Journalism is a sacred profession. And there is arguably no more treasured and important part of the print media than circus journalism. Every week, millions of Irish readers get their circus information, circus reviews and circus scandals from our local and national newspapers.
Circus reporting is a deeply ingrained Irish tradition: a source of entertainment certainly, but also a window to the collective soul of our people. The circus reporter provokes as well as cajoles. We benefit hugely from their impartial assessments - often believing the state of our circuses reflects the current state of our nation.
What if I told you we’ve all been sold a pup?
I arrived home this evening to a copy of the Northside People and flicked excitedly to the Circus Reviews section. I was delighted to see a Jonathan Polozzi reviewing a recent production of Circus Vegas, a production my two children had recently attended. The standard of writing was less than stellar unfortunately.
I wasn’t familiar with Mr Paolozzi as a journalist and googled him to check his credentials. Imagine my surprise when I found out that he is an employee of Circus Vegas!
Fake news!
What’s next - bob odeon’s cinema reviews? Bobby Kerr’s guide to cafes? Giuseppe giulios chipper journal?
The fourth estate has been compromised - how can we now look for guideance from the northside people on the upcoming abortion referendum or follow their lead as they prepare us for brexit?
