Will The Stock Scandal Send Steve Jobs To Jail?

Apple Computer is embroiled in a stock scandal for backdating options. There’s lawsuits, investigations, and questions. One of the bigger questions is, “Could Steve Jobs go to jail?”

Just when you journalism had reached a low point, along comes another, well, low point.

Chris Ayres, writing for The Times Online, displays a literary talent beyond that of reporter, venturing into fantasy hit piece.

In other words, an article designed to appeal to the sensationalist side your Kool-Aid infested brain (for Apple users).

Ayres writes about Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ appearance on CNBC, when he turned on his famous “reality distortion field” to affect public opinion.

Opinion about what? About Apple, of course. Why?

Because Apple is under taint because of this stock scandal. What else? Tainted journalism? During the CNBC interview, Jobs stated, “We’re not under investigation by the SEC or anyone else.”

Why? Because nothing illegal took place. But Apple has a financial problem which needs to be 1) investigated, and 2) fixed. That takes time.

Meanwhile, so-called journalist Ayres takes pot shot after pot shot at Apple, Apple’s financial incentives for employees, and Steve Jobs in particular.

It’s not a hit piece. It’s a hatchet job. Check out the details at the Times Online.

Question: is there too much freedom of speech in the press?