Chris Hedges: Journalism Should Be About Truth
In the second part of a series of interviews with The Real News, the Truthdig columnist details his criticism of the Iraq War and the news coverage leading up to it. He says it is his belief that great reporters care about the truth above all. In the second part of a series of interviews with The Real News, the Truthdig columnist details his criticism of the Iraq War and the news coverage leading up to it.
In the second part of a series of interviews with The Real News, Truthdig columnist Chris Hedges details his criticism of the Iraq War and the news coverage leading up to it. He says it his belief that great reporters care about the truth above all.
“Every article they [The New York Times] wrote which was a lie about weapons of mass destruction, you know, being part of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq was technically fact-based. It was sourced, you know, senior intelligence officials say. I mean, it was double-checked with other intelligence officials. It was all within the rubric of American journalism, legitimate journalism. It just happened to be a lie,” Hedges says of the publication he left almost a decade ago. “And that is the difference between news and truth. And I think the really great reporters care about truth more than they do about news. They’re not the same thing.”
He continues: “Remember, as journalists, our job is to manipulate facts. I did it for many years. I can take any set of facts and spin you a story anyway you want. And if I’m very cynical, I can spin it in a way that I know is good for my career but is not particularly truthful to my reader. And I always attempted to convey to my reader the truth.”
Watch Part 1 of the interview here.
— Posted by Tracy Bloom.
WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Activism
There is nothing right about a legal system that protects those hurting animals and punishes those trying to save them.
Politics
Advocacy organizations are pushing for new policies on voting rights, finance reforms, and judicial accountability.
Truthdiggers
Friends and mentees remember the mother of the disability rights movement.
Activism
The mission of Indigenous activists continues through their children and grandchildren.
World
Yemeni refugees say they are being abused by border guards and left to die.
Opinion
Let’s also honor those who traveled with Dr. King on his journey.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.