Beware of the Watchdog

Listen to what the public officials are saying and see if their actions match their words. In essence, that is the responsibility of a watchdog journalist but through class discussions and assigned readings, it becomes apparent that the definition of the watchdog role is much more complex.

The Elements of Journalism gives three different types of reporting that watchdog journalists use, they are - original and investigative reporting and reporting on investigations. I think the first two are the most important out of the three because it involves reporters exposing previously unknown information and presenting it in a way that can be understood by the public. A terrific example of this is Daniel Ellsburg’s uncovering, and The New York Times’ interpretation and presentation of The Pentagon Papers.



However, it is apparent in journalism textbooks and everyday life that the role of the watchdog is weakening in America. This is because “too much of the new ‘investigative’ reporting is tabloid treatment of everyday circumstance” (151, The Elements of Journalism). Check out such’ investigating’ reporting from msnbc on ‘Dirty Ice'.

I thought Gan’s eight “enduring values” were incredibly enlightening. It is so true how every news article relates to at least one of the eight values. This article on how the Oil Rig’s Siren Was Kept Silent in today’s New York Times most definitely falls under the Responsible Capitalism value because it is not responsible business ethics.

The New York Times article is also a great example of watchdog journalism, keeping companies like BP in check. It serves as a reminder of why “the role of the press as activist, reformer and exposer” is still needed today (139, The Elements of Journalism).