Readings-+Kovach+Chapter+5

Sometimes being objective isn't the best way to be an influential journalist. Take the case of William Safire, who worked for the New York Times after working as a political activist. He had been included on a list of people close to Richard Nixon who were being wiretapped. He was a conservative with certain libertarian leanings, but by the end of his time at the NYT, he had won a Pulitzer Prize and had gained a fan base of millions. The reason for that is that despite his political views, he valued the truth and factual evidence as much as any other journalist. In fact, his activist history stemming from his political views gave him a group of people he could use as anonymous sources and gain an edge on the competition. As C.P. Scott, editor of the Manchester Guardian had once said, "Comment is free, but facts are sacred."

There is a difference between an opinionated journalist and a propagandist. A person can be loyal to a cause and still be considered a journalist, but a person who is loyal to a political faction or to a specific person is a propagandist.