Where FUD rules

Via Notes on the Atrocities a link to the KATU news blog. "K-2" is known for its 'if it bleeds it leads" brand of news reporting. I'm even surprised though at the pettiness of their "up to the minute" blogging report of the Bush visit to Portland. As pointed out on Atrocities, Channel 2's reporting of alleged pot smoking at the demonstration seems particularly inane and provocative:

Strong odor of marijuana observed at protest scene

12:24 PM

A KATU News photographer near the scene at Willamette Blvd. and Portsmouth where protesters are assembled reports that there is a strong odor of marijuana in the crowd. Police in riot gear have also doubled their presence outside the center where the president is addressing supporters.

I'd call this disingenuous. To report the smell of pot smoke and then somehow link it to police in riot gear gives the impression that this is just a crowd of angry drug taking anarchists.

On the other hand, when KATU announces their reporter has been "assaulted" by "the crowd, growing more and more angry ... shouting "Portland Media lies" you don't have to look too far to wonder where in the world people would come up with a notion like that.

Looks in general like "news blogging" at least ala KATU, is not a very good idea.