Slightly Embarrassing

One of the Tucson dailies ran a rather embarrassing headline on Friday. The ombudsman ran this apology on Saturday:

'Republicans Hate Latinos'' read the headline on Friday's front-page in red, all-capital letters. No attribution. Just stated as fact.

That quote has been in the news since labor activist Dolores Huerta used the phrase in an April 3 speech at Tucson High School. The statement appeared as a quotation above four photos, including one of Huerta.

Yet in the Star's presentation, the quote was not attributed, instead presented as fact and in eye-catching red.

Gary Durrenberger called the headline: "perhaps the single most irresponsible piece of journalism I've ever seen.'' His e-mail continued: "Now, I understand it is not the (main) headline and after having read the story I also understand how the banner can be taken out of context. But, you cannot tell me that this page could not have been laid out better as to avoid the appearance of slander against Republicans.''

Managing Editor Teri Hayt, too, was troubled by the presentation. The quote "should have been attributed properly and not highlighted in red type. The reader is right, perception is reality and in this case we did not put the focus where it belonged — on Ms. Huerta.''

I checked the job listings and it appears they aren’t short a managing editor, so you tell me how that got by.