Access Quote by Dan Rather
“As someone who's been covering presidential campaigns since the 1950s, I have no delusions about political reporting. Candidates bargaining access to get the kind of news coverage they want is nothing new.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: CBS News, 1990s, political reporting discussion
Political reporting is shaped by candidates trading access for favorable coverage, a long‑standing practice.
In simple terms: Candidates trade access for coverage.
Recognize media bias and seek multiple sources.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism
- public opinion
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does access influence the stories you read?
- What can journalists do to maintain independence?
Access deals can limit critical scrutiny of candidates.