White House flacks are taking it upon themselves to edit journalists’ pool reports before they are distributed to the press corps. We think White House reporters need to find a new publisher.
Continue readingRecovery.gov: Stop with the Data Defense, Start with the Conversation
This week's Recovery.gov "Chairman's Corner" reminds me of my first soccer game. At 5 years old, I was so excited to get the ball passed to me. I was so focused on keeping my eye on that ball just like my Dad told me. And as I dribbled it down the field I was thrilled to hear my parents scream in support. I was amazed at how good I was at this game-- nobody from the other team was blocking me and own teammates seemed to be flapping their arms encouraging me to take the shot! As I reached the end of the field, I grinned and gave that ball the kick of a lifetime, only to watch it fly by my own goalie's quizzical face.
Devaney's post is a defensive one, speaking to criticism from who he calls "journalists and Internet grouches," and an attempt to "bury the urban legends about the Board and the recovery program." Most of the critiques came out about six months ago, in October, when the data was released.
Continue readingReporters With Their Own YouTubeChannels
Jose Antonio Vargas, politics and technology reporter from the Washington Post has stepped up to the plate. He's created his own YouTubeChannel and he says he's doing it in part to break down the barriers between reporters and his readers just as the Internet has done for candidates and voters. He's asking for story tips and ideas as well as telling us a little bit about what's on his mind. I watched his first installment and really liked what he had to say about how even he feels like an outsider in lobbyist/lawmaker haunts like The Palm (a well-known hang out for lavish dinners and deals).
What a brave new world this is. Candidates are certainly figuring this out and we're lucky that some reporters, like Vargas are there to help us sort through it all.
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