Warren Watson
First Thoughts
April 9, 2008

Need for print journalism remains

At a time when it seems fashionable to bash newspapers and other legacy media, the 2008 Pulitzer Prizes for journalism were awarded this week.

Those who say newspapers are relics should scrutinize the winners of journalism’s highest awards. The dogged accomplishments underscore the importance of the First Amendment and Freedom of Information.

-Dana Priest and Anne Hull of The Washington Post exposed mistreatment of wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. Their stories, done with little official cooperation, prompted government-led reforms at the hospital, where Iraqi war veterans received shoddy treatment.

- Chicago Tribune reporters wrote stories about dangerous products, uncovering government negligence on regulation of cribs, car seats and toys. The report took the Consumer Product Safety Commission to task over ineffective oversight of dangerous products, many coming from China. The work also led to the beefening up of the Commission and the creation of tougher product standards.

- Walt Bogdanich and Jake Hooker of the New York Times won a Pulitzer for their investigation into toxic ingredients and other Chinese imports. Those imports killed hundreds.

These reporters – as well as another dozen Pulitzer winners -- distinguished themselves as their organizations continue to cut staff. Traditional, investigative newsgathering has been questioned as more consumers go online for news. But Yahoo and Google, and the wannabe journalists of the blogosphere, are not out there reporting these public-interest stories, stories that are costly, difficult and take considerable staff time, stories that expose public and public malfeasance.

Remember our newspapers. An edition only costs about 50 cents – a good down payment for a safe and just future.