A recently launched website aims to expose political and corporate spin in the American media. Full Frontal Scrutiny's stated aim is to “focus public attention on the people and organizations who function in our society as hidden persuaders”.

The website will examine the work of public-relations and propaganda experts working in all forms of media, with particular focus on the Internet and on those who manipulate the neutrality of sites such as Wikipedia.

In August 2007, it was revealed that Sam Sullivan’s staff had edited the Wikipedia entry of the Vancouver mayor, removing information on a police investigation into allegations that Sullivan had given money to addicts to purchase drugs.

In November, Vancouver Olympic organizing committee CEO John Furlong said that he believed that the Taser death of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski would have a “positive influence on all of the parties that are trying to create an extraordinarily welcoming atmosphere [for the 2010 Winter Games]”.

The Straight flagged Furlong’s words as an extraordinary example of spin, and included the full quote in its year in review, which highlighted the best, worst, and weirdest of 2007.

Full Frontal Scrutiny is a joint venture between U.S.–based Consumer Reports WebWatch and the Center for Media and Democracy .

Have you seen some spin? Tell us by either by e-mail to contact@straight.com, or add a comment to a related story at Straight.com.