Hire people smarter than you are and encourage them to bloom.
Ben BradleeRead
If an investigative reporter finds out that someone has been robbing the store, that may be 'gotcha' journalism, but it's also good journalism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote distinguishes between sensationalized journalism and credible reporting, highlighting the value of uncovering truth.
Ben Bradlee emphasizes the dual nature of journalism, where uncovering a crime can sometimes be seen as sensationalist ('gotcha' journalism), yet it is intrinsically valuable. This statement advocates for the importance of investigative journalism in revealing the truth, even if the methods might sometimes appear confrontational or critical.
Themes
JournalismInvestigationTruthReportingEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on media ethics, a professor could use this quote to explain the importance of holding individuals accountable.
More from Ben Bradlee
All quotes βThe really tough thing would have been to decide to take Woodward and Bernstein off the story. They were carrying the coal for us - in that their stories were right.
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As long as a journalist tells the truth, in conscience and fairness, it is not his job to worry about consequences. The truth is never as dangerous as a lie in the long run. I truly believe the truth sets men free.
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It changes your life, the pursuit of truth.
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Sure, some journalists use anonymous sources just because theyβre lazy, and I think editors ought to insist on more precise identification even if they remain anonymous.
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Sometimes I am convinced there is nothing wrong with this country that couldn't be cured by the magical implantation of ethical standards on us all - leaders and followers. Until that becomes doable, the Center for Public Integrity is just about the best thing we have going for us.
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