Reaction To The Commander In Chief Discussion

As journalism divides between those who think reports and anchors should “fact-check” candidates when they make clearly false statements or repeat stump speech lines proven not true, international media like Reuters had plenty to say about Matt Lauer’s performance at the Commander In Chief presentation last night.

This is very much an ongoing discussion in journalism, particularly broadcast journalism. Some, like Chris Wallace, who will moderate one of the Presidential debates, say it’s not their job to point out untruths. Others, including a growing number of journalism ethics watchdogs, say it is.

Perhaps this should be a discussion in every broadcast newsroom: do you allow a candidate during an interview to say things which are untrue or grossly inaccurate without challenging the assertion?

Posted by Tim Morrissey