Journalism Quote by James Fallows
“A basic rule of life for reporters is that you should spend your time talking with and learning about people who are not sending you press releases, rather than those who are.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: James Fallows, "The Art of Reporting", 2015
Reporters should prioritize direct conversations with ordinary people over relying on curated press releases to uncover genuine stories.
In simple terms: Talk to real people, not just PR.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic voices.
Themes
journalism
authenticity
human stories
Mood
curious
critical
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- investigative pieces
- feature articles
- community reporting
Key Concepts
source diversity
storytelling
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you find under‑reported voices?
- What risks arise from over‑reliance on PR?
A Different Perspective
Press releases can be biased and limit perspective.
