Clark verdict reportage queried

Of yesterday’s civil jury verdict against former ATSIC leader, Geoff Clark, ABC News Online reported late yesterday:

Mr Clark left quickly, saying the finding is the greatest injustice in the history of this country.

He also asked the media whether they were happy with themselves.

His actual words, quoted here, were:

“It’s an injustice,” he said. “Do you feel proud of what you’ve done, the media? You’ve interfered in the rule of law, you know that? So in effect it’s a victory for nobody.”

When asked whether it was the lowest point in his life, Mr Clark replied: “It’s the lowest point in the history of this country, I think.”

Yes, the self-serving hyperbole is still there – in spades! And the ABC reportage, arguably perhaps, may distil Clark’s actual meaning admirably.

However, the careless paraphrasing by the ABC of Clark’s off-the-cuff outburst seems just a little too cavalier for a straight news report.

On the other hand, Clark’s careless declamations arguably deserve to be lampooned.