Why does Journalism Matter

In the early 1970s, Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's investigative journalism played a crucial role in uncovering the Watergate scandal. Their relentless pursuit of the truth, despite pressure from the Nixon administration, eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. This event demonstrated the power of the press to hold those in power accountable and changed the course of American political history. 

During the Vietnam War, journalists like Neil Sheehan and David Halberstam reported on the harsh realities of the conflict, contradicting the official narrative presented by the U.S. government. Their coverage helped shift public opinion against the war, ultimately contributing to the decision to withdraw American troops. This showcased the media's ability to influence public discourse and policy decisions.

Journalists played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Reporters like John Herbers and Claude Sitton covered the movement extensively, documenting the struggle for racial equality and exposing the violence faced by activists. Their coverage helped garner national attention and support for the cause, contributing to the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

In the early 20th century, a group of journalists known as "muckrakers" investigated and exposed various social and economic issues, such as poor working conditions, child labor, and political corruption. Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle," which depicted the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, led to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act in 1906, showcasing the impact of journalism on legislative change. 

During the 1950s, CBS journalist Edward R. Murrow's televised reports on Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist crusade helped expose the senator's tactics and ultimately led to his downfall. Murrow's coverage demonstrated the power of television journalism to shape public opinion and challenge political figures who abuse their power. 

In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg leaked a classified study of U.S. involvement in Vietnam to New York Times reporter Neil Sheehan. The New York Times and other newspapers published excerpts from the "Pentagon Papers," revealing that the government had misled the public about the war's progress. This act of journalism challenged the government's secrecy and raised questions about the legitimacy of the conflict. 

In 2017, journalists played a crucial role in the #MeToo movement by investigating and reporting on sexual harassment and assault allegations against powerful figures in various industries. Reporters like Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey of The New York Times, and Ronan Farrow of The New Yorker, helped bring these stories to light, leading to a cultural shift in how society addresses sexual misconduct and holding perpetrators accountable.