Oops! Newsweek CW Reverses Itself on Chinese Earthquake Response

May 19th, 2008 12:48 PM

Last week I noted how Newsweek.com's Conventional Wisdom gave an "up" arrow to China, praising its response to a devastating earthquake:

Chinese government: Unlike Burma's generals, officials are responding quickly and openly to natural disaster.

Now the Jonathan Alter-edited featurette has reversed itself for the May 26, 2008 dead-tree edition:

[down arrow] China: Quake damage highlights price of shoddy building codes. Tragedy of one-child policy.

Below are the contrasting screenshots:

May 13:

May 13, 2008 screenshot of Newsweek.com | NewsBusters.org

May 26 print edition:

Screenshot of Newsweek.com | NewsBusters.org