Reporters Are A Pain -- It's Their Job

[G_j]

https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/328238/reporters-are-a-pain-its-their-job.html

by Steven Rosenbaum

The thing is, no one was ever happy when Mike Wallace showed up with a crew from “60 Minutes.” Or when Woodward and Bernstein kept poking at people and facts to expose Watergate. Or in 1906, when Upton Sinclair exposed the conditions in Chicago’s meatpacking plants. Or when Seymour Hersh exposed the My Lai Massacre in 1969 in Vietnam.

Let’s just be clear: Journalists are a pain in the ass. The really good ones are a HUGE pain in the ass. They ask impertinent questions, they go places they’re not invited, they poke and prod at the halls of power.

Sometimes they save lives and provoke justice. Other times, they bring down the rich and powerful, toppling individuals and institutions hiding in darkness.

Journalists are paid to provoke. It’s their job. But it’s also who they are as individuals. The ones who do their job best can be irksome, tiresome, relentless individuals.

Which is why I love Brian Karem.

..more..

[brush]

1. and Jim Acosta.

[gratuitous]

2. The difference between stenography and journalism

Stenography is simply passing along whatever someone in a position of power wants published or aired. Journalism is publishing or airing something that someone in a position of power doesn't want published or aired. Elected officials are not the media's assignment editors.

[Grasswire2]

3. from Timothy Snyder, Yale holocaust historian.

From his video that I posted this morning. Twenty minutes on the importance of reporters.

The takeaway is this:

1. Calling the press enemy of the people is despicable. Citizens need facts.

2. Help reporters with your behavior: Follow the ones you like, read, and then share their work. You promote truth thus.

3. Reflect on our attitude to reporters. Pay a little bit for good reporting in print media. Thank them for their service.

[G_j]

5. good advice

thank you

[hostalover]

4. Very informative and downright scary article at mediapost regarding Brian Karem.