So in this one (headline: MPs grab pay rise as Rudd warns workers), the Herald peddles controversy by juxtaposing a money increase for MPs with various politicians’ rhetoric about the tanking economy. Except if you read a bit further, you see that the money increase was handed down by the “independent Remuneration Tribunal” – which we might presume isn’t controlled directly by the government, given the independent part.

The article notes that the tribunal released their decision “quietly” – a manipulative adverb that the reporter doesn’t justify and that plays up the controversy.

Additionally, the quotes from PM Rudd and his underlings aren’t in reference to the pay raise, but rather are chosen from other press appearances – specifically to enhance the conflict the story constructs.

This isn’t to say that there’s isn’t something inappropriate about an MP pay raise in a time of economic belt-tightening. But the manipulative nature of this article is bad journalism.