Reporters on defense

“To say that the press brought down Nixon, that’s horseshit.”
– Bob Woodward, The Washington Post

To public officials, the role of the news business is obvious. We see the process of information shaping first hand, warts and all. But ask a journalist their perspective of their role, and the reaction will likely be different.

A public official being openly critical of the news media is quickly spun by journalists to mean that reporters must being doing the right thing. Conversely, journalists keeping public officials on their toes is considered a noble, expected calling of the news business, one that media outlets use to promote upcoming news.

The logic is fascinating.

Reporters are sometimes quick to minimize their role in news process despite adequate research that suggests they are noted players in the misinformation game. The notable Bob Woodward, despite his list of extensive credits, believes the press’ role is somewhat limited. In response to the contention that his and Carl Berstein’s reporting on the Nixon administration was part of why Nixon resigned, he is adamant:

“To say that the press brought down Nixon, that’s horseshit,” he says. “The press always plays a role, whether by being passive or by being aggressive, but it’s a mistake to overemphasize” the media’s coverage.

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