Chapter 9: The Source Code - "You don't wanna piss off your sources."

Two nights ago I was listening to a local journalist give an interview on TSN Radio 1290. The journalist in question is a respected one. Columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press and host of Lawless and Order, a sports radio show on TSN 1290, Gary Lawless (@garylawless) and he was giving an interview about the NHL Lockout, and specifically a 'secret meeting' that the NHLPA and NHL were having in New York City.

What stuck out about the phone interview he gave, was a comment he made in regards to his sources. Lawless was asked why he and his colleagues were waiting at their hotel for an announcement instead of calling one of the members of the NHLPA, or the NHL, to try to get an update on what was happening at the secret meetings. He said:

"You don't wanna piss off your sources. If your sources are angry with you, you'll have no story."

That line is going to stick with me forever.

I think that statement is an important snapshot of the dichotomy that's developed between journalists and the industries that they're supposed to be covering in a non-biased, objective manner.

Whether it be a sports journalist, video game journalist, entertainment journalist, political journalist, or any mainstream media news coverage specialist... "Don't piss off your sources" is the attitude most seem to have, and Journalism with a capitol J is suffering because of it.

I couldn't help but be reminded of the September 2008 exclusive multi-part interview that Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) gave to Katie Couric (@katiecouric) right before the (at the time) biggest election in American history.

"Um... All of 'em. Any of 'em..." - Someone who almost won the 2nd most powerful elected position in the world.

I understand there is a fine line between being a straight-up asshole during an interview, and asking tough, hard-hitting questions that help to progress the public discourse.

But if journalists are more worried about maintaining their exclusive access than demanding answers to tough questions, then how is the public supposed to remain reasonably informed?

As it stands right now, journalists have none of the power. Political figures, celebrities, and companies hold all the cards. They have the information, they have the answers, and they only allow an exclusive minority in, to ask them questions. Naturally, these select few want to retain their status, so they don't step on any toes or piss anyone off by, well, calling "bullshit!" when they hear it..

Listen, I know I'm making some pretty generalized comments about a very large industry. I know there are hundreds of great journalists out there that ask the tough questions, that demand answers, that have integrity and are trying to do the right thing, day in, and day out.

It just leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth when I hear someone in the mainstream media blatantly hold back because they are concerned with angering the very person they're supposed to be covering. Sometimes, that's the point!

"Don't piss off your sources."

One has to wonder if that'll be a chapter taught in journalism class in a few years.

                                                                                      -NxB

Playing: Angry Birds: Star Wars Rovio

Watching:  Sons of Anarchy

Listening to: Childish Gambino