Spam Journalism #34

Spam Journalism: The spurious use of sensational headlines to add spice to an otherwise pointless article. (MacDoctor definition)

Congratulations on the Dominion Post for getting two Spam Journalism awards in a row on the same day. 

Nats set to cut science budget

“National is set to slash funding for agriculture and food research, dumping Labour’s $700 million Fast Forward fund in favour of a scheme worth $30m a year.

“But researchers are concerned even the pared-back funding could be in jeopardy, as recession-hit firms struggle to find the cash required to match the Government’s contribution.”

This is spam on so many levels, not in the least that the headline could read “Labour set to cut science budget” if Labour had won in November. The Fast forward fund was $700 million over 10-15 years, not annually. Over 15 years this translates to a mere $46.6 million a year on average. Since the fund would have been adjusted to account for inflation, the first payments would have been smaller (to make the last, larger). I lack the math to work it out, but I’m betting it won’t be a whole heap more than National’s $30 million.

This is only the funding for agricultural research, of course. National has already indicated that it plans to increase funding for other scientific research. We will have to wait and see what Bill has in the budget.

It is that second line that elevates this to truly stupid spam. Contrast it with this:

“Labour had planned to inject $700m into the Fast Forward fund over 10 to 15 years, with matching contributions from the private sector.”

The Fast Forward fund would be in exactly the same boat, except that National’s funding is not tied to the contribution of the business. This means that firms that are cash-strapped in the recession could get worthwhile research either fully, or near-fully funded. In other words the second line is utter and complete nonsense. Well done, Vernon Small.

But the best bit is Labour Party research spokeswoman Moana Mackey’s comment:

““In a time of recession we should invest more.” ”

Sure, Moana. That would be why all the agri-research units are cutting their departments to the bone, wouldn’t it?

In a time of recession you cut costs, Moana. The only research you fund is the stuff that will have immediate benefits (you know, the stuff National is keen to fund) – otherwise you go belly up and bankrupt. 

Pretty much like the state under the last government, really.

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