Throughout my blog, I have discussed the role which journalism plays in politics. Wether it be the way journalists should report on topics or the way that journalists investigate scandals, journalists have a responsibility to ethically report on the news.
From the Penny Press to CNN and Fox, political bias in journalism is not new. Yet it is something which should concern any journalist with integrity.
Often referred to as the "fourth estate", journalists bridge the gap between the government and the governed.
The term "fourth estate" is often used as an insult, implying that journalists are corrupt and involved in a scheme. However, not all journalists are.
This term implies that journalists may be paid off by politicians to report in a way which they would like. Yes, some people may be involved in this disgraceful activity, however they are not journalists.
Although it is not like this, journalists and politicians should collaborate.
Journalists should press politicians for answers. Journalists should cover important stories. Journalists should call out wrong doing.
Politicians should be honest with journalists. Politicians should be real with journalists. Politicians should cooperate with journalists.
Watchdog journalism is a key part of this process, especially as it relates to warm.
Journalists should not take everything politicians say with a grain of salt. Journalists should have questions. Journalists should investigate. Journalists should press for answers.
Far too often, politicians make claims or announcements and journalists simply smile and say okay.
Yes, journalists should trust politicians. *When they gain that trust.
Let's look at an example: the Iraq War.
President Bush gives a press conference
on the Iraq War,
When President Bush first announced the invasion of Iraq, he used many key words to cause fear. 9/11 and Al-Qaeda were used as justification, things which the American people would not question.
So many times, politicians and government officials use major events to justify actions. Journalists sit back and fear questioning this and being seen as unpatriotic.
As Dan Rather said, "I can serve my country best by being the best journalist I can be. That's the way I can be patriotic."
In the wake of the Iraq War, however, this simply did not cross the minds of journalists. Journalists heard President Bush speak, repeated his sentences, and smiled.
It is not unpatriotic to ask questions. It is not unpatriotic to ponder statements. It is not unpatriotic to hold people accountable.
The most patriotic thing that anyone, especially journalists, can do, is hold elected officials accountable.
It is time for journalists to speak up. To press for answers. To investigate.
It is okay to investigate and find nothing. That doesn't make a journalist look stupid, but rather honest.
So often, journalists go on "fishing expeditions" to find anything they can, rather than admit that what they thought was wrong.
Journalists must never stay silent. They must press for answers. They must call out wrong doing. They must speak up. But journalists everywhere must also begin to report truth, not opinion.
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