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December 01, 2007

"Hospital Seeks Brain Surgeon"

...No medical training required


CBS is getting desperate.

The network has posted an ad seeking a reporter to cover the “eco beat” – with some interesting requirements.

“CBS is expanding its coverage of the environment,” the ad reads. “We seek a talented reporter/host for Internet video broadcast. We are looking for smart, creative, hard working up and comers, who can bring great energy, creativity and a dash of humor to our coverage. A deep interest in the environment and sustainability issues will serve you well.”

So you would think such a job would require a science background or years of covering environmental news? Not exactly.

“You are wicked smart, funny, irreverent and hip, oozing enthusiasm and creative energy,” the ad reads. “This position requires strong people, reporting, story telling and writing skills. Managing tight deadlines should be second nature. Knowledge of the enviro beat is a big plus, but not a requirement.”

Send in that resumé today; we'll have the New Republic vet your fake but accurate credentials!

And to enhance the position's Gorezilla Appeal

Ironically, the ad shows irreverence to what kind of carbon footprint the job duties might require. The ad includes: “Be prepared to see America. Heavy domestic travel.”

You can't make this stuff up, kids.

Posted by Mr. Bingley at December 1, 2007 08:23 AM

Comments

In my (not-so) humble opinion, the "irreverant and hip" bit is what is so wrong with news-reporting these days.

Science reporting on the networks (with the exception of some of the John Stossel stuff) is so piss-poor that I'd forbid my students from watching it, if I could.

Posted by: ricki at December 1, 2007 08:48 AM

It's the curse of MTV News, ricki.

Posted by: Mr. Bingley at December 1, 2007 08:54 AM

What I've seen of Stossel's stuff is pretty good, but otherwise I'm with Ricki.

And I just love that line: knowledge is a plus but not a requirement.

Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at December 1, 2007 10:15 AM

"Knowledge of the enviro beat is a big plus, but not a requirement.”

That's the one that makes me chuckle too although I already suspected that knowledge wasn't considered necessary in journalism.

Posted by: Gunslinger at December 1, 2007 10:33 AM

Some Goreacle™ acolyte will doubtless apply for the job, although none of them are "...wicked smart, funny, irreverent and hip, oozing ..... and creative energy".

They have the enthusiasm down pat, though.

Posted by: The_Real_JeffS at December 1, 2007 11:14 AM

Knowledge would probably be a disqualification, because one may be uncontrollably tempted to report facts. Enthusiasm for the cause, however, shall guarantee sanitzed journalism. No unclean opinion shall pass thy red pen!

Posted by: nightfly at December 3, 2007 02:03 PM