S. Worthen | Weblog

The BBC has been wording its headlines in terms of questions more and more lately (or maybe I've just been noticing it more lately). I know its purpose is to engage its readers, to make them wonder, "Is Healthcare at risk?" or "Will Kyoto make a difference?".

But that's not why I read the news: I read the news to find out what's actually happening in the world. Looking through the BBC's Entertainment news section, I don't see a single question asked by today's headlines. The Beeb is decisive that Will Smith definitely will be hosting an Aids Benefit, and that Star Trek fans really are fighting to save a show. For some reason, it's easier to be assertive on the subject of movie stars and t.v. shows than it is on things like greenhouse gas, politically sensitive issues.

And so I would like to submit a handful of today's BBC headlines to you and have a more decisive answer to each. The questions are copy/pasted from the BBC's various news pages. The linked articles don't necessarily have the same headline as the summary version, and you don't need to read them.

I'm not looking for right or wrong answers - I'm looking for decisiveness. Just pick something. It's more than the BBC is doing.

[Poll #440048]