The result – misrepresentation, misinformation and general confusion regarding a myriad of news items, from the financial crisis to the upcoming election.

“Media Play Catch-Up To Lightning Pace Of News” is a great, Morning Edition piece, by David Folkenflik that sheds light on the challenges and shortcomings of the media in these “not normal times.”

In normal times, you’d see unrelenting media scrutiny of John McCain campaign manager Rick Davis’ work for mortgage companies caught up in the market meltdown. And there would be even more ferocious attention paid to each new gaffe served up by both major parties’ vice presidential candidates.

But these are not normal times. A careening presidential race has collided with an accelerating financial collapse.

Listen here.