Help Wanted: Investigative Reporter
Fast, accurate, experienced writer needed. Long hours. Leadership skills, phone skills, accuracy and attention to detail a must.
Note to Readers: This mailing is from Planet Waves FM on Substack, not from Planet Waves the astrology website. — efc
Kingston, NY, Sept. 4, 2022
Dear Friend and Reader:
If you were a skilled and experienced reporter, writer or editor, with many publications to your credit, would you reply to the help wanted ad above, and try to get the job?
This week, I published two articles and a broadcast that awakened the “new media” and the “health freedom movement” on the need to get the story right. In case you missed them, they were Charlaton’s Web, Science Imposter Exposed, and The Trout in the Milk.
The reason I could do these pieces is that I have 39 years experience covering scientific fraud. I’m not so old, but I started when I was 19.
What My Coverage Revealed
My coverage the past week revealed the problem of scientific “experts” not being vetted by “new media” presenters, either for their professional credentials, or for their words and ideas making a lick of sense. I am using my 15 minutes of fame to call for higher standards for hosts on all platforms, and verifying whether guests have anything legitimate to say. More significantly, I am calling for consumers of internet content — you, the Netizens — to be more savvy about who and what to believe.
These articles and the broadcast got 26,364 reads (and counting), nearly 600 comments, 303 free subscribers, many shares and a good amount of outside coverage. That is some impact, and some interest. There is now a conversation going. The problem has been identified, and I think that many people want a solution. Not everyone is totally lost in the digital haze.
Journalism with Impact
I’m sure of at least one thing: at least for a while, podcasts will be doing a better job checking out the qualifications of future guests. Some will review their prior guests (hoping I don’t get there first). Viewers and listeners will be a lot more (oops, I meant less!) credulous, analyzing what “experts” and presenters have to say.
I am calling for presenters of all kinds to establish an editorial policy and standards and practices for the work that they do. This is a good idea because nobody wants it to happen to them.
What are standards and practices? I’ll give you an example. Before you saw it, my coverage went through internal fact checking, external fact checking, technical review and legal review. That’s exactly what you want: actual verification of the facts and journalistic protocols.
We learned this week that if we don’t check the facts on every level, it could all be baloney.
Please Upgrade to a Paid Subscription
I would ask, if you value my work, that you please upgrade to a paid subscription. You can also donate via Chiron Return, Inc. (the publisher of Planet Waves FM).
But Substack is easy: it’s one click and you’re on, doing your part to further the cause of old-fashioned investigative features and old-style late-night radio on PWFM. We also publish the the Covid Chronology and a daily news roundup that is now in its 916th day running.
I’ve got enough ideas to keep a whole writing team going, and I would absolutely love to teach journalism. But really, I am thrilled to be your personal reporter.
You’ve got me if you want me — and if you want me, please click on the ‘upgrade to paid’ button and make a sound.
I can’t promise you I’m as good as Brooklyn pizza, but I’m definitely a Brooklyn writer.
Thank you for your generosity and conscience.
with love,
— Eric F. Coppolino
NOTE — A few people reading this letter are subscribers to the Planet Waves website, or donate to Planet Waves FM. This message is not intended for you, though you may respond if you like. Thank you for your support. — efc
I have said to you in the past, Eric, that I don’t truly believe any news until I’ve read/heard your review - journalistically and/or astrologically - and I double down on that conviction now. Thank you for the courage ❤️ to speak the Truth.
I am bursting w/ ego pride that I've known & instinctively trusted Eric for at least 15 years before covid 1984. He is the crème de la crème of investigative journalism, going light years beyond other reporters b/c he not only dives deep into the story, but goes deep into the wisdom of the cosmos for even more insight. Oh yes, he is worth his weight in Brooklyn pizza. And then some.