I spoke at a conference of political journalists and academics today about Trump, the press and public trust. Here’s what I tried to say. 1/
If people on both sides are attacking you, it's possible you’re doing something right. It's also possible you are doing everything wrong. 2/
A great teacher once said, when in doubt draw a distinction. In that spirit, some distinctions I wish the press would learn to draw... 3/
Their institution is under illegitimate attack. Journalists have to think politically. But this is different from politicizing the press. 4/
They have to report what’s common under Trump. But journalists shouldn’t confuse what’s now common (because of him) with what’s normal. 5/
Opposing Trump isn’t the job of journalists. But they are permitted to oppose his political style, basic to which is a contempt for facts. 6/
In listening to Trump’s supporters, pitch your ear to felt troubles, rather than to issues designed to mobilize their anger. 7/
Less with further assertions of professional authority, more though creative adventures in public transparency will trust be won. 8/
Journalists who steer their stories down the middle and practice ‘he said, she said’ are seeking refuge more than truth. 9/
But in the civic emergency we are living through there is no refuge for people who would bring us the news. Might as well let it rip. 10/END
