Media

NBC Asks Twitter to Censor Journalist for Criticizing Them; Twitter Complies

NBC’s coverage of the Olympics has, put charitably, been rather comparable to Michael Phelps’ performance: underwhelming and overhyped. To be sure, an event as big as the Olympics is sure to produce a few logistical hurdles, but the trouble for NBC transcends logistical problems, in that their missteps covering the event seem to stem more from a crass desire for money than from honest mistakes. The Twitter hashtag #NBCFail has been slowly growing in strength ever since the opening ceremony was covered, and its pages and pages of tweets come from both sides of the Atlantic.

And until recently, one of NBC’s most vociferous critics on that hashtag was one Guy Adams, a Los Angeles-based reporter for the UK Independent, who already proved his anti-NBC bona fides by writing one of the most scathing stories about the network presently in circulation. From that article:

At the centre of controversy was NBC’s attempt to leverage maximum revenue from the Games, for which they paid almost a billion dollars, by foregoing live coverage of high-profile events. Instead, it intends to footage on time-delay during evening prime time, when brands will pay a premium to advertise.[...]

Even when they do find live sport, NBC viewers must suffer some of the most invasive advertising in the history of television: roughly 20 minutes during each hour is taken up by commercial breaks.

Critics have also rounded on the quality of NBC’s commentary, which has been riddled with basic factual errors. They ranged from a cycling host’s allegation that the Surrey countryside is full of “chateaus” to a map on NBC’s website which describes Australia as “located in central Europe, bordered to the north by Germany and the Czech Republic, [and] to the west by Switzerland”.

Strong stuff. But it doesn‘t even begin to scratch the surface of Adams’ scathing tweets savaging NBC’s coverage. For a quick sample, via Twitchy:

NBC Calls for Twitter to Censor Guy Adams for Tweets Criticizing NBC ExecutiveVicious stuff. One can imagine NBC wishes Twitter would censor this man for being so harsh about their coverage.

…Wait, they did?

NBC Calls for Twitter to Censor Guy Adams for Tweets Criticizing NBC ExecutiveYes, that’s right. Apparently NBC was carefully watching Guy Adams’ Twitter account, looking for a reason to ask that it be suspended. Petty, but not illegal. And as it turns out, they got their excuse when they found this Tweet by Adams last Friday:

NBC Calls for Twitter to Censor Guy Adams for Tweets Criticizing NBC ExecutivePosting an NBC exec’s email address is apparently not kosher, so Twitter complied with NBC’s request, under the theory that the Tweet listed a “private” email address and was thus a violation of Twitter’s terms of service.

The problem? It’s not a private email address at all. It’s publicly listed. A simple google search could find it. So NBC’s complaint essentially falls apart. Adams explained this in his own post explaining the ban:

Since I’m still trying to get to bottom of the hows and whys of my suspension, which conceivably raises various ethical issues relevant to journalism in the online era, it seems premature to comment further. Except, perhaps to say that I do not wish Mr Zenkel any harm, and to share a transcript of my most recent email to Rachel Bremer, Twitter’s head of European PR.

“I’m of course happy to abide by Twitter’s rules, now and forever,” it reads. “But I don’t see how I broke them in this case: I didn’t publish a private email address. Just a corporate one, which is widely available to anyone with access to Google, and is identical [in form] to one that all of the tens of thousands of NBC Universal employees share. It’s no more “private” than the address I’m emailing you from right now. Either way, [it's] quite worrying that NBC, whose parent company are an Olympic sponsor, are apparently trying (and, in this case, succeeding) in shutting down the Twitter accounts of journalists who are critical of their Olympic coverage.”

The tech web site Mashable has also weighed in on Adams’ side, citing an actual section of Twitter’s terms of service (emphasis theirs):

Posting another person’s private and confidential information is a violation of the Twitter Rules.

Some examples of private and confidential information are: credit card information, social security or other national identity numbers, addresses or locations that are considered and treated as private, non-public, personal phone numbers, non-public, personal email addresses.

Keep in mind that although you may consider certain information to be private, not all postings of such information may be a violation of this policy. If information was previously posted or displayed elsewhere on the Internet prior to being put on Twitter, it is not a violation of this policy.

Mashable has sent information to Twitter demonstrating that the NBC executive in question had his email displayed elsewhere on the internet prior to this, and this may well get Adams’ account reinstated. However, in NBC’s case, the damage is done.

And considering this is the same company that employs the people on MSNBC, is anyone really surprised?

Comments (41)

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  • Partyof1
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 10:54pm

    Iwent to CNBC to watch boxing and guess what? There was the endlss mouth of Teddy Atlas.No one destroys a sporting event like Teddy Atlas

    Report Post »  
    • Kevin The Elder
      Posted on July 31, 2012 at 6:13am

      I‘m amazed and often saddened at the daily stories I’m reading in regards to some of the repressive activities surrounding the ‘social media’. Where are the multitude of lawsuits from free speech advocates against government entities such as schools, private business, and private organizations such as the IOC, and indeed Facebook and Twitter themselves? On a daily basis we read of users getting in trouble for messages that they TYPED, which is speech, is it not? If Olympian John Doe criticizes NBC or the President of the USA, or Jane Roe criticizes her boss or the company she works for, those words surely should be allowed, at least here in America.

      I think there have been at least a half dozen Olympians who have gotten in trouble with the IOC for their tweets (at least two have been suspended); shouldn‘t the American Committee be threatening to pull out or at least backing their athlete’s free speech rights? In the America I grew up living in, that would have happened. Do we no longer care about free speech? Again, let me say those words, FREE SPEECH! After that American Olympian got in trouble over the weekend for criticizing an NBC announcer, where are the calls to boycott products of companies that advertise on NBC (Nothing But Communists).

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on July 31, 2012 at 5:55pm

      .
      So when is Twitter going to ban Spike Lee for Tweeting George Zimmerman’s home address?
      That led to numerous death threats, and it was the wrong guy anyway.

      I guess Twitter doesn‘t follow it’s own rules. (unless NBC calls)

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
  • TeslanEdison
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 10:11pm

    Did I just read that he was a UK journalist in California? If he is from the UK in theory I would think that his own government could censor him at will, now if he were to naturalize, he should definitely get all the support America can put together.

    Report Post »  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 10:10pm

    I haven’t watched anything on the old MSM networks in a looong time. I have no interest in the Olympics either because they have gradually become corrupt. The Olympics serve many interests big and powerful much more than they serve the athletes or the viewing public.

    Report Post »  
  • DenisWTexas
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 9:58pm

    I love how all these California-based internet companies and networks all tout this love of freedom of speech and freedom from oppression of their individuality, but every one of them practices censorship, invasion of privacy, communism, and fascism.

    It‘s why I don’t support any of them if I can help it.

    And why does ANYONE use twitter. Who CARES what a Kardashian thinks about politics or what Chris Rock had for breakfast? What the @#(*$&#! is WRONG with people?!?!?!

    Report Post »  
  • country_hick
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 9:57pm

    The Olympics have started?

    Report Post »  
  • Carefreeflyer
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 9:46pm

    It’s not censorship if Liberals do it … come on.

    Report Post » Carefreeflyer  
  • Chromo200
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 9:30pm

    That is why I don’t Twitter, nor support any of the advertisers on NBC/Olympics. Also it is funny how NBC is reacting to comments now that the shoe is on the other foot. Until they become a better and honest news organization and stop trying to tell me that ceratin ways of life styles are ok and funny, I will be selective in what I watch. Money talks, and I make advertisers know it.

    Report Post »  
  • Constructionist
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:44pm

    C’mon… It’s not censorship. It‘s more like a doctrine of ’fairness’.

    Report Post » Constructionist  
  • AllLost
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:13pm

    This is what happens when you let private companies control the medium of modern speech.

    Report Post »  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:05pm

    Censorship raises it’s ugly head again. Shame on you Twitter, shame, shame.

    Report Post »  
  • HKS
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:05pm

    And why do we need twitter?

    Report Post » HKS  
  • zoo9guy
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:00pm

    NBC…..NBC?…I vaguely remember something involving a peacock as a child, but I haven’t seen anything like that for 20 years. Dinosaurs that dead man walking… extinction is right around the corner

    Report Post » zoo9guy  
  • dmerwin
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:58pm

    So much for the 1st amendment. I guess they are setting a precedent for themselves.

    Report Post » dmerwin  
  • TRILO
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:41pm

    Who would have imagined that the National Broadcasting Communists would censor speech?

    On another note, the Senate is about to vote on the Cyber Intelligence and Security Protection Act in the next several days or so. Soon, all internet and social media outlets will be able to legally spy on Americans and turn them into the government for “suspicious” content with no legal recourse against these companies should one be wrongly accused. One more nail in our country’s coffin and free speech.

    I am sure the Senate will follow suit just as all of the tea party darlings and so called “constitutional conservatives” did in the House.

    Do not worry, if you are not doing anything wrong why should you care? Your government will keep you safe against all those terrifying boogeymen.

    Report Post » TRILO  
  • perry1980
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:38pm

    N-o
    B-rains
    C-hannel

    Except for sporting events do not watch that network

    Report Post »  
  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:33pm

    Now Barry’s Company (nbc) is only following in what footsteps he would like to lead the country. In other words, if you don’t comply with me – I will censor you. I’ve never twitted, will not twit, nor will ever even think about twitting just because of things like this. If barry has his way, this will apply to ALL Communications!!

    Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

    The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
    The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

    Report Post »  
  • Micah.Stone
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:33pm

    Move over “DO EVIL” GovernmentOOGLE – make room for “Socialist Stooge Twit” Twitter.

    Report Post » Micah.Stone  
  • kaydeebeau
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:24pm

    Well, I would think a new twitter account and different though equally effective hash tag would work. Just as with all censors or regulations – crafty, entrepreneurial, determined individuals can find a work around….

    Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:22pm

    Way to go Twitter, I guess you are ******* off a lot of your Twits.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • historyguy48
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:18pm

    Comrades this is shocking! A lefty organization stopping criticism of another leftie organization. What is the world coming to?
    Oh thats right, Communism!

    Report Post » historyguy48  
  • ericsez
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:17pm

    the constitution clearly states that we ALL have freedom of speech if and only if we agree with liberals…why don’t you people understand this fundamental concept???????????????

    Report Post »  
  • frust@ted
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:16pm

    NBC should be put on blast for the way they are covering the olympics. No online streaming is just stupid, studios just don’t get it streaming via computers, phones and tablets is how the consumers want.

    These studios remind of Cinderella when the ugly step sisters try to force their shoe in the slipper. It’s not going to fit, get with it or go away.

    Report Post »  
  • MCDAVE
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:16pm

    It seem neither twitter or NBC are in favor of freedom of speech.

    Report Post »  
  • huey6367
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:11pm

    Dear Twitter,

    Why do you let NBC censor you? That is what it is called. When you say something about them and they tell you to stop and you do – that is censoring. You give them and inch and they will take a mile.

    Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:06pm

    NBC; a sham and a shame. As for Twitter; I don’t; and I see absolutely zero reason to do so. I have email, I have a phone, and I have a radio show.

    Who cares what I had for breakfast and what tv shows I watch? Ok, I mention these things on my radio show sometimes. {:

    Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:19pm

      If you have a network and no one watches, does it make a sound when it falls?

      Well, the whole “Tens of people” that still watch this network will be heartbroken that twitter is censoring tweets. I am so tweeted off that “I tawt I taw a puddy tat”.

      There again, I guess I am so behind the times, I still don’t have a twitter account, I hate facebook, and I really don’t like to talk to a lot of people about what color dooky I just made.

      I seem to remember a time when we had our outside voice and our inside voice, and sometimes you just didn’t say anything. Maybe these reporters need to stand up or accept they are losing the 1st amendment. But then again, let’s wait to see what our overlord thinks about it.

      and by the way, it is funny how so many trivial things are popping up, “You Didn’t Build That”, does anyone remember what the Moron said?

      Butterflies everyone, butterfiles.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:20pm

      Tron, I hear you on that. I have no use for Twitter or Face Book. I also have email, two cell phones, and I listen to the radio.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • FREEDOMoverFEAR
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:23pm

      Free advertising on the Blaze? Keep up the marketing lol.

      Report Post » FREEDOMoverFEAR  
    • TRONINTHEMORNING
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:30pm

      Ok, FREEDOM; you busted me. {:

      And if I see one more tweet from the twit, CHER, on TWITCHY.COM….Well, she’s just annoying.

      Report Post »  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:33pm

      Darmok…Your dooky changes color ?
      I have to admit I’ve never looked that closely at mine.
      It does occasionally change smells though.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 7:54pm

      Hey Tron, do you notice how little the MSM is reporting on gaffes made by the Administration, and more and more trivial stuff like this fluff. That’s what I mean by “Butterflies”. Putting on my tinfoil hat, I notice how as soon as Obama seems to be stepping on himself, and poll numbers start to tank, there is suddenly a Crisis. It seems the Aurora shooting just popped up out of nowhere, there always is a “Star” dying, or some other fake crisis/event pops up to distract us. But hey, Bloomberg just banned baby formula, I think his next step is to ban toilet paper, not enviormentally friendly.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • TRONINTHEMORNING
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 8:26pm

      So true, DARMOK; I am also amazed I have not seen/heard more about the ICE agents being held back by Dept. of Homeland Security; as in the case that if these goons that are charged and picked up; if they say they are ‘dreamers’, they walk. Astonishing.

      I say the lib leaders are pawns of evil and the ignorant that follow them are, by association; also responsible. Did you hear John Sununu on my show the last few times? Great guest and right on the money. Even a lib could be persuaded by his comments.

      Report Post »  
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