We are constantly bombarded by traditional and lesser established news gathering media with stories presented under the guise of expert research which turns out to be less than creditable. Whether it is in haste to break the story or to meet some arbitrary quota the technically acceptable process of collecting data, arranging it into information and questioning it into intelligence is suffering. When exactly does data become information or information become intelligence? The answer is in the definition; for if data is simply a collection of facts, information is the results of organizing those facts into understandable and acceptable formats, when information is tested and proven then and only then can it be considered intelligence.Intelligence is used and re-used, rightfully so, by persons promoting actionable agendas, from the scientist studying climate change, who is asking world leaders to reduce their carbon footprint by a particular amount in a measurable time, to the politician representing an economically depressed rural community that sees green industries jobs as a benefit. The concern is what if the intelligence is wrong, it would not be the first time and as a matter of fact it happens too often. The process need to be clear, transparent and conscience to be trusted.
Not questioning the actual science for the moment, it was acceptable practice for the resulting data and data gathering methods to be critically reviewed by others in the same field before being published. Hence, scientific and industrial journals were considered strong and sound sources of information and served to drive intelligent policies. Professional jealousy and harmful competition, to get it first, have caused many media release types of so-called puff pieces (incomplete information) to be released into the public domain before being even submitted for review, so that the authors can attract grant funding. This incomplete information has and is making its way into policy positions and guiding some limited resources to wasteful action, primarily because of the reputation of the media in the public eyes. The Media has practically replaced the review process.
A media house is a simple business model; an advertising department which brings in all of it revenue, a production department which operates mass communication equipment, and a necessary inconvenience newsroom. This newsroom can support thousands of people supplying information, having gathered the facts and presented it, this then flows to one who decides what or which will be released to the public, no matter what the topic or what expertise is required, this is the reviewer. If information is wrong a retraction is issued but once released it is out there.
Policy makers must stop using the main-stream media as their source for actionable intelligence and the media itself must insist that they are not professional research institutions.
Rationale
T.A.J & Associates Company Limited uses this occasion to comment on topics that have been covered, both academically and by the mainstream media, to add its opinion and point out investment opportunity, not to invoke any social action.
