CNN’s coverage of the F-18 crash in San Diego on Monday, December 08 was a prime example of sloppy journalism. It may seem like a small thing to call an F-18 an “Air Force aircraft” as opposed to a Marine aircraft, but the error in fact is large enough to warrant an on-air correction. Believe it or not, folks, there IS a difference. It’s roughly the same thing as saying you drive a Ford Mustang when you really own a Yugo. Both have four wheels, a set of brakes and a windshield, but there’s a massive difference between one and othe other.

How easy is it to make such a mistake? As easy as making the assumption that since it’s an airplane, the Air Force must be in charge of it. Never mind that the Navy and Marine Corps both operate fighter jets, and the Army has helicopters.

Why am I obsessing over these nitpicky details? Continue reading Check Your Facts: CNN Blows it on Breaking News →