Delusional “CEO of Las Vegas” Announces Retro Theme Park, Media Wets Itself
Another day, another bullshit Las Vegas project announced that’s never, ever going to happen. But that’s not the real story. The real story is how utterly gullible media outlets are. It’s gross.
“Churnalism” (stories produced by reusing existing materials without conducting research or fact-checking) was in full effect when some rando named Daniel Leo Jr. who calls himself the “CEO of Las Vegas” posted about “RetroEscapes” on Instagram. If there are renderings and a Web site, it must be real! It was even in People!
Spoiler: It’s not real. In a related story, we’re all doomed.
RetroEscapes joins a long list of whimsical Las Vegas fever dreams passed off as real projects, despite zero credibility or funding.
If Brightline can claim a high-speed train is happening with a $15 billion shortfall, and the A’s can say they’re building a ballpark with a $1.4 billion funding gap, and Bally’s can announce it will build a resort despite being financially strapped, why not a theme park?
Hey, it’s a free country. Anyone can say anything they want, but the issue arises when news outlets report on such projects as though they aren’t unhinged from reality.
Such reporting, without questioning the legitimacy or viability of such projects, lends a veneer of credibility to them, even when there’s zilch to back them up.
The media is complicit in these hoaxes, showing zero accountability for violating the public trust.
The press has an obligation to not amplify every pipe dream that lands in their inbox, but to question, verify and protect the public from fiction marketed as progress. Journalism is supposed to be a filter, not a megaphone. When reporters recycle press releases or social media posts without scrutiny, they abandon their duty as guardians of truth and become part of the hustle. The media’s first obligation should be to accuracy, not clicks or access. Every time a news outlet gives free publicity to an unfunded fantasy, it chips away at public trust and makes it that much easier for the next dream pusher to cash in on the public’s misguided trust.
Example: For a decade, Las Vegas faithfully shared how much of a done deal All Net Arena was. Officials extended permits and attended news conferences assuring everyone (including investors) everything was a go.
Like so many other made-up projects, All Net was smoke and mirrors. The media didn’t shed a tear for those who invested in the project and had their money stolen.
Here’s how the RetroScam describes itself: “RetroEscapes is the world’s first nostalgia-focused theme park and entertainment destination featuring five distinct decade-themed lands; the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s along with a Tomorrow Zone offering a glimpse into the unknown future. Experience immersive attractions, rides, activities, dining, shopping and live entertainment tailored to the unique cultural and aesthetic elements of each of the five decades. Whether you’re reliving your youth or discovering an era for the first time, RetroEscapes invites you to have a blast in the past!”
Take a look at some of the fantastical images vomited up by A.I. for RetroEscapes.
If anyone hands over a dollar for this imaginary RetroEscapes project, that’s not only on the jackass who dreamed up this farce, or the people being duped, it’s also on media.
The story was covered with a straight face by Fox 11 in L.A., KTLA, News Nation, Attractions Magazine and others.
Such coverage is pure gold for con men. Not everyone can afford a personal publicist like the A’s have with the Las Vegas-Review Journal.
So, we’re stuck having to be the one to call out the B.S. As we did for a decade with All Net.
We get labeled “negative.” Which is fine.
This isn’t naysaying. It’s a decade of refining our bullshit detector, honing our skills on projects like King David Hotel, Kind Heaven, LXVP, Skyvue, Alon, Bleutech Park, the list goes on and on.
When con artists (some don’t have bad intentions, they’re just deluded) are using Google to show investors stories about their project (looking at you, John Fisher), we want our stories to be in the mix.
Renderings and announcements aren’t funding.
We’re getting a lot of use out of this line we wrote a few stories ago: In the absence of real journalism, the grifters write the headlines.
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