Former CNN producer Tom Farmer writes to TVNewser:

"Too many celebrity anchors assembled in West Virginia last night -- not enough reporters. When twelve-alive fever swept the live shot positions, who asked the basic reporter's question: 'How do you know?' Who demanded a second source? Who held back pending more official confirmation? By uncritically and breathlessly relaying shouted bulletins from sprinting family members, the cable celebs transubstantiated rumor into fact. Reporting means asking questions and making cautious judgments, not just repeating things you hear.

This is a classic, tragic case of fear of being left behind, and critical-mass media momentum, crushing basic judgment. It will be a good long time before I can look at braying, beaming, bouncing Rita Cosby and believe she has any critical faculties or filters. And she was only one offender.

And we wonder why the audience believes less and less mainstream media coverage. It's literally unbelievable.

Who asks 'How do you know?' anymore?"

> Aaron Barnhart: "Say you're sorry, CNN"