Yes, you are correct, it's a word.
> journalism... is meant to imply causality without demonstration
That's not true at all.
It's easy to make claims when you are selective about what you read, ignore context, and make up lies.
> Either make it clear you are speculating about two events being connected, or get evidence that links them.
Says the person speculating about the definition of following used in this context.
Yes, you are correct, it's a word.
> journalism... is meant to imply causality without demonstration
That's not true at all.
It's easy to make claims when you are selective about what you read, ignore context, and make up lies.
> Either make it clear you are speculating about two events being connected, or get evidence that links them.
Says the person speculating about the definition of following used in this context.