I was just not cut out to be an American journalist. In…
““I was just not cut out to be an American journalist. In England, I could phone my editor and say 'Do you want an interview with X?' and get an immediate yes or no. At Vanity Fair I had to 'pitch ideas' and then go through layers of editors, all of whom asked what my 'angle' was going to be. I have always deeply hated and resented this question. If you have an angle on someone, it means you have already decided what to write before you meet, so you really might as well not bother interviewing them" (126).””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She despises the forced "angle" in American journalism, seeing it as a barrier to authentic reporting.
In simple terms: Angle requirement hinders honest journalism.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth without preset bias.
Themes
journalism
integrity
bias
Mood
frustrated
analytical
Type
critical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- freelance writing
- public discourse
Key Concepts
media ethics
editorial control
Questions to Reflect On
- How can journalists maintain objectivity?
- What alternatives exist to the angle model?
A Different Perspective
Industry norms may resist change.