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I'm not going to name some of my colleagues who are very well-known for their television presentation, but they wouldn't know new information or how to report a story if it came up and bit them.
Bob Woodward
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote criticizes some television presenters for their lack of investigative skills and knowledge in journalism.

Bob Woodward's quote highlights the importance of true journalistic integrity and the necessity for presenters to not only deliver news but to understand it thoroughly. He suggests that while some may be famous for their appearance on television, they lack the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively convey and report a story.

Themes

JournalismNewsInvestigationKnowledgePresentation

In practice

Example use cases

In a media studies class, this quote can be used to spark discussions on the role of journalists.

More from Bob Woodward

I don't think there will ever be a permanent truce, but I believe the media needs to be more careful and be willing to count to 10 before rushing on the air or into print.
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There's hostility to lying, and there should be.
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Newspapers that are truly independent, like The Washington Post, can still aggressively investigate anyone or anything with no holds barred.
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The legislator learns that when you talk a lot, you get in trouble. You have to listen a lot to make deals.
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The central dilemma in journalism is that you don't know what you don't know.
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Using these unnamed sources, if done properly, carefully and fairly, provides more accountability in government.
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