It was corrected on the website only but the damage was already done. If a media outlet is editing someone else's work then that someone should be given the opportunity to OK the edit. The Observer is a paid for paper and would have been using the mass of Leigh Centurions coverage as a selling point. If things they publish damage the club reputation due to awful editing then they have to accept the consequences.

Seems like one of the numerous reasons for the increase was to fund Dave's salary over the two months of his contract. Perhaps that will now be invested in other members of the commentary team? leighrl.co.uk/wp/blog/2016/07/26/2253/

Seems like one of the numerous reasons for the increase was to fund Dave's salary over the two months of his contract. Perhaps that will now be invested in other members of the commentary team? leighrl.co.uk/wp/blog/2016/07/26/2253/

All newspapers, and all other forms of media for that matter, have always reserved the right to publish whatever they like. They have steadfastly refused to be contrained in this regard.

Part of their excuse is that they often need to shorten or lengthen submitted text to fit the news sheet, often at the last minute, dependent upon late and emerging news stories. The media also of course conduct interviews and write their own interpretation of what has been said. What they feel is their right to edit also extends to video and radio interviews.

I fully understand Derek Beaumont's choice to have his own words published in full to avoid the risk of anything being taken out of context or his opinions being distorted as a result of a journalist's interpretation.

It is a pity that the parties could not reach a compromise as clearly the more media exposure the Club receives the better. I am equally confident that Derek's comprehensive updates, now published on the Club website are quickly becoming a must read for the fans.

I fear the loser in this case is likely to have been the press because I feel sure Derek's Column would have been selling newspapers.

Very well put

Sad to see you leave Dave but my very best wishes go with you in any way your career proceeds. Your commentries and interview skill will be missed.

A very waffley version of my post above but very well put all the same.

I have been called much worse than 'waffley' but the fact is Demon that the media virtually never seek approval for their scripts or allow anyone to "OK the edit". In my view they have no intention of changing the habit. This does not just apply to a local newspaper in Leigh but to all news media right through to the national daily's, TV, radio etc.

Speaking generally, if the media are shown to have got a story factually incorrect then, on rare occasions, they may issue a "correction" hidden away in very few words in a corner somewhere. Apologies tend to be as rare as rocking horse manure and the majority of readers would generally be hard pressed to find them.

I agree with your final point - Derek had a choice of accepting the way the media operate or use his Club Official Website in order to preserve the absolute accuracy and detail of his reports. He clearly felt strongly enough to choose the latter. I guess most of us don't have a problem with his choice.

We may or may not be alienating the media over this but, for me, one thing's for sure - the local papers will be missing out big time by choosing not to focus on Leigh Centurions, who ARE the big story in our town, at the moment!

Less of a gamble these days, alienating the media that is, SM will hit most fans/interested folk either directly or second hand much quicker than print

Not only SM,most carry digital editions which are read before the printed versions hit the shops.I like DB's column,its his own personal views and opinions without being questioned? The bigger picture comes about when those views and opinions are questioned and thats sadly missing in the media at present.

What's [iSM[/i Mozza ?
*I am having a blonde day & can't think reet*

I know what [iS&M[/i is, after you invited me to .......


[iThat Party !!![/i

Ste Mills, I think.