A colleague recently rented “All the President’s Men” to watch with his 10-year-old daughter. He told her it was about Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, two reporters who inspired him to be a journalist.
She asked: Are they more famous than Jayson Blair?
That response speaks loudly about the state of journalism, and how the recent case of the deceitful reporter for The New York Times devastates journalists committed to public service. I am among a generation of journalists who flocked to newspapers after Watergate because we believed that a reporter committed to shedding light on society’s issues could help improve that society. We believed that serving as a watchdog for the public, exposing injustice and delivering information to readers could make a difference.
But if the public doesn’t trust the journalists, what good does the journalism do?
That’s where the public editor, and you, the reader, can help.
The Oregonian is among about 40 newspapers that have public editors, whose role is to serve as a reader advocate. At The Oregonian, the public editor oversees corrections and researches and responds to complaints. The public editor doesn’t participate in the coverage of any stories, except for this column.
The public editor can perform a valuable service, but only if readers respond with their suggestions, criticism and praise. Past public editors at The Oregonian have strengthened ties to readers, from urging the newspaper to add reporter contact information at the end of stories, to expanding phone contacts throughout the newspaper, to improving how we respond to complaints.
My hope as public editor is to build on those connections. I want to find new ways to link The Oregonian to the community and to involve readers more in shaping how journalists here make decisions.
And as your advocate, I want to hold my colleagues accountable; if I don’t do that, I’ve let you and them down.
I must confess I was slow to embrace the importance of connecting to readers.
I began as a cub reporter in Salem more than 20 years ago, helping cover everything from the Woodburn Pancake Breakfast to the gubernatorial campaign of a guy named Ted Kulongoski. Fresh out of college, I didn’t necessarily consider reader concerns first, thinking my insights and passion yielded pearls of wisdom.
I went on to work as an editor at The Olympian in Washington, The Seattle Times and The Albuquerque Tribune before arriving at The Oregonian almost nine years ago. Since then, I’ve been MetroSouth bureau editor, Family & Education Team leader and day coordinating editor.
Over those years, I’ve learned that most issues are not black and white, but rather shades of gray. I’ve kept learning that I know less and less than I thought, and that readers can teach me more.
At no time in my career has the voice of the reader been more critical in Oregon than now. The failing economy, budget shortfalls and political and geographic divides command the best minds and ideas to emerge.
And the times command the best newspaper possible.
The Oregonian must rise to the challenge by giving insightful coverage with context that addresses readers’ concerns, and also offers creative ways to view and respond to the crisis.
If we are not connecting to readers and their views, our response will be weak. And if you don’t trust us, our efforts will be futile.
I have never lost my faith in the power and hope of journalism found in “All the President’s Men.” As the public editor, I’m committed to helping The Oregonian practice the best journalism by holding my colleagues accountable to high standards and advocating for the reader.
I hope you’ll help me along.
