Have you ever heard the term “Friday news dump“? It’s a phrase commonly used in journalism and politics to describe the release of potentially damaging news or information at the end of the workweek, typically on a Friday afternoon. In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning behind Friday news dumps, their purpose, and how they are used in various industries.
Examples of Usage
Politics
Friday news dumps are a common occurrence in politics. They often happen when a government agency or politician is trying to bury bad news or avoid media scrutiny. For example, in 2017, the Trump administration issued an executive order banning travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries. The order was signed on a Friday afternoon, just before the weekend, which made it more difficult for protesters and advocacy groups to mobilize against it.
Another example is when former FBI Director James Comey was fired by President Trump. The announcement was made on a Friday evening, leading many to speculate that the White House was trying to minimize negative media coverage.
Corporations
Corporations also use Friday news dumps to release potentially negative information. This can include anything from layoffs to product recalls. By releasing the news on a Friday afternoon, companies hope to avoid negative media coverage and give themselves time to prepare for any fallout over the weekend.
For example, in 2020, Boeing announced it would be laying off thousands of employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made on a Friday afternoon, which helped the company minimize the impact of the news on its stock price.
Sports
Friday news dumps are also common in the sports industry. Teams and leagues will often release news about controversial decisions or player suspensions on a Friday afternoon, hoping to lessen the impact on fans and the media.
One example of this is when the NFL announced it was suspending New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for four games in 2015. The announcement was made on a Friday afternoon, which gave the league time to deal with any potential fallout before Sunday’s games.
Media
Finally, Friday news dumps are also used by media outlets themselves. They may choose to release stories or articles at the end of the week when fewer people are paying attention. This can be a strategic move to prevent competitors from picking up on a story or to avoid giving a story too much attention.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the term “Friday news dump” refers to the practice of releasing potentially negative news or information at the end of the workweek, typically on a Friday afternoon. This strategy is commonly used in politics, corporations, sports, and media, and is often employed to minimize negative media coverage or scrutiny. By understanding the meaning behind Friday news dumps, we can better evaluate the timing and motive behind certain announcements and decisions.