I don't buy the premise that the mainstream media is being dragged into the gutter by the Internet and talk radio. Though the use of the accuser's name spread first on the Web, there are numerous examples of rumors and questionable reporting that originated with print and electronic media. Newsweek quoted unnamed NBA sources calling her an "NBA groupie." From day one, everything but the woman's name was reported in newspapers, including her hometown, age, year of graduation, participation in cheerleading, performances in school plays (including the names of plays and even her roles!). Dozens of classmates and self-identified friends have been interviewed. Though the Internet seems to have perfected the art of sleazy journalism, I have every confidence that the pro media would have gotten there on this story without us.
Old media feels threatened, blames new media. Headlines at 11.
