--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Of course, I'm not saying that news…" description: "\"Of course, I'm not saying that news interviews can't be adversarial. Sometimes, you have to be nasty Columbo or we'd never get to the truth.\" — Graham ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e06/graham-linehan-14594_journalism_of-course-i-m-not-saying-that-news-inter_268818.png" --- # Of course, I'm not saying that news interviews can't be… ![“Of course, I'm not saying that news interviews can't be adversarial. Sometimes, you have to be nasty Columbo or we'd never get to the truth.” quote by Graham Linehan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e06/graham-linehan-14594_journalism_of-course-i-m-not-saying-that-news-inter_268818.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e06/graham-linehan-14594_journalism_of-course-i-m-not-saying-that-news-inter_268818.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e06/graham-linehan-14594_journalism_of-course-i-m-not-saying-that-news-inter_268818.png) > “Of course, I'm not saying that news interviews can't be adversarial. Sometimes, you have to be nasty Columbo or we'd never get to the truth.” [Graham Linehan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/graham-linehan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Aggressive questioning can be necessary to uncover truth, but it risks hostility and bias. **In simple terms:** Being tough in interviews can reveal facts but may be harsh. Key Takeaway Use assertive inquiry wisely. Themes journalism truth‑seeking ethics interview technique Mood critical analytical Type journalistic ethical When to use this quote - political interviews - legal cross‑examination - investigative reporting Key Concepts Adversarial tactics bias trust building Questions to Reflect On - When is it appropriate to be confrontational? - How can truth be pursued without alienating sources? A Different Perspective Aggression can damage relationships and credibility. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Journalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/journalism/) [News](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/news/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [That's the problem with news interviews, you work your tail off to get prominent figures in the news on the radio, but once they've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-edwards/that-s-the-problem-with-news-interviews-you-work-your-tail-off-to-get/) [Bob Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-edwards/) > [Wrapping rubber bands around a watermelon is not journalism. It is entertainment. But the key to success in media has always been a broad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-blodget/wrapping-rubber-bands-around-a-watermelon-is-not-journalism-it-is/) [Henry Blodget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-blodget/) > [America is built on speed. 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