But at Least Chico State is in Chico…

LAObserved notes (scroll down a bit) that shoddy reporting in this LAT article forced the paper to run a whopper of a correction. Most significantly, the guy reported as being dead is alive:

FOR THE RECORD
Cal State Chico — An article in Tuesday’s California section about hazing at Cal State Chico mistakenly said that a pledge to a fraternity at nearby Butte Community College died of alcohol poisoning. He did not die but was hospitalized. The article also said Chico has a population of 35,000; according to the city, the population is 71,317. In addition, University President Paul Zingg was quoted saying the school would shut down its Greek system if problems with hazing did not abate. Zingg made his comments to a group of 850 students and others, and his remarks were quoted in the local media. He did not speak with The Times. Also, although the article characterized the school as being well-known for its basketball program, its winning baseball program may be best known outside campus.

I guess this is what David Shaw means about how a zillion editors check everything at the LAT.

(UPDATE: Jack Shafer takes note of this embarrassing incident coming right on the heels of Shaw’s blogging piece. Yay! Two months into blogging and I’m already having the exact same thoughts as Shafer. This media watchdog stuff is E-Z.)

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