Last week, X-men Origins: wolverine was leaked, and promptly reached the internet, a full month before it is set to hit the big screen as on the the most anticipated movies of the Summer. The leaked movie itself is not the final cut that will be viewed by audiences on May 1st, and includes temporary sound and music, and missing or unedited scenes. Even without all the necessary parts, Roger Friedman, former columnist for Fox 411 on foxnews.com, took it upon himself to review and publish a review of this unfinished film. The online community was quick to condemn the actions of Friedman and his complete disregard for the movie industry. News Corp, which oversees foxnews.com and is completely separate from 20th Century Fox, promptly fired Friedman, asserting that “We… have been a consistent leader in the fight against piracy and have zero tolerance for any action that encourages and promotes piracy.”

While I might disagree with Roger Friedman’s initial pirating of x-men origins: wolverine, I could accept that part of the issue. Its his call as to whether or not he downloads a pirated movie, and he will face the consequences of his actions. I cannot, however, accept the apparent lack of common sense that lead him to review this incomplete film in an attempt to ’scoop’ the rest of the online community, which refused to review the film. As much as Friedman would like to think that he is the only one that is affected by his selfish actions, and resulting colossal failure as a journalist, his actions jeopardize the connections between the movie industy and the media, particularly online media. The gains that online media has made in recent years are placed in doubt by the movie industy, online publishers and consumers alike through the lack of basic journalistic integrity exercised by Mr. Friedman, as evidenced by the simple fact that his review reached publication in the first place. The movie industry has the ability to restrict access to online media, which results in an inability to properly inform consumers.

As a result of his actions Roger Friedman is longer employed with foxnews.com. His attempt to make a name for himself as a web journalist by reviewing an unfinished film ended his career at foxnews.com. No great loss, but Friedman serves  as an example for the rest of the blogosphere; no stupid act is glossed over in the digital age.