Given Quote by Ben Bradlee
“Everybody who talks to a newspaper has a motive. That's just a given. And good reporters always, repeat always, probe to find out what that motive is.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 1972, The Washington Post
Journalists must uncover hidden agendas behind sources to ensure truthful reporting.
In simple terms: Reporters should investigate motives behind statements.
Key Takeaway
Always question source motives.
Themes
journalism
ethics
investigation
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
advice
principle
When to use this quote
- news gathering
- press conferences
- interviews
- public statements
Key Concepts
media literacy
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify a source’s intent?
- What biases could affect your judgment?
A Different Perspective
Motives may be concealed, requiring careful discernment.
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