-...

An end-of-year review of past news stories shouldn’t be boring or stale

31 Dec 2023  |  Nation  |  English  |  Media Critique

Dr Kennedy Mochabo criticizes the repetitiveness and monotony of The Nation's year-in-review articles, arguing they are tedious for regular readers. Despite his plea, the articles were published, covering various topics from Kenyan girls' highs and lows to 2023's significant concerts and biographies. While acknowledging past shortcomings, the article defends the potential value of these reviews, emphasizing their ability to provide fresh insights. Specific critiques are directed at Elvis Ondieki's article on 2023 biographies, highlighting inaccuracies in terminology and the need for caution when interpreting autobiographies.

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Media Critique Year-in-Review

Interpretive

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Visar Prebreza is a journalist.

Title Unsupported by Facts in Article

19 Feb 2023  |  kallxo.com  |  Albanian  |  Media Critique

The article critiques a piece published by 'freshnews201.com' for its unsupported title claiming that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić played the victim role. It clarifies that Vučić did not portray himself as a victim but reiterated his stance on the necessity of creating the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities in Kosovo. The article highlights the discrepancy between the title and the content, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting.

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Media Critique Politics

Informative

Factuality Scale

Jack Shenker is an award-winning journalist who has reported from around the world, and whose work has been translated into several languages.

Formerly Cairo correspondent for the UK's Guardian newspaper, where he led coverage of Egypt's revolution and counter-revolution, his writing has also ...

The drama in Westminster may be irresistible but real politics is happening elsewhere in Britain

27 Sept 2019  |  The Irish Times  |  English  |  Media Critique

The article critiques the focus of British political journalism on Westminster's drama, arguing that real political change is happening elsewhere in the UK. It highlights the disconnect between institutional politics and grassroots movements, emphasizing the need for media to cover broader social issues and new forms of political mobilization. The author calls for a shift in how politics is conceptualized and reported, advocating for more diverse and localized journalism to better reflect the realities faced by citizens.

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Media Critique British Politics Social Movements

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Hannah Shewan Stevens is an NCTJ-accredited freelance journalist based in Birmingham, United Kingdom. She also works as a press officer and an ad-hoc editor. Her work has appeared in the likes of Refinery29 UK, Digital Spy, Metro, The Telegraph, The Mirror, The Unwritten, The Breakdown, iNews, and ...

The 'Sick Girl' Trope in Films: A Critique of Gender and Illness Representation

07 Dec 2020  |  Digital Spy  |  English  |  Film Critique

The article critiques the 'sick girl' trope in films, where a terminally ill girl serves as an inspiration for the male protagonist, often portrayed with unrealistic beauty and stoicism. The author references the film 'Life in A Year', starring Cara Delevingne and Jaden Smith, as a recent example of this trope. The article argues that such portrayals are disrespectful to real-life chronically and terminally ill people and demonstrate a lack of creativity in filmmaking. It suggests that more nuanced and authentic representations of illness are possible, as seen in films like 'Brain On Fire' and 'Baby Teeth', and calls for an end to the overused and simplistic 'sick girl' narrative. 'Life in A Year' is available on Amazon Prime Video in the US, and the article also mentions Digital Spy's digital magazine and newsletter.

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Gender Representation in Media Film Critique Health in Entertainment