corrente

The memo on "Okrent's Law," that is. Here it is—as posited by hapless, overworked, and deeply co-opted Times "Public Editor" Dan "Bud Man" Okrent (back)):

Okrent pointed out that “the pursuit of balance can create imbalance, because sometimes something is true.”

Seems like ABC News has gotten the same idea. From News Director Mark Halperin:

We have a responsibility to hold both sides accountable to the public interest, but that doesn't mean we reflexively and artificially hold both sides "equally" accountable when the facts don't warrant that.

Okrent's Law—although obviously Halperin is the better writer—not that there's anything surprising about that, editorial standards at the World's Greatest Newspaper (not!) being what they are. Anyhow:

I'm sure many of you have this week felt the stepped up Bush efforts to complain about our coverage. This is all part of their efforts to get away with as much as possible with the stepped up, renewed efforts to win the election by destroying Senator Kerry at least partly through distortions.

It's up to Kerry to defend himself, of course. But as one of the few news organizations with the skill and strength to help voters evaluate what the candidates are saying to serve the public interest. Now is the time for all of us to step up and do that right.
(via Sludge)

The wingers are frothing and stamping about Halperin's memo, of course, but they'd do that no matter what, since they're driven by a persecution complex. Sounds like the refs are getting tired of being worked, though.