What happened: Jim Acosta, the obnoxious CNN reporter and author of Enemy of the People: A Dangerous Time to Tell the Truth in America, celebrated the five-year anniversary of the time he saved democracy by manhandling a female staffer trying to take away his microphone at a White House press conference.
“Five years ago…” the hero journalist wrote solemnly in an Instagram post accompanied by a photo of the infamous altercation, which resulted in the White House briefly suspending Acosta’s press credentials.
Acosta became a #Resistance celebrity for shouting questions at former president Donald Trump and generally behaving like a spoiled child while casting himself as a beleaguered third-world dissident waging a lonely battle against an authoritarian regime.
What they’re saying: Acosta’s behavior at the November 2018 press conference was “out of line,” according to former CNN host Larry King. “You got a room full of people, all of whom have the right to ask questions. Jim might have gone a little far,” the legendary journalist said. “To me, you know what this was? Eighth grade. It was the playground. ‘That’s my ball and I wanna play today on the team.’ It was childish.”
ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl agreed. “Reporters make a mistake if they appear to be too much like an opposition to the president or the resistance,” Karl told the Washington Free Beacon in 2020. He criticized Acosta in his own book—every reporter who covered Trump wrote a book about it—for acting like an “opinion journalist” and undermining “the credibility of the White House press corps.”
Why it matters: Marking this special anniversary reminds us that when it comes to defending American democracy, journalists are just as courageous (if not more so) than the enlisted soldiers who risk their lives in battle. If you see a journalist today, please give them a hug and thank them for their service.
In what ways does Acosta’s confrontational style of journalism have a detrimental effect on the profession as a whole?
As eighth-grade maturity level on the part of Acosta.”
Others in the media industry have expressed similar sentiments. Jill Abramson, former executive editor of The New York Times, called Acosta’s behavior “disruptive” and questioned the ethics of his actions. ”As journalists, our role is to report the news, not become the news,” Abramson stated.
The bigger picture: While some may consider Acosta’s confrontational style as a form of assertive journalism, it is important to acknowledge the detrimental effects it has on the profession as a whole. Journalists are meant to serve as neutral observers, delivering news and information to the public without injecting their personal biases or agenda.
However, the rise of “activist journalism” has blurred the lines between reporting and advocating. Journalists like Acosta prioritize sensationalism and personal fame over objective reporting, resulting in a loss of trust in the media as a reliable source of information.
This erosion of trust is particularly concerning in today’s highly polarized political climate. The public’s faith in the media is already fragile, with accusations of bias and fake news circulating on a regular basis. Journalists should be striving to rebuild that faith by adhering to the principles of honesty, integrity, and accuracy.
It is crucial to remember that journalists play a crucial role in society. They uncover stories, hold those in power accountable, and provide information for an informed citizenry. Without a free and independent press, democracy cannot thrive.
So, why should we be thanking journalists? By expressing gratitude for their dedication and commitment to the truth, we not only encourage responsible journalism but also show our support for democracy itself.
While it is true that journalists make mistakes and have different perspectives, the overall work they do cannot be undermined. Their tireless efforts to uncover the truth and provide accurate information should not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
It is crucial to remember that journalists are human beings, facing immense pressure, often in dangerous situations, to bring us the news. They deserve our thanks and recognition for their invaluable contributions to our society.
So, next time you come across a journalist, thank them for their hard work. Let them know that their efforts are essential, and their dedication to reporting the truth is valued. By doing so, we can reaffirm our faith in the importance of a free press and its vital role in sustaining democracy.
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