John,If Crikey really means what it says in its mission...

John,

If Crikey really means what it says in its mission statement then I reckon the Cougar story should be right up its alley. Are you suggesting Crikey only gives lip service to its stated "mission" (its real agenda being something else)?

Here it is again (this time with the apostrophes).

The Crikey mission

Crikey's aim is very simple: to bring its readers the inside word on what's really going on in politics, government, media, business, the arts, sport and other aspects of public life in Australia. Crikey reveals how the powerful operate behind the scenes, and it tackles the stories insiders are talking about but other media can't or won't cover.

Crikey sees its role as part of the so-called fourth estate that acts as a vital check and balance on the activities of government, the political system and the judiciary. In addition, Crikey believes the performance and activities of business, the media, PR and other important sectors are worthy of public scrutiny.

Crikey is a showcase for information that might otherwise remain suppressed. It's a place where people can go - anonymously or not - with information they believe is in the public interest. If Crikey publishes such information, its status is identified. Crikey aims for full transparency in what it publishes, but we recognise that unconfirmed reports can often be the starting point for the disclosure of important information. Where published material cannot be 100% confirmed, Crikey aims to ensure its readers know it is unconfirmed or uncorroborated.

Crikey aims to be fair and open in its journalism. It does not seek to be malicious, prurient or invade an individual's privacy unless the information is relevant to an individual's public or corporate duties.

In order to achieve its editorial aspirations, Crikey must also operate as a business. Its primary sources of revenue are subscriptions and advertising. Crikey aims to be open and honest in all its commercial activities, and reserves the right to reject any advertising it regards as unethical or in any other way unsuitable.

Most importantly, Crikey is independent and is not part of a media empire.