I have gone on the air and announced my telephone number…
“I have gone on the air and announced my telephone number at the Washington Post. I go into the night, talking to people, looking for things. The great dreaded thing every reporter lives with is what you don't know. The source you didn't go to. The phone call you didn't return.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A reporter’s anxiety stems from missed leads and unanswered sources, driving relentless pursuit of information.
In simple terms: Reporters fear unknown sources and chase leads.
Key Takeaway
Never stop seeking the missing piece.
Themes
journalism
investigation
curiosity
Mood
determined
focused
Type
motivational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- newsroom
- investigative reporting
- cold calls
Key Concepts
information gaps
source tracking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize which leads to follow?
- What strategies ensure you don’t overlook vital sources?
A Different Perspective
Missing sources can lead to incomplete stories.