Jeff Ballinger
@jeffballinger.substack.com
Turning Heads - Some headlines just beg to be rewritten
Media criticism focused on headline writing and how the news is framed
Media criticism focused on headline writing and how the news is framed
Post and Times yawn while Trump urges Republicans to 'take over' elections
Unprecedented suggestion sounds like tyranny, but major newspapers write about it like it's a possible option or even a rational suggestion
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-and-t...
Unprecedented suggestion sounds like tyranny, but major newspapers write about it like it's a possible option or even a rational suggestion
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-and-t...
Post and Times yawn while Trump urges Republicans to 'take over' elections
Unprecedented suggestion sounds like tyranny, but major newspapers write about it like it's a possible option or even a rational suggestion
jeffballinger.substack.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Post and Times yawn while Trump urges Republicans to 'take over' elections
Unprecedented suggestion sounds like tyranny, but major newspapers write about it like it's a possible option or even a rational suggestion
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-and-t...
Unprecedented suggestion sounds like tyranny, but major newspapers write about it like it's a possible option or even a rational suggestion
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-and-t...
Major media hide ultimate impact of Trump's IRS lawsuit
Vast majority fail to identify the result if Trump wins: American taxpayers would foot the bill
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/major-medi...
Vast majority fail to identify the result if Trump wins: American taxpayers would foot the bill
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/major-medi...
Major media hide ultimate impact of Trump's IRS lawsuit
Vast majority fail to identify the result if Trump wins: American taxpayers would foot the bill
jeffballinger.substack.com
February 1, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Major media hide ultimate impact of Trump's IRS lawsuit
Vast majority fail to identify the result if Trump wins: American taxpayers would foot the bill
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/major-medi...
Vast majority fail to identify the result if Trump wins: American taxpayers would foot the bill
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/major-medi...
Times headline minimizes Trump violating constitution, again
Headline also misleads by describing this as "sales" when the US actually gives the arms to Israel
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Headline also misleads by describing this as "sales" when the US actually gives the arms to Israel
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Times headline minimizes Trump violating constitution, again
Headline also misleads by describing this as "sales" when the US actually gives the arms to Israel
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Times headline minimizes Trump violating constitution, again
Headline also misleads by describing this as "sales" when the US actually gives the arms to Israel
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Headline also misleads by describing this as "sales" when the US actually gives the arms to Israel
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Fox "news" implies Pretti deserved to be killed
Headline justifies murder because he kicked and may have spat on a vehicle
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/fox-news-i...
Headline justifies murder because he kicked and may have spat on a vehicle
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/fox-news-i...
Fox "news" implies Pretti deserved to be killed
Headline justifies murder because he kicked and may have spat on a vehicle
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:31 AM
Fox "news" implies Pretti deserved to be killed
Headline justifies murder because he kicked and may have spat on a vehicle
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/fox-news-i...
Headline justifies murder because he kicked and may have spat on a vehicle
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/fox-news-i...
Washington Post's headline takes false equivalency to new lows
Framing of story on the latest murder by federal agents of people in Minneapolis gives false credibility to lies from the Trump regime
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Framing of story on the latest murder by federal agents of people in Minneapolis gives false credibility to lies from the Trump regime
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Washington Post's headline takes false equivalency to new lows
Framing of story on the latest murder by federal agents of people in Minneapolis gives false credibility to lies from the Trump regime
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 25, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Washington Post's headline takes false equivalency to new lows
Framing of story on the latest murder by federal agents of people in Minneapolis gives false credibility to lies from the Trump regime
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Framing of story on the latest murder by federal agents of people in Minneapolis gives false credibility to lies from the Trump regime
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
NYPD cop kills doorman in head-on, Times reports
Lazy headline implies doorway killing
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/nypd-cop-k...
Lazy headline implies doorway killing
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/nypd-cop-k...
NYPD cop kills doorman in head-on, Times reports
Lazy headline implies doorway killing
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 12:16 PM
NYPD cop kills doorman in head-on, Times reports
Lazy headline implies doorway killing
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/nypd-cop-k...
Lazy headline implies doorway killing
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/nypd-cop-k...
A tale of two meetings: Times tells different story than other media on EU response to Trump's Greenland threats
In its headline and story, Times describes a very different reaction than other news outlets
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/a-tale-of-...
In its headline and story, Times describes a very different reaction than other news outlets
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/a-tale-of-...
A tale of two meetings: Times tells different story than other media on EU response to Trump's Greenland threats
In its headline and story, Times describes a very different reaction than other news outlets
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 11:13 AM
A tale of two meetings: Times tells different story than other media on EU response to Trump's Greenland threats
In its headline and story, Times describes a very different reaction than other news outlets
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/a-tale-of-...
In its headline and story, Times describes a very different reaction than other news outlets
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/a-tale-of-...
Times downplays negotiations to avoid invasion of Greenland
Lazy headline presents failed negotiations as a difference of opinion, rather than as an ominous sign that Trump is intent on conquering a fellow NATO country
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-down...
Lazy headline presents failed negotiations as a difference of opinion, rather than as an ominous sign that Trump is intent on conquering a fellow NATO country
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-down...
Times downplays negotiations to avoid invasion of Greenland
Lazy headline presents failed negotiations as a difference of opinion, rather than as an ominous sign that Trump is intent on conquering a fellow NATO country
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Times downplays negotiations to avoid invasion of Greenland
Lazy headline presents failed negotiations as a difference of opinion, rather than as an ominous sign that Trump is intent on conquering a fellow NATO country
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-down...
Lazy headline presents failed negotiations as a difference of opinion, rather than as an ominous sign that Trump is intent on conquering a fellow NATO country
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-down...
Times headline writers bury the lede, gloss over Trump's totalitarian tirade
Interview shines light on Trump's thirst for power, but lazy headline soft pedals significance
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Interview shines light on Trump's thirst for power, but lazy headline soft pedals significance
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Times headline writers bury the lede, gloss over Trump's totalitarian tirade
Interview shines light on Trump's thirst for power, but lazy headline soft pedals significance
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Times headline writers bury the lede, gloss over Trump's totalitarian tirade
Interview shines light on Trump's thirst for power, but lazy headline soft pedals significance
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Interview shines light on Trump's thirst for power, but lazy headline soft pedals significance
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Traitors on parade
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Dozens of January 6 supporters march through Washington five years after attack; brawl erupts as counter-protester is arrested – live
Many of those at today’s march, including ex-Proud Boy leader Enrique Tarrio say that they were there to protest against the death of Ashli Babbitt, a rioter who was killed by Capitol police five year...
www.theguardian.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Traitors on parade
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Headlines in Post and Times ignore controversy over move to recommend against flu, other vaccines
Major newspapers once again post heads and stories that effectively promote the agenda of Trump administration, rather than provide any context for readers
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/headlines-...
Major newspapers once again post heads and stories that effectively promote the agenda of Trump administration, rather than provide any context for readers
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/headlines-...
Headlines in Post and Times ignore controversy over move to recommend against flu, other vaccines
Major newspapers once again post heads and stories that effectively promote the agenda of Trump administration, rather than provide any context for their readers
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Headlines in Post and Times ignore controversy over move to recommend against flu, other vaccines
Major newspapers once again post heads and stories that effectively promote the agenda of Trump administration, rather than provide any context for readers
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/headlines-...
Major newspapers once again post heads and stories that effectively promote the agenda of Trump administration, rather than provide any context for readers
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/headlines-...
War is peace to the Post editorial board
The headline from The NY Times editorial board, however, takes a factual approach
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/war-is-pea...
The headline from The NY Times editorial board, however, takes a factual approach
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/war-is-pea...
War is peace to the Post editorial board
The headline from The NY Times editorial board, however, takes a factual approach
jeffballinger.substack.com
January 3, 2026 at 5:14 PM
War is peace to the Post editorial board
The headline from The NY Times editorial board, however, takes a factual approach
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/war-is-pea...
The headline from The NY Times editorial board, however, takes a factual approach
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/war-is-pea...
Post headline misses the bigger target
Yes, Trump officials are ignoring requests to testify but the Republican-controlled Congress could force them to do so by issuing subpoenas
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-headl...
Yes, Trump officials are ignoring requests to testify but the Republican-controlled Congress could force them to do so by issuing subpoenas
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-headl...
Post headline misses the bigger target
Yes, Trump officials are ignoring requests to testify but the Republican-controlled Congress could force them to do so by issuing subpoenas
jeffballinger.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Post headline misses the bigger target
Yes, Trump officials are ignoring requests to testify but the Republican-controlled Congress could force them to do so by issuing subpoenas
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-headl...
Yes, Trump officials are ignoring requests to testify but the Republican-controlled Congress could force them to do so by issuing subpoenas
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-headl...
Post's click-bait headline gives Trump cover
Instead of noting the dishonesty in the headline, newspaper headline writer makes readers wait for the truth until deep in the story
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/posts-clic...
Instead of noting the dishonesty in the headline, newspaper headline writer makes readers wait for the truth until deep in the story
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/posts-clic...
Post's click-bait headline gives Trump cover
Instead of noting the dishonesty in the headline, newspaper headline writer makes readers wait for the truth until deep in the story
jeffballinger.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Post's click-bait headline gives Trump cover
Instead of noting the dishonesty in the headline, newspaper headline writer makes readers wait for the truth until deep in the story
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/posts-clic...
Instead of noting the dishonesty in the headline, newspaper headline writer makes readers wait for the truth until deep in the story
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/posts-clic...
Times headlines normalize making policy based on lies, as Trump administration fights war on science and knowledge
By omitting context, Times headlines again let Trump frame the issue
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
By omitting context, Times headlines again let Trump frame the issue
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Times headlines normalize making policy based on lies, as Trump administration fights war on science and knowledge
By omitting context, Times headlines again let Trump frame the issue without pointing out that — once again — people will die as a result of his actions
jeffballinger.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Times headlines normalize making policy based on lies, as Trump administration fights war on science and knowledge
By omitting context, Times headlines again let Trump frame the issue
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
By omitting context, Times headlines again let Trump frame the issue
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
U.S. media headlines report bizarre seizure of oil tanker like it is a sport
Crucial context doesn't even make the subheads this time; "Trump says" is good enough for the headline writers
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/us-media-h...
Crucial context doesn't even make the subheads this time; "Trump says" is good enough for the headline writers
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/us-media-h...
U.S. media headlines report bizarre seizure of oil tanker like it is a sport
Crucial context doesn't even make the subheads this time; "Trump says" is good enough for the headline writers
jeffballinger.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:15 AM
U.S. media headlines report bizarre seizure of oil tanker like it is a sport
Crucial context doesn't even make the subheads this time; "Trump says" is good enough for the headline writers
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/us-media-h...
Crucial context doesn't even make the subheads this time; "Trump says" is good enough for the headline writers
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/us-media-h...
Post headline leaves out significant context, again
By only adding context in the subhead, most Post readers won't see the rest of the story
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-headl...
By only adding context in the subhead, most Post readers won't see the rest of the story
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-headl...
Post headline leaves out significant context, again
By only adding context in the subhead, most Post readers won't see the rest of the story
jeffballinger.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Post headline leaves out significant context, again
By only adding context in the subhead, most Post readers won't see the rest of the story
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-headl...
By only adding context in the subhead, most Post readers won't see the rest of the story
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/post-headl...
Washington Post headline writers ignore obvious irony of Trump's latest pardon
Headlines ignore attacks ordered by Trump on suspected drug runners while he announces pardon of a man convicted of conspiring to import 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S.
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Headlines ignore attacks ordered by Trump on suspected drug runners while he announces pardon of a man convicted of conspiring to import 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S.
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Washington Post headline writers ignore obvious irony of Trump's latest pardon
Headlines ignore attacks ordered by Trump on suspected drug runners while he announces pardon of a man convicted of conspiring to import 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S.
jeffballinger.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Washington Post headline writers ignore obvious irony of Trump's latest pardon
Headlines ignore attacks ordered by Trump on suspected drug runners while he announces pardon of a man convicted of conspiring to import 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S.
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Headlines ignore attacks ordered by Trump on suspected drug runners while he announces pardon of a man convicted of conspiring to import 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S.
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Is the Washington Post letting the Trump administration write its headlines?
The story's lede contradicts the headline, correctly calling the decision to investigate "an extraordinary use of authority."
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/is-the-was...
The story's lede contradicts the headline, correctly calling the decision to investigate "an extraordinary use of authority."
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/is-the-was...
Is the Washington Post letting the Trump administration write its headlines?
The story's lede contradicts the headline, correctly calling the decision to investigate "an extraordinary use of authority."
jeffballinger.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Is the Washington Post letting the Trump administration write its headlines?
The story's lede contradicts the headline, correctly calling the decision to investigate "an extraordinary use of authority."
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/is-the-was...
The story's lede contradicts the headline, correctly calling the decision to investigate "an extraordinary use of authority."
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/is-the-was...
The New York Times headline normalizes Trump threats
Even the subhead doesn't provide the context that would demonstrate how nutty the idea is
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/the-new-yo...
Even the subhead doesn't provide the context that would demonstrate how nutty the idea is
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/the-new-yo...
The New York Times headline normalizes Trump threats
Even the subhead doesn't provide the context that would demonstrate how nutty the idea is
jeffballinger.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The New York Times headline normalizes Trump threats
Even the subhead doesn't provide the context that would demonstrate how nutty the idea is
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/the-new-yo...
Even the subhead doesn't provide the context that would demonstrate how nutty the idea is
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/the-new-yo...
Post lets Trump say B.S. without context
One would think, based on the Post's headlines about this story, that there was some actual merit in what he said.
open.substack.com/pub/jeffball...
One would think, based on the Post's headlines about this story, that there was some actual merit in what he said.
open.substack.com/pub/jeffball...
Post lets Trump say B.S. without context
One would think, based on the Post's headlines about this story, that there was some actual merit in what he said.
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Post lets Trump say B.S. without context
One would think, based on the Post's headlines about this story, that there was some actual merit in what he said.
open.substack.com/pub/jeffball...
One would think, based on the Post's headlines about this story, that there was some actual merit in what he said.
open.substack.com/pub/jeffball...
Times headline downplays university's slide into capitulation of white supremacy
Another institution bows to MAGA effort to normalize white supremacy, sacrificing academic freedom by using new state law meant to foster "academic diversity"
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Another institution bows to MAGA effort to normalize white supremacy, sacrificing academic freedom by using new state law meant to foster "academic diversity"
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Times headline downplays university's slide into capitulation of white supremacy
Another institution bows to MAGA effort to normalize white supremacy, sacrificing academic freedom by using new state law meant to foster "academic diversity"
jeffballinger.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Times headline downplays university's slide into capitulation of white supremacy
Another institution bows to MAGA effort to normalize white supremacy, sacrificing academic freedom by using new state law meant to foster "academic diversity"
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Another institution bows to MAGA effort to normalize white supremacy, sacrificing academic freedom by using new state law meant to foster "academic diversity"
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/times-head...
Headlines in Post and Times give Israel a pass on breaking the ceasefire
When is violating a ceasefire by firing missiles not violating a ceasefire? When Israel does it
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/headlines-...
When is violating a ceasefire by firing missiles not violating a ceasefire? When Israel does it
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/headlines-...
Headlines in Post and Times give Israel a pass on breaking the ceasefire
When is violating a ceasefire by firing missiles not violating a ceasefire? When Israel does it
jeffballinger.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Headlines in Post and Times give Israel a pass on breaking the ceasefire
When is violating a ceasefire by firing missiles not violating a ceasefire? When Israel does it
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/headlines-...
When is violating a ceasefire by firing missiles not violating a ceasefire? When Israel does it
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/headlines-...
Washington Post headline sounds like Fox "News"
Head buries the accuser and the story's significance
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Head buries the accuser and the story's significance
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Washington Post headline sounds like Fox "News"
Head buries the accuser and the story's significance
jeffballinger.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Washington Post headline sounds like Fox "News"
Head buries the accuser and the story's significance
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Head buries the accuser and the story's significance
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/washington...
Trump's fit to blame for derailing trade talks with Canada
Trump can dish it out but can't handle the truth when served on social media
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/trumps-fit...
Trump can dish it out but can't handle the truth when served on social media
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/trumps-fit...
Trump's fit to blame for derailing trade talks with Canada
Trump can dish it out but can't handle the truth when served on social media
jeffballinger.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Trump's fit to blame for derailing trade talks with Canada
Trump can dish it out but can't handle the truth when served on social media
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/trumps-fit...
Trump can dish it out but can't handle the truth when served on social media
jeffballinger.substack.com/p/trumps-fit...