Journalism Quote by Carl Bernstein
““The managing editor shared Bernstein's fondness for doping things out on the basis of sketchy information. At the same time, he was cautious about what eventually went into print. On more than one occasion, he told Bernstein and Woodward to consider delaying a story or, if necessary, to pull it at the last minute if they had any doubts. 'I don't care if it's a word, a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, a whole story or an entire series of stories,' he said. 'When in doubt, leave it out.' -- Carl Bernstein, Bob Woodward””
About This Quote
Source Book: All the President’s Men by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, 1974
The editor emphasized rigorous standards, urging caution and removal of any doubtful material to maintain journalistic integrity.
In simple terms: Editors should err on the side of caution.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize accuracy and integrity.
Themes
journalism
ethics
accuracy
editorial standards
doubt
integrity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
principled
instructive
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- investigative reporting
- media outlets
Key Concepts
fact‑checking
source verification
editorial discretion
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- When should a story be delayed or pulled?
- How do you handle pressure to publish quickly?
A Different Perspective
Balancing speed with thorough verification can be challenging.
![“The reality is that the media are probably the most powerful of all our institutions today and they, or rather we [journalists], too often are squandering our power and ignoring our obligations. The consequence of our abdication of responsibility is the ugly spectacle of idiot culture!” quote by Carl Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86a/carl-bernstein-10988_abdication_the-reality-is-that-the-media-are-probab_59464.jpg)
