For those of u who follow Andy Carvin's coverage, any thoughts? (( I llike it )))

acarvin Andy Carvin 

 

For those of u who followed my #Libya, #nakba & #IsraeliEmbassycoverage, any thoughts? electronicintifada.net/blog/benjamin-… cc @intifada @bangpound

3 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

NPR’s Andy Carvin, reporter or participant in Libya’s war?

Submitted by Benjamin Doherty on Fri, 05/20/2011 - 07:49

NPR executive Andy Carvin has become prominent for his activities on Twitter during the recent revolts in the Middle East and North Africa. But what is his role? Is he a journalist or a participant? Last night, he was monitoring events from English speakers ostensibly in Libya.

Libyan tweeps abuzz with calls for NATO to take immediate action in the Nefusa Mountains. Wonder if they’ll get an answer.May 20 via TweetDeckAndy Carvin
acarvin

LibyaInMe, one of the people he follows, was very explicit about a perceived connection between Twitter sourced information and NATO bombings.

@acarvin usually when we bombard them w/ tweets, it’s only a short while until we hear that they bombed. But not enough tweets so farMay 20 via webLibya In Me
LibyaInMe

Carvin made explicit analogies to past crimes against humanity.

Like Saddam against Halabja’s Kurds? RT @tawa3na: I’m afraid that Kaddafi will use his chemical weapons against Nafusa mountains berbersMay 20 via TweetDeckAndy Carvin
acarvin

This group of English speaking users celebrated Carvin’s interventions:

#LibyansThankYou @acarvin for your bravery, courage and determination to get the real news out & revealing the truth on#gaddafiscrimesMay 20 via webHend Taghdi
hendmt

Most importantly I would like to thank @acarvin for his time, effort, and dedication to the Libyan revolution. You’re truly a hero.May 20 via webLibya In Me
LibyaInMe

@bebird @acarvin there’s so many but yes #NPR thank you for @acarvin his reporting has been amazing!May 20 via webLibya Outreach
libyaoutreach

Carvin acknowledged the thanks.

@LibyaInMe thank you. I truly appreciate it.May 20 via TweetDeckAndy Carvin
acarvin

What exactly is he being thanked for? His support for NATO intervention and his work to identify bombing targets? Or journalism?

The troubling thing is that Andy Carvin doesn’t appear to do any journalism. Nor is reporting part of his job description at NPR.

Carvin has already been at the center of controversy about his role moderating an Obama administration “strategic communications” event after the president’s Middle East speech.