Here’s the Cbc News Headline:
- “Genuis tries to includes lyrics from “Bohemian Rhapsody” in his question, and I cannot adequately tell you how lame it is. When horses are this lame, you shoot them.”
- Twitter, By Dale Smith (@journo_dale), 21 September 2022
What’s Wrong With This Headline
- The headline is prime real estate. Every character matters.
- It completely misses the essential piece of information, that someone indirectly suggested shooting another person. Note: It didn’t quite cross the line, but it came very close. It was certainly in poor taste.
- Does the employment status of the person matter, namely, that they are freelance vs. employee?
- Jargon: “press gallery.”
- Does it matter that it was a political journalist? It should to media who want to know where the journalists stands.
- Does it matter that the target was a politician? It provides relevant context, but isn’t essential info.
What Adds Complexity to the Headline
- The tweet’s indirect and conditional reference.
- This headline oversimplifies and would be incorrect: “Politicians urge action against reporter who incited violence”
- The journalist didn’t incite violence against anyone.
Other Possible Headlines
- Conservative MPs call for sanctions against political journalist who tweeted about killing
- Politicians speak out against political reporter who tweeted about killing