Case study wanted: Are you EXACTLY like Simon Cowell?

We’re told not to believe everything we read. But the sheer breadth of journalistic artifice can scarcely be understood outside of the industry. Aimed at PRs, journalist request services such as Response Source Enquirer betray the level of invention across our mainstream media and expose the degree to which 'news' is merely a figment of media opportunism.

Any high-profile news will inevitably be followed by dozens of requests for ‘real-life case studies’. A great example was sent out today:

Some requests, like the one above, are astonishingly specific. And payment is often involved. £200, you say? Then sure – I’m friends with exactly 17 of my exes. £500?! OK, I also wear unnaturally high-waisted trousers! (Why not?)

What we’re left with is a disproportionate number of PR people profiled in the papers, perhaps for obvious reasons (£500 you say?). So if it seems too good to be true, it's safe to assume that sometimes – just sometimes – some of this stuff is false.

Nadia Saint has written for titles including the New Statesman, and is a member of the creative team at LEWIS PR. She also blogs at www.lewis360.com.

Comments

[David Child]

Loved this particular Response Source gem - clearly the only case study they'll get will be a complete fabrication.

And note, they didn't specify that the person should also be firmly in the closet (allegedly)....

Someone should set up a blog of the most bizarre Response Source requests - followed by the piece that actually then appears in the paper.

[Nadia Saint]

That's a nice idea: there have been enough howlers this week to make for a nice post or two!