Defined Quote by Edward Jay Epstein
“The problem of journalism is simple. Journalists are rarely in a position to establish the truth of an issue themselves, since they didn't' witness it personally. They are entirely dependent on self-interested sources to supply their facts. Every part of the news-making process is defined by this relationship; everything is colored by this reality.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise and Fall of the Associated Press by Edward Jay Epstein, 1991
Journalists depend on sources, making objectivity difficult and shaping news through those relationships.
In simple terms: Journalists rely on sources, affecting truth.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess source motives.
Themes
journalism
truth
bias
source-dependence
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- investigative reporting
- breaking news
- political coverage
- feature writing
Key Concepts
media ethics
information flow
propaganda
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify source credibility?
- What impact does source bias have on public perception?
A Different Perspective
Sources may have hidden agendas.
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
