On Nov. 14th, the Intelligencer Journal reported that a spokesman for the City’s Bureau of Solid Waste & Recycling told City Council that “waste” collection averaged 46% less per home in 2007 than in 2006. It also said a city councilman stated that it “seemed too good to be true” and praised the accomplishment.
WATCHDOG: The NewsLanc reporter also noted what was said, since the information appeared “too good to be true.” In response to questions from NewsLanc the following day, Michael Devaney, the Bureau’s manager, implied that the 46% difference largely reflects the introduction in 2007 of the separate collection of recyclables. However, he declined to provide a statement clarifying the matter.
NewsLanc’s coverage had questioned the accuracy of so large a change. The Intell failed to question, let alone correct, the misinformation.
