Carrying the Lantern

Bill R.: I like reading Jay Rosen's blog. While I don't always agree with his position, at least he has the courage to explain his logic in getting there. Here's a great piece on why he believes the NYT's is no longer the best paper (the Washington Post is!) Part of his frustration - certainly what pushed him over the top - is the Judy Miller episode. She of spies, rights, and jail fame.

Here's an interesting excerpt:

From what I understand of the code that binds reporters, if you have big news because it happens you are a participant in the news, then you phone the desk because you think of your colleagues and they deserve the scoop. Of course you answer questions from the press when it’s time for that because you’re a source and they can’t write their stories without you. You behave with an awareness that you’re usually in their position, trying to squeeze information out of harried people, who sometimes just want to go home and have a quiet meal. You remain a journalist, even though you have to operate as a source, and defend your interests.

Judy Miller has behaved like she understood not one word of this.

News Comes in Code: Judy Miller's Return to the Times. Just one man's opinion, but now is a good time to say it: The New York Times is not any longer--in my mind--the greatest newspaper in the land. Nor is it the base line for the public narrative that it once was. Some time in the least year or so I moved the Washington Post into that position... [PressThink]

- Posted by William A. Riski - 8:13:02 PM - comment []