Final Word from Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Karel Randák understandably got upset when MFD outed him as the source of 290 photos and 40 videos of politicians and ČEZmen frolicking in Tuscany. Journalists aren't supposed to reveal their confidential sources, but MFD justified itself by saying the photos were unethically intended to influence the election. Many would argue that MFD's earlier revelation of Roman Janoušek's Swiss billions was also meant to unethically influence the election, but this time MFD kept its police source confidential. Why the double standard? An analysis suggests that MFD was trying in the second case to protect ČEZ CEO Martin Roman. By concentrating on Randák, MFD got a scoop but diverted some of the attention from Roman. Not until today did MFD print a photo of Roman and Mirek Topolánek. MFD's transgression is minor in the grand scheme of things, but it illustrates Roman's sway over certain journalists.[Czech Republic MF Dnes Mafra spy chief intelligence Italy]
Glossary of difficult words
outed - disclosed or revealed;
Karel Randák - a former Czech spy chief;
MFD - MF Dnes daily newspaper;
to frolic - to play and move about cheerfully;
revelation - the making known of something that was previously secret or unknown;
double standard - a rule or principle that is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups;
scoop - a piece of news published before anyone else;
transgression - offense, sin;
sway - influence, power.