Press: Dog-Bites-Dog

Journalism A personal view of the perils of underchecking stories

Most journalists occasionally encounter what might be called the Insider's Lament. Anywhere non-newsies can corner them, someone carps along this line: "Dammit, on subjects I'm personally involved in, you guys often get it wrong." The critic usually adds that if he had been consulted, all would have been right. How a journalist responds to this generic complaint depends partly on his tact and hubris quotients. Insiders with their own strong views, after all, tend to cavil about competing ideas and stories they consider less than comprehensive. But when I run into the I.L. these days, I find myself saying, "I know...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!