Why Skepticism Is A Part Of Journalism

Many reporters have heard the saying “if your mother says she loves you, get another source” – or some variation of that concept – as a cautionary tale about making sure what someone is telling you is true.

Washington Post reporters demonstrated again why simply attributing a statement is often not enough. The reporters involved could have gone with the story, simply saying “she told us”, but their skepticism led to another piece of great reporting.

The story, if you haven’t seen or heard it, is here.

Posted by Tim Morrissey