When Bad Journalism Goes Worse

It seems that the boundary of good practice of journalism in Finland is set somewhere a little above publishing images of national heroes. The sleaze magazine Seitsemän Päivää scored a new low and published several years old photos of Tomi Putaansuu, vocalist of the Eurovision Song Contest winner Lordi, on the cover of the newest issue, against pleas he has made on several occassions. This probably is nothing new to anyone residing in Finland with access to any media outlet.

Hämeen Sanomat, a regional newspaper also published a nonmasked image of band members. As far as I understood, this was in reference to a foreign magazine.

Both of the magazines are currently under extremely heavy criticism and are target of an (apparently) spontaneous grassroot movement. Boycott and petition sites have emerged and they are having loads of visitors. It appears these have been authored by rather young people, which just validates the greatness of Internet publishing.

Even though I really don't care about the Putaansuu Disclosure, I'm extremely delighted.

Although the criticism started with an irrelevant issue, it seems to have set ablaze a previously unknown wildfire of extreme dislike, even loathing, against the lowest representatives of the yellow press and their way of violating the privacy of famous persons (and it really does not take much here to be "famous" enough to appear in Seiska). It is very positive, no matter what is the reason and reasoning of each participant, that people for once are reacting to what they deem unethical journalism.

Quite a few commentors draw parallels between this and the Prophet Mohammed cartoons. It appears to me, that there indeed are some similarities in these occassions. What makes them completely different, though, is that in this case, I have not seen any comments that state that Seiska did not have the right to publish the images. This is very fortunate, since it would be disastrous if people were campaigning for limitations to the freedom of speech to ensure the privacy of their idols. It would yield loads of collerateral damage. Seiska did have the right to publish the image. And still does. And this is just the way I like it to be.

Completely another issue, apart from the right to publish something, is whether the action are ethical, necessary or smart. Rumor has it there has been thousands of cancelled orders during the first day of the outrage and at least a few (probably small) markets have removed Seiska from their selection of magazines. The petitions have collected over a hundred thousand names and about every forum is dissing the publisher of the magazines. From outside point of view it appears that no, it was not very smart to publish the image.

The outrage seems to maintain it's focus quite unprecedentedly. It would be easy to stray to irrelevancies, but the rather uncoordinated campaign is about despicable journalism more than Lordi, although the latter started the whole thing.

I do not appreciate sleaze magazines very high (as can probably be read from the selection of words I use to describe them) so I am happily participating in the boycott. I would advise everyone to, of course in addition to cancelling their subscriptions, contact the companies that advertise in magazines published by Aller and tell them what they think of the media of their selection. Also, if the shop you purchase daily goods from carries the magazines, tell the manager that if a market in the neighbourhood should remove magazines of Aller from their selection, you would do your business there.

Categories: Advocacy, Web

Posted by Matias at 25.05.2006 22:04 (3 years ago)

79 comments

From PromoPharmacy () at 07.06.2008 00:01 (1 year ago)

http://promopharmacy.com + http://medmaple.com

From creditcard () at 24.07.2009 13:47 (7 months ago)

It’s 100% true to say that it’s nothing latest to anybody living in Finland with right of entry to any media channel. Thanks a lot.

From auto insurance () at 24.07.2009 13:50 (7 months ago)

I thing against you that it would not be straightforward to wander off to unimportance, but the slightly ungraceful operation is in relation to contemptible reporting.

From mortgage loans () at 24.07.2009 13:52 (7 months ago)

It is no doubt a great thing to happen that very that the public for on one occasion are responding to what they think immoral reporting. It’s very pleasant to know that. Thanks for sharing this.

From Bluestone () at 27.08.2009 07:01 (6 months ago)

Sounds like a great people power initiative to me.

From iPhone Ringtone Maker () at 27.08.2009 08:25 (6 months ago)

he covers turned out pretty well

From Custom iPhone Ringtone () at 16.09.2009 09:30 (5 months ago)

Very nicely done forum.

From HD Video Converter () at 16.09.2009 11:26 (5 months ago)

Sometimes it is such

From 500 days of summer online () at 22.09.2009 18:02 (5 months ago)

It is no doubt a great thing to happen that very that the public for on one occasion are responding to what they think immoral reporting. It’s very pleasant to know that. Thanks for sharing this.

From watch gamer online () at 22.09.2009 18:03 (5 months ago)

Sounds like a great people power initiative to me.

From watch movie online () at 22.09.2009 18:03 (5 months ago)

he covers turned out pretty well

From Blu ray Ripper () at 08.10.2009 15:24 (5 months ago)

The result ,this does not seem to be the case.

From besthdsoft2 () at 21.10.2009 08:52 (4 months ago)

With <a href="http://www.besthdsoft.com/best-hd-blu-ray-ripper.html">blu ray converter</a> You can play the output video on iPod, Zune, iPhone, Apple TV, PSP, Archos, iRiver, Creative Zen, PMP, MP4/MP3 Player, Smart Phone, Pocket PC, PDA, Mobile Phone, etc
<a href="http://www.besthdsoft.com/blu-ray-to-mpeg-converter.html">convert blu ray to mpeg</a>, <a href="http://www.besthdsoft.com/blu-ray-to-avi-converter.html">blu ray to avi converter</a>, <a href="http://www.besthdsoft.com/blu-ray-to-mp4-converter.html">rip blu ray to mp4</a>

From ed hardy shoes () at 21.10.2009 14:22 (4 months ago)

nice post!

From Media Logos () at 06.11.2009 06:45 (4 months ago)

Media Logos

From Manufacturer Logos () at 06.11.2009 06:45 (4 months ago)

Manufacturer Logos

From Internet Logos () at 06.11.2009 06:46 (4 months ago)

Internet Logos

From IT Logo () at 06.11.2009 06:46 (4 months ago)

IT Logo

From Holiday Logo () at 06.11.2009 06:47 (4 months ago)

Holiday Logo

From wine tasting clubs at 15.11.2009 18:04 (3 months ago)

What a duck !!! according to me only one should know a secret. so u die for me !!!

From ed hardy () at 17.11.2009 09:21 (3 months ago)

ed hardy clothing

From ed hardy clothing () at 17.11.2009 09:21 (3 months ago)

ed hardy clothing

From MOD Converter () at 19.11.2009 04:29 (3 months ago)

a good video converter for you

From MOD Converter () at 19.11.2009 05:22 (3 months ago)

http://www.mod-converters.com/mod-to-flv.html ,
http://www.mod-converters.com/mod-to-avi.html ,
http://www.mod-converters.com/mod-to-mpeg.html ,
http://www.mod-converters.com/mod-to-ipod.html

From Tom Smith () at 05.12.2009 04:07 (3 months ago)

It is no doubt a great thing to happen that very that the public for on one occasion are responding to what they think immoral reporting.

From Online bachelor degree () at 12.12.2009 20:12 (2 months ago)

Hi..
great sharing..
i hope you can blog more about this..
thanks..

From club penguin cheats () at 24.12.2009 03:08 (2 months ago)

It is no doubt a great thing to happen that very that the public for on one occasion are responding to what they think immoral reporting. It’s very pleasant to know that. Thanks for sharing this.

From christian louboutin shoes () at 25.12.2009 09:18 (2 months ago)

Hi..
great sharing..
i hope you can blog more about this..
thanks..

From Thesis for Sale () at 30.12.2009 20:34 (2 months ago)

Great stuff. Thanks!

From Online bachelor degree () at 03.01.2010 14:08 (2 months ago)

It is no doubt a great thing to happen that very that the public for on one occasion are responding to what they think immoral reporting. It’s very pleasant to know that. Thanks for sharing this.

From cynthia () at 05.01.2010 05:14 (2 months ago)

[url=http://www.ipodiphonemate.com/ipod-video-converter.htm]iPod Video Converter[/url] can be your best friend to convert video to iPod with fast speed and high quality, moreover, it can also convert audio and video formats to iPod Touch/Classic/Nano as well. Here I also want to share some useful software with you:
[url=http://www.ipodiphonemate.com/ipod-video-converter.htm]DVD to iPod Converter[/url] is the best bridge between DVD video to iPod Touch/Classic/Nano.
[url=http://www.ipodiphonemate.com/ipod-to-pc-transfer.htm] iPod to PC Transfer[/url] let you transfer iPod to PC with quicker speed, higher rate, and stronger effect.
[url=http://www.ipodiphonemate.com/iphone-to-pc-transfer.htm] iPhone to PC Transfer[/url]transfer pictures/photo/music/songs/video from iPhone to Pc easily.
[url=http://www.ipodiphonemate.com/transfer-ipod-to-ipod.htm]iPod to iPod Transfer[/url] will definitely surprise you by its powerful trasferring function.

From Christian Shoes () at 05.01.2010 10:58 (2 months ago)

Great site! every post so far looks right up my alley.

From Online bachelor degree news () at 06.01.2010 05:18 (2 months ago)

Great article.thanks for sharing that.

From Air Jordan () at 07.01.2010 08:40 (2 months ago)

Your blogs seem to be getting more interesting lately especially the short clips: "A picture;s worth a thousand words", very enjoyable<a href="http://www.finalfootwear.com">.</a>

From Christian Louboutin Discount () at 09.01.2010 14:38 (2 months ago)

Attractive enough for me, thanks for your kind share.

From Fat Burning Furnace () at 12.01.2010 04:06 (1 month ago)

Fat Burning Furnace offers a completely different and revolutionary technique to burn fat and lose weight by Rob Poulos. Get a Free 21 Day Trial of Complete Fat Burning Furnace Program.

From MP3 Rocket () at 12.01.2010 04:45 (1 month ago)

MP3 Rocket The world's most popular file sharing software made better!

From Abercrombie and Fitch () at 13.01.2010 04:28 (1 month ago)

Thank you very much!

From flvtodvd () at 14.01.2010 07:49 (1 month ago)

There is a professional timeline panel provided by FLV to DVD Converter to help you edit videos easily and precisely. You can trim video, merge videos, rotate video, add titles and credits, and apply audio and video effects. http://www.flvdvdconverter.com/

From Mod Converter () at 14.01.2010 10:07 (1 month ago)

a good video converter for you

From Tod Converter () at 14.01.2010 10:09 (1 month ago)

Great article.

From iPod to Computer Transfer () at 15.01.2010 11:07 (1 month ago)

This excellent iPod to Computer Transfer tool enables you to transfer music, songs, pictures, playlists from iPod to computer and from PC to iPod. It supports all sorts of iPod devices, including any generation of any model, like iPod nano, shuffle, classic, touch, etc. With this handy ipod to computer transfer tool, you can easily transfer the video and audio files on these devices to computer.

From sdfgsdf () at 17.01.2010 04:33 (1 month ago)

http://www.swfconvertermac.net/ http://www.3giphoneringtonemaker.com/ http://www.swftomp4mac.com/

From Buy Cialis Online () at 17.01.2010 20:58 (1 month ago)

Buy Generic Cialis : Buy Tadalafil best quality Generic Cialis with 100% satisfaction guaranteed at http://www.buy-specialist.com with fast worldwide delivery and cheap price of all generic drugs.

From Clasamente () at 20.01.2010 12:30 (1 month ago)

Thank you for posting such a useful website. Your weblog happens to be not just informative but also very stimulating too. There are a limited number of people who are capable of write technical articles that creatively. we are on the lookout for information regarding this topic. We ourselves went through several websites to find knowledge with regard to this.I will keep coming back !!

From Defensive Driving Texas () at 20.01.2010 12:51 (1 month ago)

Journalism, has an very important role to play in the society.They should feel more responsible that happens in the society.

From fdgfdg () at 21.01.2010 09:43 (1 month ago)

http://www.m4aconverterformac.com/ M4A Converter for Mac

From Tiffany Bracelets () at 22.01.2010 04:33 (1 month ago)

i like!

From louisvuitton () at 23.01.2010 07:38 (1 month ago)

http://www.lv-cheap.com
http://www.gifico.com

From wholesale () at 27.01.2010 04:07 (1 month ago)

good post

From adjustable beds () at 27.01.2010 06:21 (1 month ago)

The economy has everyone uptight. The next thing you will read about is a florist lashing a rude customer with a fistful of peonies

From SWF Converter Mac () at 27.01.2010 09:46 (1 month ago)

From links of london () at 28.01.2010 07:32 (1 month ago)

links of london <a title="links of london" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk" rel="dofollow">links of london</a>put out the latest jewelry links london <a title="links london" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk" rel="dofollow">links london</a>series: links of london jewellery <a title="links of london jewellery" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk" rel="dofollow">links of london jewellery</a>,opening a distinctive kind of fashion in the shape of "key" which is familiar to the public. The creation of links of london sale <a title="links of london sale" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk" rel="dofollow">links of london sale</a>keys is inspired by the links london sale <a title="links london sale" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk" rel="dofollow">links london sale</a>"keys" which are collected in links of london bracelet <a title="links of london bracelet" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk/bracelets.html" rel="dofollow">links of london bracelet</a>. Most of them are used as the key links of london charms <a title="links of london charms" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk/charms.html" rel="dofollow">links of london charms</a>to necklace box, collection box, links of london necklace <a title="links of london necklace" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk/necklaces.html" rel="dofollow">links of london necklace</a>, diary, luggage, and even the door of links of london bangle <a title="links of london bangle" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk/bangles.html" rel="dofollow">links of london bangle</a>a private club links of london earrings <a title="links of london earrings" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk/earrings.html" rel="dofollow">links of london earrings</a>or a country manorlinks of london ring <a title="links of london ring" href="http://www.linksoflondonworld.co.uk/rings.html" rel="dofollow">links of london ring</a>.

From توبيكات () at 28.01.2010 14:58 (1 month ago)

What exactly do you mean by lost 5 million emails?
not quite sure i understand what do you mean, because the way i understood i am thinking what is the big deal...

From cell phone () at 29.01.2010 09:41 (1 month ago)

This is very useful for me,
thank you very much,
I think you will be successful！

From yajia () at 30.01.2010 08:10 (1 month ago)

From abercrombie and fitch () at 30.01.2010 09:16 (1 month ago)

Good post! Thanks for your information!

From homes for sale () at 01.02.2010 09:43 (1 month ago)

I appreciate to journalism work. I think not easy to write on the paper, more easy when we were do the discussion.<a href="http://www.jihoy.com/classifieds/Housing/4">homes for sale</a>

From Cialis () at 02.02.2010 00:13 (1 month ago)

From Cialis () at 02.02.2010 21:05 (1 month ago)

From abercrombie hoodies () at 04.02.2010 07:39 (1 month ago)

I really appreciate your help, it is very useful for me,you will get good grades!
You will be successful.

From Adfads () at 05.02.2010 07:18 (1 month ago)

http://www.mp4todvdconverter.com/
http://www.mp4tomp3converterformac.com/

From Tiffany Charms () at 05.02.2010 07:48 (1 month ago)

I really appreciate your help, it is very useful for me,you will get good grades!
You will be successful.

From gucci shoes () at 09.02.2010 09:24 (1 month ago)

thanks

From sex dvd () at 11.02.2010 01:44 (1 month ago)

your advice was apreciated

From netflix porn () at 15.02.2010 21:45 (3 weeks ago)

very interesting article

From registry cleaner reviews () at 16.02.2010 11:22 (3 weeks ago)

Thanks for your post.

From adsf () at 22.02.2010 09:37 (2 weeks ago)

http://www.dvdtoiphonemac.com/ http://www.dvdtoitouchconverter.net/

From Wholesale NFL Jerseys () at 23.02.2010 10:20 (2 weeks ago)

Every medical Wholesale NFL Jerseys http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-nfl-jerseys institutions Wholesale NFL Jerseys china http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-nfl-jerseys or modern hospital Wholesale As Seen On TV http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-as-seen-on-tv wants its own Wholesale Wedding Dresses http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-wedding-dresses medical supplies in order to deal with emergency Wholesale Bridal Dresses http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-wedding-dresses situations that Wholesale Televisions http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-electronics can occur any Wholesale Makeup Brushes http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-makeup-and-hair-wigs time without any previous warning. Therefore, Wholesale Cell Phone Accessories http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-cell-phones medical institutions are designed in order to store such medical Hair Wigs http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-makeup-and-hair-wigs supplies that are extremely Hair Wigs Dropship http://www.uvip.com/wholesale-makeup-and-hair-wigs essential.

From wholesale blackberry phones () at 25.02.2010 07:18 (2 weeks ago)

From niuzai555 () at 27.02.2010 08:09 (2 weeks ago)

http://www.thenorthfaceshop.co.uk/ the north face Masters, a three-stop tour, is the first competitive snowboarding tour specifically tailored to fill a competition gap in the sport of http://www.thenorthfaceshop.co.uk/mens-jackets.html North Face Mens Jackets . Big Mountain snowboarding is all about pushing http://www.thenorthfaceshop.co.uk/ north face jackets personal limits in this pure environment. A http://www.thenorthfaceshop.co.uk/ north pole jacket , http://www.thenorthfaceshop.co.uk/ north face jacket includes the successful management of huge cliff http://www.thenorthfaceshop.co.uk/ north pole clothing jumps.Although it has only been two years, for those of us who loved finding an obscure cult classic or a great http://www.asseenontvsell.com/books-audio-video.html TV Video , the absence of As Seen On TV http://www.asseenontvsell.com As Seen On TV Infomercials on the Square has been deeply regrettable. Begun in 1997 by the late http://www.asseenontvsell.com/health-and-beauty.html TV Health , http://www.asseenontvsell.com As Seen On TV Discounts was an http://www.asseenontvsell.com As Seen On TV Promotions store with an owner and employees that knew and loved film. http://www.asseenontvsell.com As Seen On TV Products business plan described the store’s central concept as being a form of entertainment in and of itself.business plan described the store’s central http://www.linkslondonshop.com/links-london-bracelets.html links of london bracelet as being a form of http://www.linkslondonshop.com/links-london-charms.html links of london charms in and of itself.Crosses predominately http://www.linkslondonshop.com/links-london-bangles.html links of london bangle . The verdict is in. Big and thickset are still the http://www.linkslondonshop.com/links-london-earrings.html links of london earrings . The fashionable shapes and designs being free now are also impending in http://www.linkslondonshop.com/links-london-rings.html links of london ring . Silver’s juicy, bold, resilient and http://www.linkslondonshop.com/ links london , and it can be teamed with any precious pitch or a http://www.linkslondonshop.com/ links of london sale . The key is to overdo it comes to jewellery.

From ysl shoes () at 27.02.2010 11:01 (2 weeks ago)

http://www.ladyshoesstore.com/manolo-blahnik-manolo-blahnik-pumps-c-4_14.html
http://www.ladyshoesstore.com/manolo-blahnik-manolo-blahnik-sandals-c-4_15.html

From jimmy choo () at 27.02.2010 11:02 (2 weeks ago)

http://www.ladyshoesstore.com/jimmy-choo-c-3.html
http://www.ladyshoesstore.com/jimmy-choo-jimmy-choo-boots-c-3_31.html
http://www.ladyshoesstore.com/jimmy-choo-jimmy-choo-sandals-c-3_12.html

From laptop accessories () at 01.03.2010 04:07 (1 week ago)

From sunvalleyus () at 01.03.2010 04:09 (1 week ago)

From Premium vbulletin 4 styles () at 02.03.2010 14:43 (1 week ago)

Thanks, its a very good information of sharing and making people know about the activites that are being carried out.I think I can find more useful information here, thanks.

From embroidery punching () at 08.03.2010 10:06 (6 days ago)

It would be easy to stray to irrelevancies

From Texas Drivers Ed () at 10.03.2010 11:14 (3 days ago)

in the journalism point of view it may be correct, but they should not neglect the ethics ans beliefs of the people. This kind of things will be a learning lessons for the publishers

From tiffany () at 11.03.2010 10:37 (2 days ago)