Carl Bernstein, an American investigative journalist and author, took the time to sit down with aspiring journalism students to share some of his insight as a professional in the industry just days after Belmont hosted the final Presidential Debate on campus. Bernstein worked collaboratively with Bob Woodward and was an active reporter in the Watergate Scandal of 1972.
In a conversation moderated by Jennifer Duck, a Belmont media instructor currently teaching courses on the Watergate Scandal and presidential debate-related issues, Bernstein was able to discuss important issues that journalists are often faced with daily.
Each of Duck’s students participated by asking Bernstein their own personal question on what it’s like to balance the truth inside the media world. Much of the conversation focused on the issue of fake news where he shared his thoughts on opinionated reporting.
Bernstein also discussed what makes a ‘good reporter’ in terms of sharing accurate information. He shared how all industries will attract professionals that are not always biased, but are just at a different level in their career. “It’s the same with journalism, we’re an institution that draws all kinds of people,” he said.
As the topic of bias was prevalent throughout the night, Bernstein shared that he believes it isn’t always the main problem in the news. Laziness has recently become the biggest problem for reporters since the rise of the internet.
The night ended with junior Abigail Bowen asking for advice on how the next generation of journalists can gain the trust of the American public. He shared his article, “The Triumph of Idiot Culture,” which discusses how the press has started to move their content to be more in favor of the tabloids.
Bernstein said the journalism industry is moving more towards gossip and manufactured controversy with reporters invading personal space and boundaries in order to have entertaining content. He closed by encouraging students that, as journalists, “we need to stand our ground on what is the best obtainable version of the truth.”
For more on this event and debate related events, visit. Belmontdebate2020.com.
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