Apple has denied a report on CNN's citizen journalism site, iReport, that claims Apple CEO Steve Jobs suffered a heart attack.
Katie Cotton, VP Worldwide Communications for Apple, says the report -- which has since been removed from the CNNi website -- is untrue. The report had cited a single, anonymous source.
Both CNN's credibility as well as the overall credibility of citizen journalism may take a hit. Bloggers and other non-traditional news sources are regularly dismissed as either unable or unwilling to abide by traditional standards and ethics of journalism. Canadian blogger Mark Evans noted that even email conversations are considered fair game in the current news environment, and U.S. presidential candidate John McCain dismissed a YouTube video of his running mate straying from his campaign's message regarding foreign policy as "gotcha journalism."
Following reports earlier this year that highlighted Jobs' fragile appearance at Apple events, the new rumor was too easily believed, with Twitter rife with commenters. Some agree that the report is false, while others note that Apple's overall unwillingness to comment on Jobs' health during past news cycles could have the company hiding the real story. Based on Apple's recent stock woes, it might be a good idea for Mr. Jobs to make a brief appearance today reminding the world that the reports of his demise are frequently exaggerated -- and absolutely untrue.
Comments
Shame on CNN's citizen iReport for rumor mongering. LOL that's not like them. Can't wait to see GOOG bottom out when the old guy actually does get ill. The stock hit $95 today on news of this *cough* heart attack.
The story, "... then gained attention on 4chan, an unmoderated discussion board, which then proceeded to promote the story as a prank. 4chan most recently gained (even further) notoriety as the discussion forum where vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's email account contents and password were posted." -- MacRumors.com
1st Tweets ~ Steve Jobs Heart Attack ~ Timeline/Chart... http://tweetip.us/lkq3e
Ah I see the commies that hate Apple are at it again. First it was the Silicon Valley Toxics Coallition trying to attack iPod, then attacks on iTunes, now this.
Certain people just cannot stand to see Apple have any success that they can't take away and give to other people.
Give it up. As long as Jobs is alive, you can't win.
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