Japanese Whaling Crew eaten by Killer Whales?

Journalism standards, and I'm using the term "standards" very loosely, have pretty much disappeared in a lot of cases. Take today's headline on the "worldnewsdailyreport" which proclaimed "japanese whaling crew eaten alive by killer whales 16-dead"

Now for those of you who don't know about the World News Daily Report, this is how they describe themselves.

"World News Daily Report is a news and political satire web publication, which may or may not use real names, often in semi-real or mostly fictitious ways. All news articles contained within worldnewsdailyreport.com are fiction, and presumably fake news. Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental, except for all references to politicians and/or celebrities, in which case they are based on real people, but still based almost entirely in fiction."

So basically, they are like "The Onion", a satirical publication. That didn't stop other "reputable" news organizations, like the "International Business Times" from putting up headlines like "Killer Whales Gobble Japanese Whaling Crew" even AOL in the UK put up a headline "Pod of Killer Whales apparently attacked whaling crew". After I wrote to the editor of the International Business Times, they changed their story to say that it was a hoax. AOL in the UK followed suit, citing the correction in the "IBT"

This explains a lot about how the news business works. Someone comes out with a story and everyone else just picks it up, without checking any sources or facts. 

Japanese Whaling Crew Eaten Alive By Killer Whales, 16 dead - See more at: http://worldnewsdailyreport.com/japanese-whaling-crew-eaten-alive-by-killer-whales-16-dead/#sthash.6hQvDwjd.dpufjapanese-whaling-crew-eaten-alive-by-killer-whales-16-dea

Then of course, stories like these also bring out some crazy responses like this.

"Pretty gruesome scene, my sincere condolences to loved ones for your loss. As tragic as this may be, hopefully the Japanese will see this as a sign that Gaia’s had enough of Japan’s cavalier, inhumane stance on whaling – “ENOUGH”!

If you live here on the Hawaiian islands long enough, before long it becomes evident almost everyone that spends time here that the consciousness of our “Earth Mother” is everywhere, in every moment, every drop of water every cloud, in every little thing and in every living creature – we co-exist in a conscious world.

This tragic event was no coincidence."

source 

So the bottom line is. Don't believe everything you read. Check things out for yourself.

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver 

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.

What's the difference between a Great White and a Tiger Shark?

Not only does shark week sensationalize sharks. Now in their effort to "educate" people, they ask this.

I knew that the stripes can fade, but looking like a White Shark? Lets see, is this a tiger shark or a white shark below?

What am I? Tiger or White Shark?

How about this one?

I'm having an identity crisis. What am I? Tiger or White Shark?

Good job Discovery channel! I'm discovering more and more, that you are misinforming, instead of educating.

For anyone that is not familiar with the different shark species and doesn't know the difference between a Tiger- and a White-Shark, here are a couple of full body shots of both.

First the White Sharks. Note the shape of the nose, the eyes, the gills, the shape of the dorsal fin and the tail.

Now the Tiger Sharks, look at the same areas.

Instead of putting out a trivia question with a misleading answer, wouldn't it have be nice, if they actually showed what differentiates these two species?

Cheers,
Martin Graf
CEO Shark Diver

About Shark Diver. As a global leader in commercial shark diving and conservation initiatives Shark Diver has spent the past decade engaged for sharks around the world. Our blog highlights all aspects of both of these dynamic and shifting worlds. You can reach us directly at staff@sharkdiver.com.