The responsibility of a journalist

NBC's Lester Holt came to speak to Ithaca on Tuesday as paart of the Jessica Savitch speaker series. I enjoyed hearing about his career and how he didn't finish college, but still worked his way up to the top. His work ethic was certainly one to admire.

However, I had trouble agreeing with what he perceived to be the role of independent media. He said he appreiated their contribution, but they were working under a lower bar than mainstream journalists and had more freedom to report stories that may not be 100% true. While I agree they may have more freedom in genereal, I would argue journalists like Amy Goodman and Josh Marshall have gotten it right more consequentively compred with most mainstreamers. I couldn't help but think his observation was especially interesting given his role in anchoring Countdown to Iraq. I think independent journalists have raised the bar far above mainstream media.