Rupert Murdoch, Jeff Zucker Defend Themselves Over Boston Bombing Flaps

Media bosses are defending themselves over erroneous, potentially life-ruining reporting during Boston Marathon bombing coverage this week. The biggest culprits are News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch and CNN’s Jeff Zucker, with both sticking up for themselves over a couple of pretty glaring flaps.

CNN is still trying to find itself since Zucker took the reins, and a part of that process apparently involves painful media mishaps that were once again the subject of scrutiny during the developing Boston Marathon bombing. CNN had reported that an arrest was made in the early days of the story, even though no moves were made on the bombing suspects until late Thursday/early Friday.

“When we made a mistake, we moved quickly to acknowledge it and correct it,” Zucker said in a statement.

“As events unfolded in Boston, and then in Texas, and as they continue to unfold at this very moment in both places, CNN has been there for our audience in every possible way – on television, online and on our mobile platforms,” he said.

Zucker concluded by lauding CNN’s staff for their tireless reporting efforts.

“I wanted to express my deep gratitude and admiration. You have worked tirelessly, around the clock, to share these stories. And our audiences have responded, making it clear that they rely on us in ever increasing ways. In front of the cameras and behind the scenes, you have shown the world what makes us CNN. With my thanks and appreciation.”

But the bigger media mishap in Boston bombing reports belongs to The New York Post, a News Corp. publication owned by Rupert Murdoch. Their story showed a photo of two innocent men, implying that they were the prime suspects in the bombing.

The controversial move was universally condemned, with even The Inquisitr running a damage-control story to exonerate the men pictured.

Murdoch defended the Post on Twitter, shifting blame to the FBI:

All NYPost pics were those distributed by FBI.And instantly withdrawn when FBI changed directions.

— Rupert Murdoch(@rupertmurdoch) April 20, 2013

Even President Obama criticized erroneous reporting Friday, arguing that it can jeopardize public safety.

“In this age of instant reporting and tweets and blogs, there’s a temptation to latch on to any bit of information, sometimes to jump to conclusions. But when a tragedy like this happens, with public safety at risk and the stakes so high, it’s important that we do this right,” he said.

What do you think? Should media outlets be more careful with unconfirmed reports, or do the demands of a 24/7 news cycle leave some room for error?

[Images via: David Shankbone, Wikimedia Commons]