All the President's Men
Since we spent most of three class periods watching the film, this blog will be worth 90 points.
Be sure to address everything. Each part is worth 10 points. One sentence will not give you full credit. Be thorough — like Woodstein!
Your thoughtful, well-written discussion is due by 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23.
Part 1 — What did you learn about newspapers and journalism from watching the film?
Part 2 — What did you learn about how reporters do their jobs? What surprised you?
Part 3 — What is your impression of Woodward and Bernstein? Include a discussion of their tactics/methods.
Part 4 — What is your impression of Ben Bradlee? What was his importance to this story?
Part 5 — How have methods of journalism changed since Watergate?
Part 6 — Was the Washington Post right to pursue the story the way it did? Why or why not? How did ethics come into play?
Part 7 — What effect have Woodward and Bernstein had on journalism and society?
Part 8 — What has been the effect of the Watergate story on society?
Part 9 — Do you see parallels between Watergate and what's going on in Washington today? Explain why or why not.
Be sure to address everything. Each part is worth 10 points. One sentence will not give you full credit. Be thorough — like Woodstein!
Your thoughtful, well-written discussion is due by 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23.
Part 1 — What did you learn about newspapers and journalism from watching the film?
Part 2 — What did you learn about how reporters do their jobs? What surprised you?
Part 3 — What is your impression of Woodward and Bernstein? Include a discussion of their tactics/methods.
Part 4 — What is your impression of Ben Bradlee? What was his importance to this story?
Part 5 — How have methods of journalism changed since Watergate?
Part 6 — Was the Washington Post right to pursue the story the way it did? Why or why not? How did ethics come into play?
Part 7 — What effect have Woodward and Bernstein had on journalism and society?
Part 8 — What has been the effect of the Watergate story on society?
Part 9 — Do you see parallels between Watergate and what's going on in Washington today? Explain why or why not.
1. I learned how newsrooms actually work from the film. They appear to be a very collaborative environment that still have a fair degree of individuality.
ReplyDelete2. I learned how journalists do research and find sources, it's more direct than I had imagined. I expected them to do lots of snooping around, not just outright calling people and asking for statements.
3. Woodward and Bernstein seem to be ethical journalists who like their jobs, although Woodward seems a little bit green because he's so new to the Post, and Bernstein seems to be a little too friendly with his sources. However, they both get good information, and the ends seem to justify the means. Their methods are a bit unorthodox, but effective, so there isn't really much room for critique.
4. Ben Bradlee seems like the kind of editor every publication should want. He's tough, but fair, and has no problem taking a risk to run a good story. He is really the reason that the Watergate coverage made it out because he could have very easily pulled Woodstein's story, but he trusted his reporters enough to run it, and thereby halted the Watergate investigation.
5. After Watergate, journalism has become much more investigative of the government. Journalists are no longer afraid to ask questions of higher powers and get in to the business of these powers.
6. The Post was totally right to cover this event the way they did because it was a groundbreaking thing for the U.S. The government was involved in shady and underhanded dealings, so naturally the reporters would have to get involved in events in a similar fashion. Woodstein had to bend the rules a bit to get the stories out, especially with not naming sources at all, and the way they had to get information out of some people was closer to interrogation than to interview. As previously stated though, the ends justified the means.
7. Woodward and Bernstein are likely part of the reason for all the transparency measures that the government must comply with nowadays. They are also responsible for the push in investigative reporting that we have today.
8. Watergate now serves as a warning of what too much power can do. People are now more skeptical of the government, and in a positive way. The Watergate incident has made people willing to question authority and make the authority work more for them as a populous.
9. There are strong parallels between Watergate and today's political scene. A large part of the current administration is under the same caliber of investigation that the Nixon administration was. There are also allegations of muddling with the Democratic National Committee's documents, which is straight out of 1972. This is all an indication that, as the saying goes, the more things change the more things stay the same.
Part 1: I learned a lot about how much we have come as a society from a technical aspect. The reporters didn’t have access to databases we have today. The reporters in the film had to do everything by hand, from looking up phone numbers, to sorting out data. From the newspaper aspect the film showed me how crazy and hectic the behind the scenes of a newspaper can be.
ReplyDeletePart 2: I learned a lot about how much more convenient it is now with all of the new technology. Instead of running around trying to make meetings with people we have access to tools like skype and facetime that allow us to have face-to-face style communication from miles away. It really surprised me with all of the reporter's note taking habits. If I was conducting an interview I would use a recorder instead of on napkins. In that time period though technology like that wasn’t so readily available.
Part 3: Woodward and Bernstein are both very different yet highly productive reporters. Woodward is the new guy, more of an underdog character, who likes to maintain a really professional front. He also likes to go on concrete proof he would never go off on a hunch or questionable evidence. He asks a lot of questions which helps the dou get a lot of information. Bernstein on the other hand, is rather charismatic and tries to be more laid back with people, this helps people relax and he is able to obtain information from them. I personally really like Bernstein and his methods. By coming off as more of a friend, rather than a professional, he is able to make connections with people that would be difficult to make otherwise.
Part 4: Ben Bradlee is one of my favorite people in the film. He encourages the reporters to constantly dig deeper and to go with their gut. Without his persistence the reporters may have not been able to trace the scandal all the way to the white house, or anywhere close to the end result.
Part 5: Journalism methods have drastically changed since the Watergate scandal. With numerous technology advances the research process is much quicker and journalism as a whole is better quality. People can now receive news as it happens and develops. The overall quality of equipment has also significantly changed. Cameras are now more advanced and much easier to use. Computers are also more accessible.
Part 6: The Washington Post did the right thing by following the story the way it did. It is the responsibility of the press to question everything and to seek the truth. If they did not follow their gut on this story the Watergate scandal may have never been uncovered. The reporters and editors had to question their ethics numerous times. They had to decide if it it is worth it to try to seek out information that would expose the government.
Part 7: Woodward and Bernstein helped create a new spark in journalism. Not only did they use their investigative reporting to uncover one of biggest political scandals in american history, but they also gave new hope to the underdog reporters. Woodward and Bernstein were two young reporters that didn’t have much of a name for themselves, but they were able to uncover a huge political scandal. This helps inspire reporters and journalists to this day. By uncovering the scandal they also set the stage for a society that does not trust their government.
Part 8: The Watergate story opened a big can of worms, but it was a can of worms that definitely needed open. People now don’t blindly follow their political leaders and question everything they do. People now in America don’t fully trust their government, and think more for themselves.
Part 9: There are numerous parallels between Watergate and Washington’s current state. One of the main parallels is that many politicians will dance around and idea and never clearly state an answer. The Republican party also is under a close eye of the american people, much like it was once the Washington Post unearthed the scandal.
1. I learned that being a reporter isn't just sitting at a desk, writing, with no distractions as some may think. It is very hectic, and requires patience and timeliness. There is certain deadlines you have to get your work done by and sometimes there is team work to get everything done. In the movie, they used typewriters and everything was done by hand because we did not have the same advances in technology like we do today.
ReplyDelete2. Reporters have to make sure their work is correct and credible, so they make calls, or have interviews to verify their information. I think an interview is more of a direct connection and can receive better feedback, but calls can be made for last minute stories. I think notes are extremely important- even just jotting down a few things could help to perfect a story. I was surprised to see less unethical reporting than what I was expecting, which is a good thing.
3. Woodward and Bernstein are both good reporters. They are ethical and put work into their stories. Woodward is a new guy and was the first to notice something strange going on. The whole movie he acts like he has something to prove and wants to make sure he does the stories justice. Although, they are both eager for success Bernstein is more laid back and is definitely all about the fame. In my opinion, Bernstein is the better writer, but they are both hardworking and make a good team because they balance each other out.
4. Ben Bradley is my favorite character in the movie because he is always pushing Woodward and Bernstein to get more sources, more information, and more names. He doesn't let them half do their work because he knows the value of good journalism. Without Ben Bradley, Woodward and Bernstein wouldn't have exceled and got as far as they did. He kept high standards for the reporters and didn't expect anything less from them.
5. Journalism has tremendously advanced since Watergate. Technology advances such as computers, voice recorders, and video are easily accessible. It is much easier now than it was to gather all the resources you need in order to write a good, honest story.
6. The Washington Press did right by pursuing the story the way it did because it was their responsibility to get involved in this event. Although, they did have to question their ethics several times they did seek the truth in all of their seeking and stayed true to a good reporter. The government was involved in shady business, so of course the reporters would have to try to uncover the story for themselves to get to the bottom of it.
7. Woodward and Bernstein have had a big impact on journalism and society. Before Watergate, investigative journalism was not very popular. Woodward and Bernstein dug deeper to find more information to an already ground breaking news story. After the case people started to realize that if journalism could help to take down a corrupt president and administration it could solve much more than that in the world. Investigative journalism is now incorporated into every form of news media.
8. Now, people are more aware of the government and the power that they have. We question the government more, and don't blindly follow whatever they say, which is good. We have reasons to doubt leaders because of their authority.
9. There are many parallels between Watergate and Washington today. The administration is going under investigation similar to the Watergate scandal. They both fired investigators and both campaigned dirty. Many similarities going on in the administration today is raising red flags and making American's wonder to try to figure out what to make out of it.
1. I learned a lot about how reporters work in the newsroom. From the film it seemed quite chaotic, with phones constantly ringing, typewriters typing, and people yelling at each other to be heard over the noise. The film also showed the hierarchy of the newspaper, with reporters being on the low end of the totem pole and the editor being on the top, with other people in between.
ReplyDelete2. I learned how reporters get their sources and gather information for their stories from the film. Reporters pretty much have to jump through hoops to make sure their stories are credible and correct. Whether it be conducting face to face interviews, making phone calls, or even just knocking on doors and hoping for the best, reporters have to go great lengths in order to ethically and adequately do their jobs.
3. Woodstein seem like very professional, ethical journalists who love their jobs and take it serious. Woodward seemed to be more staunch and serious in the film, which may be because he was new to The Post. Bernstein seemed to be more friendly with the people he interviewed, drinking coffee with them, etc. Towards the end of the film though, Woodward ended up using some of Bernstein's tactics, such as asking Sloane about his newborn baby and establishing a personal connection with his sources.
4. I really, really liked Ben Bradlee. He was hilarious, tough, and trusted his reporters to report the truth. I liked when he told the story about his encounter with LBJ over his story about finding a replacement for J Edgar Hoover. Without Ben Bradlee's support and guidance, I don't think Watergate would have ever been uncovered.
5. Journalism has advanced tremendously since 1972. We now use laptops and desktops instead of typewriters and information in general is much easier to access. The news also reaches the public faster now than it did in 1972. People can access news online within seconds rather than waiting on the newspaper to release the next morning.
6. Yes, The Washington Post did the right thing by investigating Watergate and standing by Woodward and Bernstein even when they faced criticism from the top guys in the government. At some point, their ethics were questioned but I think when following a huge story like that it could be justified. Without Woodstein and The Post following the story like a dog with a bone, who knows what else could've happened in the current administration.
7. I think Woodward and Bernstein helped bring to life the questioning of our government and what goes on behind closed doors. I think they created a new form of investigative journalism and helped give others the courage to ask questions that needed to be addressed.
8. Watergate helped expose the criminal activity that was being conducted in the current presidential administration. People now question the motives of the politicians and people in power and keep a closer eye on their actions and activities.
9. There are many parallels between the Nixon administration and the current administration. Both were/are under investigation for shady business deals. The current administration is being watched by the American people as closely as Nixon's administration was.
1. Watching this film has gave me a better view of what exactly goes into journalism and newspapers. I learned that often times journalist have to prove themselves in order to get a big story like Watergate and not just be handed stories of their choice. I also saw how risky journalism can really be and this could be due to people refuting a story one has published and therefore the publication could risk losing credibility. Also, risks come from reporting the truth because some people don’t want to truth come out. For example, the two journalist were warned from Deep Throat that their lives were in danger for being on the story.
ReplyDelete2. I learned that reporters often times can get caught in loops trying to find information. They juggle putting pieces together of a story while also seeking confirmation from sources that have credibility. One thing that surprised me, is the lengths that they took to get information for these stories. They were not just making phone calls but also going to houses, public places, even tracking people down to get a story.
3. Woodward and Bernstein were very ambitious in their jobs. They were very strategic in their practice and even though they went to sometimes extreme lengths to collect pieces of a story they always remained ethical and never showed foul play. They also had an advantage over average reporters due to Woodward's connection to the anonymous source Deep Throat. Woodward’s professional and serious approach paired perfectly with Bernstein’s friendly and casual approach which resulted in them being a great team.
4. Ben Bradlee’s character surprised me. This is because I thought he would be against most of Woodward and Bernstein’s ideas. However, he was mostly encouraging but still very serious in his practice. He definitely had a no nonsense demeanor but pushed the two reporters to do their best work. He was important to the film because without him trusting Woodward and Bernstein there would be no Watergate story.
5. Methods of journalism have significantly changed since Watergate because of all the technology we have. For one, we have laptops and computers now that makes writing stories easier than using a typewriter. Also, stories get to the public faster due to the internet which causes journalist to be more prompt in their story to get it out as soon as possible. This of course has made it easier for “fake news” to occur, however, legit news sources often still have valuable credibility.
6. The Washington Post was right to follow the story the way that they did. There were times that ethics were questioned, however, I believe they mostly followed important ethics. Also, the story was highly important for society to know because it exposed deceitful tactics the government tried to keep hidden.
7. Woodward and Bernstein have left a very positive effect on journalism today. Due to their actions, journalist are encouraged more to expose the truth to the public through investigative journalism. They also made it known to society that we should not trust everything the government tells us.
8. The Watergate story was a big wake up call for society. As I said before, it let it be known not to completely trust the government and also for society to continuously seek truth and not be influenced by what the government tells us.
9. Yes, there are many parallels with Washington today. There was previously speculation of the 2016 election being rigged due to Hillary Clinton having more popular votes than Donald Trump even though Trump won the election. Also, there are many things going on in the White House that have been viewed as shady, which caused it to be under investigation today.
Ryan Bradford
ReplyDelete1. How the whole process works. We got to see how they gathered information and sources. We saw how hard it can be to get the information and how you have to be able to think quickly.
2. Reporters have to be able to dig for information. In the film they struggled to find information and had to use their wit to coax sources into confirming their suspicions. The thing that surprised me was how many editors tried to kill what became the story of the decade.
3. Woodward was very intelligent and knew when something was up, like how he figured out there was more going on with that lawyer at the trial. Bernstein was quick-witted, like when he faked a call to get the secretary out of her office so he could slip by.
4. Ben Bradlee was a good guy who stood by his reporters. He helped them make sure they got the story right before publishing.
5. With the progression of technology it is easier to gather information on a person or event and to make contact with sources.
6. I believe they were right to pursue the story because of the implications it had. If they had gotten away with it, they would have kept doing it. By breaking the story the Washington Post helped preserve our democracy.
7. Woodward and Bernstein have increased the "watchdog" role of journalism over the government. They proved they were doing something wrong, informed the public, and made them face the consequences.
8. I want to say that the public has begun trusting the media over the government but it feels like that has flipped recently due to the "Fake News" accusations.
9. Yes, the current President and Republican party have broken the law and are attacking any media that calls them out for it. Today feels more serious because they were helped by a foreign power to win the election. Also with them calling for an end to networks that they don't like is an affront to our democracy and is found in dictatorships around the world.
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ReplyDelete1. Through this movie I was able to understand how a newsroom actually works. There is more chaos and stress than I thought there would be. I learned how a story actually comes about. There is a lot more than just doing an interview and some research to create an accurate story that is newsworthy.
ReplyDelete2. I learned how difficult it can be to get an accurate story that has trustworthy sources. In the reporting field there is always people challenging your story. Sometimes it is good to challenge reporters; however, in situations like these the reporters were correct, so the outside people that denied the story only further the controversy surrounding the story.
3. I think Woodward and Bernstein are very successful journalist and are very talented at what they do. They were faced with this story that had the chance to ultimately change the United States and its political parties, and they successfully reported the story and revealed the truth. I think their tactics were smart, but very sneaky. Their tactics allowed them to get the information they needed from the right people, but they often tricked people into revealing the information they received.
4. Ben Bradlee is an incredible man. He saw the possible controversy that could come out of the story; however, he allowed them to further investigate and tell the story once there were enough sources. Bradlee is an example of how a newspaper editor so truly be. He had his doubts about Woodstein, but overall he was confident in his reporters.
5. Journalism has definitely become more investigative. There has also been a heightened amount of breakthroughs through journalism. People have turned to newspapers and the journalists in order to keep up with our national leaders and functions. As more people have become dependent on the newspapers, reports have become more investigative to make sure that they are getting the full, accurate story.
6. I believe the Washington Post was right to pursue this story. They discovered something that was extremely wrong that the leaders of our country were operating; therefore, they would have been wrong to NOT pursue the story. Ethics were kind of thrown out the window for this story. There was a large chance to hurt the reputation of others and reveal private information, but this was a story that needed to be released for the good of the United States citizens.
7. Woodward and Bernstein have had a positive effect on journalism. They have created a new path for investigative journalism and how it should be done correctly. They also opened journalist to be able to reveal any injustice or improper thing they discover to be true. They have made society have a little more dependance on journalist to tell the truth about the people that run the country, and ultimately it made society a little more lenient to just trust politicians without any back up, although these roles have almost reversed today.
8. Watergate has had a sort of negative effect on society. It has made people less trustworthy of the leaders and the things they say. People are now much more curious to find out what the politicians are actually doing.
9. The Watergate situation and today are almost exactly the same. Journalist are trying to reveal the injustice they see, but people constantly deny or challenge journalist who may ultimately be right. With today’s journalists and society you have to chose what to believe and make sure your sources are reliable, but most of the time they are fairly accurate.
1. I learned that newspapers and journalism create and endure a lot of chaos. The publishers are very strict with what the editors/writers can include in the paper. There’s so many different stories and different companies that try to cover these stories, that often times it’s a race to see who can cover what story the quickest, and release it to the public first.
ReplyDelete2. I learned that reporters do not give up. If there’s a story they really care about, they’ll do everything possible to squeeze information from their sources. Sometimes they have to return multiple times and approach sources with different tactics to gather credible information, but they will do anything to get their story published. It surprised me how much they moved around and how many people they contacted to get their story.
3. I thought Woodward and Bernstein were a great journalist team. Their tactics included lots of calling, house visits, and interrogations. They called their sources multiples times in an attempt to crack more information out of them each time. Some of the house visits they made were just friendly conversations while getting information, however, they ended up basically interrogating some, Sloan for example, just to get any info they could get.
4. Ben Bradlee was a rough, strict, no-give newspaper editor. I felt that he was a veteran in the newspaper industry and got things to go the way he wanted them to. His importance was how he continually shut down Woodward and Bradley until they had solid sources that they could use to credit their information, lowering the chance of a backlash on them from releasing the story.
5. The methods of journalism are less strict and more bold than they were during Watergate. Journalists have more free range and a lot more fake news or “bended truth” is released nowadays. This hurts the credibility of news companies and can even ruin reputations.
6. Yes, I believe the Washington Post had the right to pursue this story because it was a very important matter for the U.S. and should not have been incomplete or misleading. Their ethics probably didn’t seem like the best idea, however, for the situation they were in they had no other choice.
7. Woodward and Bernstein have made a positive effect on modern journalism and society through their form of investigative journalism, which wasn’t very popular when they were around. They went to many extremes to expose our government and the secrets they were hiding.
8. The Watergate scandal has opened up the eyes of American citizens. It’s showed how the government is able to take advantage of their power and how easily they can hide it.
9. Yes, I see some parallels between the Nixon administration during Watergate and the Trump administration currently. Both have been under heavy scrutiny and have raised a lot of suspicions. The administrations have both been under investigation for serious allegations as well.
1. I learned more about how newsrooms work. I learned that there can be more of an investigative aspect to journalism that we don't always see or hear about. Also, the "gatekeepers" are very particular about what goes into the paper/magazine and how it is said.
ReplyDelete2. I learned that reporters do a lot more than I thought. I envisioned people sitting at desks, typing away all day. But, the movie taught me that this is not always the case. Sometimes reposters have to do a lot of investigative work and go out and talk to tons of different people to get the story straight. I also learned how important it is to make sure that you have multiple sources.
3. I think that Woodward and Bernstein were great journalists and great detectives. They pretty much dedicated their lives to this story and uncovering the truth. They spent countless days, months interviewing people, sacrificing their sleep to meet up with deepthroat, etc. They were determined, persistent, dedicated, and they still managed to remain ethical during their investigation.
4. I loved Ben Bradlee's character. He was somewhat of a harass, but you could tell that his heart was in the right place. He stood by his reporters even whenever his newspaper was getting trashed. He believed in and supported Woodstein. He wasn't exactly easy on them. He made sure that they had a good story, sources, and that they had written it in a manner that he approved of. But I think he was a great boss for them and a great editor. His importance to the story was that he allowed them to pursue it. He saw the potential danger and backlash that could come and did come from this story, but he chose to stand by them nevertheless.
5. Journalist has changed tremendously since Watergate. First of all, the technology that we have today is so much more advanced than what they had in 1972. instead of typewriters, rotary phones, and notepads, people use laptops, cell phones, etc. We are now able to access information and people so much quicker than before. However, with the internet, there is all kinds of crazy stuff out there, so consumers now have to be more careful about what they believe because there is so much "fake news" and unethical journalism out there.
6. Yes, absolutely, the Washington post was right to pursue the story. It was a huge deal and something that needed to be exposed. The American people had a right to know what was going on. I think that Woodstein was perfectly ethical in how they investigated and reported. They always explained to people who they were and why they were asking them questions. They never forced anyone to say anything or blackmailed anyone. They were aware of the fact that some people were told not to talk to any reporters about the store and therefore acted accordingly. And they never wrote anything that wasn't true.
7. Woodstein made a huge impact on journalism and society. Firstly, they gave hope to other underdog reporters. They didn't have a name but by the time the Watergate scandal was all out in the open, everyone knew their names. They also showed the American society that the government can be corrupt at times, therefore showing the importance of watchdogs. They also brought into light the aspect of investigative journalism. It is not always just about writing. It is about uncovering the truth.
8. Watergate changed the lived of so many that were involved in it, but more importantly it opened the eyes of the American public. This was the first time that the government was publicly exposed for such a huge scandal.
9. The main parallel that I see is how Trump constantly bashes the media and tries to accuse them of being corrupt, which is ironic. Also, the Trump administration has been under investigation for some of their actions.
Part 1 — This film gave me a greater insight into the creation of newspapers. I didn't realize how much work had to go into stories. I didn't realize reporting for a newspaper could be that investigative, or even more effective than law enforcement.
ReplyDeletePart 2 — I learned that the definition of sources was different than what I assumed. I learned that sometimes a yes or no confirmation could make or break a story. I assumed that sources had to be named and quoted and this surprised me.
Part 3 — I feel like Woodward and Bernstein appeared to be good partners. Woodward was more cautious, sympathetic and Bernstein wanted to rush forward without concrete evidence at times. Both of the reporters are good with people. They both have tactics to make their sources open up and be less fearful about telling the truth. Bernstein tried to use the excuse of Hospitality, and Woodward constantly checked to see if their sources were protected.
Part 4 — In the beginning of the film, it seemed as if Ben Bradlee was going to be set up as the antagonist. That's what media conditions us to think, the rogue reporters seeking the truth against a gatekeeping editor. I think his inclusion in the film shed light on the process of story approval. He also added some comedic relief to the film.
Part 5 — Because of the advances in technology, journalism has become easier and harder. The advances in word processors, computers, telephones, and the internet has made creating stories and finding information faster and more efficient. But because of the increase in technology it is easier for false information to spread widely and quickly. So journalists have to be extra vigilant in fact checking and informing the public of false information being widespread.
Part 6 —Yes. It was an important issue of corruption influencing the highest political office. Their ethics were frequently questioned, but I believe they acted ethical, if unorthodox. It was important that the public was alerted to the story, but they had to stay ethical.
Part 7 — The actions of Woodward and Bernstein encouraged a generation of journalists. It also showed that political position, does not and should not guarantee immunity. It lead to the practice of exposing corruption and questioning the infallibility of officials.
Part 8 — What has been the effect of the Watergate story on society?
Part 9 —Yes. Watergate was a matter of the President being involved in interfering with the elections. It was recently confirmed that the 2016 election had been effected by Russian forces. During the time of Watergate the press was also belittled and had their credentials and alignments questioned. I think that this means that journalists should follow the lead of Woodward and Bernstein and follow and expose the truth, no matter how high up corruption goes.
1. I learned that everything that was done in the movie is done so much differently today. Everything that they did to try and get stories out there would be so much easier today. They didn't have near as much access to technology and databases that we have today that would make covering these stories much easier.
ReplyDelete2. I was surprised at how much went into confirming a person or a piece of information in order to report it. They spent so much time not only gathering the information they thought to be credible but they also spent a lot of time making 100% sure that the information was correct.
3. I think they are both very good journalist. They clearly cared a lot about what they were doing and put in the work to show it. I think that Bernstein was a little more laid back for sure but I think they were both very good journalists and more importantly they were both ethical in their reporting.
4. Bradlee was a tremendous character in the movie. He was always pushing Woodward Bernstein to dig deeper and find more information to make sure that they weren't reporting false things and also making sure that they weren't just scraping the surface. Bradlee is portrayed as kind of a tough guy but he was really beneficial to Woodward and Bernstein.
5. I think it has become much more advanced obviously with technology and all that. I also think that everyone has become much more suspicious of the government and at sometimes a little too suspicious.
6. I think they reported the story the right way. I think they did a good job really making sure that they were 100% correct with everything they reported because otherwise it could've been really bad for them. I also think they did a good job ethically reporting the story and went about it the right way.
7. I think you have to give them at least some credit for the type of investigative reporting that goes on today and the constant questioning of the government to make sure that nothing like Watergate is happening.
8. I think Watergate has put people on a constant watch over the government and what the government does. It made people begin to question authority and the validity of what is said by the government. However, I think that gets dangerous if it gets to a point where you are questioning the government so much that there is no longer a trust that they are doing whats right.
9. I think there are parallels with Watergate and Washington today but I don't believe that anything similar to Watergate is happening. I think that people are very investigative and wanting to know what is going on similar to Watergate, but I think that a lot of the investigating is looking for a problem rather than looking for the truth.
1. I learned a lot about how the journalism industry actually works and runs. It was amazing to see how people were working together yet separately for one larger cause. There was a lot of dysfunction and chaos and I feel that is how the newsroom actually worked back then and possibly still today.
ReplyDelete2. I learned a bit about how real reporters go about getting their information and how dangerous and crazy it can be. I was surprised to find out how careful and wise they have to be in every decision they make, and also how much they often have to sacrifice. Things like sleep, privacy, and even safety were given up in order to uncover one of the greatest scandals this country has ever seen.
3.Woodward and Bernstein were an amazing team. They worked well together, despite their differences. They learned how to figure each other out and cooperate in order to get what they needed to reveal the story. Their tactics and methods were pretty much that of an honest and true reporter with integrity and strong character. For the most part, they stuck to the code of ethics and only stepped slightly outside that code when it was absolutely necessary and in the public, and the country's best interest. The truth had to be revealed by whatever means necessary.
4.Ben Bradlee was also a character of honesty and integrity. He was sort of the founder of it all being brought into the light...as he demanded Woodward and Bernstein work together. He remained true even when it cost him, and he made the sacrifices necessary in order to get the story out. All because it was the right thing to do, and in the public's best interest.
5. I would say journalism methods have become a bit more strict. It is often harder to get information, reporters cannot show up at your door at any time of the night and beg you to speak to them. There have been quite a few privacy rules added to the game, but there are also more rights involved such as freedom of speech, which now plays, I believe, an even larger role now than it did back then.
6.I believe they were completely right, and ethical for the most part. They invaded on privacy quite a bit, and used a few questionable sources, but the story was one that needed to be uncovered, and someone had to have the courage and guts to go after it, and be willing to make the sacrifice.
7. Woodward and Bernstein had a great affect on journalism as well as society and still do today. They set the path to make freedom of speech an even greater privilege. They strengthened the journalist code of ethics. The two reporters not only had an influence by doing the right thing, even with the given risks as reporters, they are also an inspiration to journalists and reporters today.
8.The Watergate story had a huge effect on society. It made the country realize that no one, not even the president of the United States, is perfect or above doing something wrong. It opened the eyes of the American people to realize how dangerous someone with so much power can be when you don't make sure they are following the rules and doing what's right.
9. Yes, there are several parallels. Many people today do not trust the decisions of President Trump, many believe he is and will do the right thing for this country. Some see the decisions he is making as wrong, others choose to ignore it even though they see it with their own eyes. Some are even afraid to disagree in fear of what consequences they may pay for it, so they go along as if it's all good.
Part 1: I had no idea how much discussion and reviewing took place before deciding if the story or article was good enough to go on the front page or inside of the newspaper or even being published at all. There were several times throughout the movie where Woodward and Bernstein were asked if their sources were reliable, if their sources could be trusted, and other questions that confirm if a story is worth publishing. There were also several different occasions where the editors would have meetings about their stories and if they would be published.
ReplyDeletePart 2: I learned that reporters are not constantly at their desks all day long. Almost the majority of the movie Woodward and Bernstein are shown driving or walking to the homes of the people they are trying to interview. What surprised me is how dedicated they were to their jobs so if it meant visiting people’s home several times or making hundreds of calls throughout the day to get a good story, they would do just that.
Part 3: Bernstein was more of the aggressive reporter and cared less about ethics. When interviewing people, he would often force himself into their homes and would never take no for an answer. Woodward was more of the laid-back reporter and cared more about ethics. When interviewing people, he cared about their emotions and did not want to take advantage of them. He also did not like when Bernstein would smoke everywhere they went. This was a funny observation to me.
Part 4: My impression of Ben Bradlee is that he is a very stern man that has no room for mistakes. It wasn’t until he told Bernstein and Woodward about him making mistakes when he first became a reporter that I realized that he actually had a heart cared about Woodward and Bernstein. I feel that his role was very important, because his stern ways pushed Woodward and Bernstein to write better stories which overall forced them to become better reporters. He made them dig deeper and gather more facts. He also allowed them to publish stories that would change the United States forever which would make history.
Part 5: One of the ways that journalism has changed that stood out to me the most is the simple fact that journalists usually do not take hand written notes of interviews and conversations anymore. In this new day and age, reporters record their conversations on their smart phones which is very convenient, because you can go back and replay the whole conversation. Another method that has changed is the way of producing newspapers and how they are available. In the movie, typewriters were used to write papers, but now computers and other smart devices are used.
Part 6: Yes, the Washington Post needed to pursue this story, because it involved the leader of our country and the shady business that he was a part of and entertaining. Ethics came into play when Woodward and Bernstein had to decide how they were going to get their information, but they always made it known who they worked for and what information they wanted to know.
Part 7: I think Woodward and Bernstein opened the eyes of society to see how important investigative journalism is to society. Before the Watergate story, the President and the White House was viewed as a perfect group of people who could do no wrong and had great intentions for the country. This story showed their true colors. They also paved the way for up and coming reporters and showed that underdogs must start somewhere before they can be the best.
Part 8: The Watergate story allowed society to see how important it is to always do research. Although the President should be truthful, considering he is over every human being in the United States, it is not always the case. This story just proves how we cannot believe everything someone says just because they are a powerful leader.
Part 9: I definitely see parallels between President Nixon and Trump, because there are allegations that both received some type of shady help to win their elections. It is terrible for people in the US, because we have a hard time now determining what is true and fake.
1. Through this film, I learned more about how newsrooms work. I learned that they are more hectic than most would believe, with yelling and more noise than expected. I learned that journalism is way more than just reporting a story, it’s investigating and being very resourceful and observant as well.
ReplyDelete2. I learned that reporters go through a lot more trouble than I previously thought in order to get their story. Woodward and Bernstein got very creative in their investigative methods in order to get all the information as completely and accurately as possible. I was surprised to see what lengths Woodward and Bernstein went to in order to get this information, from calls upon calls to house visits to the meetings with Deepthroat.
3. My impression of Woodward and Bernstein is that they have so many differences, but they worked extremely well together in uncovering this story. Woodward seemed very professional, and to me, seemed a little more scared of crossing boundaries than Bernstein. Bernstein, however, acted like he was a friend to all of his sources, which I was impressed by, because that was a very good method in order to get information.
4. My impression of Ben Bradlee is that sometimes he could seem a bit harsh and mean, but in all reality he was just trying to make sure that the paper had complete and accurate information. While he seemed a bit grumpy sometimes, he really pushed Woodward and Bernstein to get as much of the story as possible, and he wanted to make sure that what the Washington Post printed was exactly correct. His importance to the story is that without him, there would be no story. He was the one who allowed it to be printed and who trusted Woodward and Bernstein’s journalism, after he pushed them to do the best work possible.
5. Since Watergate, new technology has been introduced that helped change the methods of journalism. It’s easier for journalists to investigate and report. Rather than face to face interviews, emails or texts can do the job much quicker, writing is easier due to computers, and unlike back then, today we have online databases that can help us find almost anything we wish to find.
6. I think the Washington Post was right to pursue this story the way that it did. They didn’t go severely against any ethical laws, and this story was necessary in uncovering the corruption in Washington, our nation’s headquarters.
7.The story of Woodward and Bernstein emphasizes the idea that no matter if it’s looked down upon to question things, it is always necessary. Also, they showed that there will always be a need for pushing further and further when investigating a story, and that a story may have much more dirt than it seems. Today, journalism is more investigative, and there are much more perspectives on each story, in part, due to Woodward and Bernstein’s determination to get complete and correct information public.
8. Watergate has shown that it’s necessary to question your government. There was corruption in Washington right under the nation’s noses, and once it was uncovered, the nation no longer had blind faith in the system, which can sometimes prove to be a good thing. Instead of letting the government do whatever it wants, the people realize that the government is actually put there for the people’s benefit, and they have put a stop to giving it free reign.
9. I do see parallels between the Washington of the Watergate days and the Washington of today. Like back then, there are stories that the administration would prefer to keep quiet, but that are still being uncovered day after day. The government is under severe scrutiny, as it was shortly after Watergate, and there is a resentment of investigation, as there was back then.
1. From watching this movie, I learned that there is a lot more chaos in a newsroom than I thought. I learned that multiple people may have an input of influence in the story, not just strictly the writer and editor, and that there is more to a story than research and interviews.
ReplyDelete2.I learned that real reporters are always running around and finding information, and its a write as you go type of reporting, not a get all your information then sit down and write it. I was surprised to see how many people, or how much went into confirming a simple statement, or numbers, or any type of information.
3.I think Woodward and Bernstein worked really well together, and they balanced each other out when it came to reporting. Woodward was more laid back and cared about peoples feelings and didn't want them to do anything they didn't want to, whereas Bernstein was more aggressive and forceful when getting information and continued to press for more information if it wasn't to his satisfaction.
4.I think Bradlee was a strong role in this film. He is set up as a tough guy and a stern man, always telling his reporters to dig deeper and to not be wrong. It wasn't till further in the movie that we see his soft side when he tells the men about his mistake, and we see he is pushing them because he cares.
5.Technology is a big part in how methods have changed. For example, typewriters aren't as common involving the production of newspapers. Also, when interviewing people, there is sort of a more professional standard now than there was back then. Reporters don't just show up at your door steps in all hours of the night, and most interviews are recorded these days.
6.I think it was necessary for them to pursue the story the way they did, because we wouldn't have figured it out if it weren't for them, I mean we might have, but they played a major part by exposing the truth. When it comes to ethics, they may have invaded some peoples privacy a bit too much, and used some shady sources because no one wanted to go on record, but this story needed to be uncovered.
7.I think they set a sort of example for future media and reporters. They put it all on the line to get whatever information they needed in order to expose the truth, and they accomplished their goal. They paved the way for generations to come.
8.Watergate shows that no one is special or above the laws, even someone in such a high place of power like the President. It opened the eyes for many that the government can't always be trusted and not to rely on things you hear unless they can be confirmed.
9.I think there are definitley parallels between then and now. There are many things that are considered shady with both elections, and its hard to determine whats real and fake with everyone being able to throw out their own opinion on everything that happens.
1. I learned how newspapers functioned in the time period. This included the methods they used to get their information, how it was written, what a newsroom looked like, and how it got to the paper
ReplyDelete2. I saw that reporters have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get the information they need. I was surprised by how willing Woodward and Bernstein were to put themselves in danger in order to get the information they needed.
3. They were both men of courage in pursuit of the truth. They did whatever it took to get the information they needed for their story no matter how dangerous it was. Their methods were more than many journalists would be willing to do, such as meeting with a secret, anonymous informant and using information from him were courageous because they were putting their careers on the line every time they used his information, since it could not be easily verified.
4. Ben Bradlee was a responsible man. He wanted to make sure what was put out was true, informative, and important, so he was careful. He was important because he pressed for the story to get on the paper and vouched for Woodward and Bernstein. Had he not done this, the story might not have made it to press and American history could have been completely different.
5. Methods of journalism have advanced technologically. More can be done remotely, records can be accessed online, and papers are put out more efficiently with computer software rather than typewriters.
6. The Washington Post was right to pursue the story how it did. Some of the methods used might have seemed a little unethical, but they were more rude than anything. Showing up at people’s houses and pressing them for info isn’t unethical, but it is kind of rude. Using an anonymous informant isn’t inherently unethical, but his info needed to be used with caution, as it was. Any rude or unethical behavior, however, can somewhat be excused by the importance of the story.
7. Woodward and Bernstein helped teach journalists to be more skeptical and to dive deeper and investigate more, specifically when it comes to the government. Journalists nowhere looking closer at the government and putting it under more scrutiny than it may have been before.
8. Society too has learned to be more skeptical and more critical of its government. People want to know what’s going on in the government and they want to be more informed.
9. Yes and no. Yes, there is government corruption, but no because society doesn’t seem to want to accept it. While the current administration is corrupt and the media is all over it, few people are actually calling for impeachment. Part of this is because Trump has successfully turned much of his base against the media, before Russian meddling came to the national discourse, and his followers disregard when news outlets report the truth about government corruption. This wouldn’t have happened if news outlets were more objective to begin with though. Because many news outlets lean left, Trump turned his base against them, and now when they report important issues, his base ignores it. Had they been politically neutral from the beginning, Trump would have no reason to turn his base against them. So though there are parallels, many Americans today are not willing to accept the truth or act on it because they no longer trust the media.
1. From watching this film I learned the behind the scenes of journalism and the work put into newspapers. The office space they showed in the movie was always filled with chaos and workers running around. I also saw how they did created newspapers when all of our updated technology wasn't around.
ReplyDelete2. I learned how much field work they have to do- things such as constructing interviews, phone calls, showing up to people's houses and more. They are almost like detectives trying to put together as many clues as possible to figure out the whole story. I was surprised by how important the sources were- I thought some journalism was he said she said type information.
3. They worked well together- balanced each other out. They had no problem showing up unexpectedly to places or calling 10 people in a row for one piece of information. They put their hearts in this case and gave it there all, they were portrayed as two men who were not giving up on this case until it was solved.
4. When Ben Bradlee's character was first brought in I figured he was going to be the guy that worked against Woodward and Bernstein trying to get their stories shut down but instead he was the one supporting them. He pushed them hard to help them not hurt them. He always wanted fact checks and a ton of sources on a topic to make sure the story was accurate. Bradlee was the one to stand behind them no matter how much negativity was thrown at their stories or the newspaper.
5. Since Watergate technology has advanced which has been a burden and a blessing. Now we have technology at our fingertips wherever we want making accessing information that much easier. With that being said, the burden is that it makes it that much easier to access "fake news". Information spreads so fast now days that it's hard to stop a fake article or rumor that's circling the internet. Journalists have to go to extensive lengths now to validate information since there are numerous forms of media that may all say something different within the story.
6. I think the Washington Post was right to pursue the story and did it in an ethical manner. Just because the information and situation dealt with the government and important public figures doesn't mean it shouldn't be addressed. Woodward and Bernstein did their best to make sure their decisions were ethical although they seemed to have invaded privacy a few times.
7. They have opened the door for people to feel comfortable reporting happenings within the government and digging deeper into situations that would otherwise go overlooked. Along with digging for information they went about it ethically, keeping their morals in check.
8. The Watergate story has shown that not everything that goes on within the government is right or completely hidden. It showed America for the first time that there are things within these powerful positions that the public is hidden from.
9. The parallels between Watergate and Washington today is that people are searching for the truth, there's not a situation that I've heard of that is like the Watergate scandal but people are having a hard time trusting our public figures and especially our President.
1. I learned that being in a newspaper or a journalist can be very dangerous at times. You can never tell who you can trust and who you cannot trust. Also, I learned that working in a newspaper is a fight. You must give your absolute best everyday no matter what.
ReplyDelete2. They are always learning that is what stood out to me. They kept on searching for answers they keep asking questions to reach more of the answer. I was surprised by some of the tactics that they used. It was dishonest at times.
3. I enjoyed both guys in the film. I felt like they knew when to use the code of ethics that the media had, and they also knew when not to use it. I loved how they just kept pushing the same people over and over they kept asking questions just waiting for someone to break.
4. Ben Bradlee was a no-nonsense kind of guy. His role in this movie to me stood out more than thought. The first thing that stood out is that ben let Woodward and Bernstein write this story. There were other people who wanted the more experienced to write the story. 2nd Ben didn’t let his two reporters slack. He made sure the story was right and factual and written right and until that moment came he wasn’t putting the story in.
5. Its more secretive now. It’s almost like a spy. If I was your friend, you would trust me to tell me stuff kind of journalism
6. I think that because this story was such a big story they had to write it. Were some of their tactics the best no. I think however that they had to find out answers by any means necessary.
7. Burnstein and Woodward are the reason for the untrust between the government and the media. Both attack each other, and I just wonder if Bernstein and Woodward started this love hate relationship
8. Watergate really messed us up. Everyone thinks they have the most power. Watergate shows that too much power isn’t how it should be. I feel like our dislike or very much untrusty of the Government stems from that incident. There is no trust between us and the government and that could become a major problem for both.
9. I feel like the Government still has more power than it needs. That was what Watergate was all about government officials having way too much power that they couldn’t get him down. Power goes to a person’s head and then the next thing you know something is going to happen.
Part 1 — I learned how newsrooms function. I also learned about the steps it takes before a story can be published. I also saw the importance of gatekeepers, and how they relay information to their audience.
ReplyDeletePart 2 — I was surprised by the dedication and boldness to find any clues or sources for stories. With people like Deepthroat and the hint he gave them to follow the money. I loved their investigating techniques
Part 3 — They seem like passionate and bold people. The way they pursued the story didn't seem like malicious intent to me, it just appeared they wanted to do something groundbreaking. They are definitely inventive with litigating their questions, meeting Deepthroat at night, or saying stay on the phone if the story is all right and if not hang up.
Part 4 — He seemed he like the wise person and their voice of reason. Because he knew what it was like to have his reputation tarnished for exposing the truth, he wanted to protect them from that harsh judgement in a way which is why I think he wanted them to have so many sources.
Part 5 — The technology that we use now is different. We are using a lot more of digital technology such as laptops and social media instead of typewriters. There also is not a lot of groundbreaking taken serious, more so of clickbait. and some fake news.
Part 6 — The Washington Post was absolutely right to pursue the story, and expose the crooked system for what it was. We the people deserve to know, since we really do hold most of the power. I thought their ethics were descent, and I think the only time ethics would be questioned is when they used the woman who had intimate relationship with him in the office. Even if he was in her apartment, some could twist that as malice.
Part 7 — They made it possible for powerful investigative journalism, and not just caring about "fluff pieces". They went for the larger stories, and hopefully gave others the courage to pursue stories that would make a difference in how people see the government.
Part 8 — The exposing of the government with Watergate has encouraged people to keep an eye on all government officials. It has made not only journalists but regular citizens as well call out the government inadequacies.
Part 9 — I see a lot of non-denial denials. In the interest, to deflect attention for the problems at hand, everything is called fake news. Most people were scared to talk because of oath, scared to die something in that rim, but now they are just fired for being willing to talk or just right before if the president feels like they could possibly expose him
ReplyDelete1.Through watching this film I realized how thorough journalists have to be to do their job adequately. Their jobs rely on them being honest and credible which requires so much time and energy. I also had an idea of how newsrooms worked but this clarified it for me and nicely displayed the controlled chaos in the newsrooms that I didn’t know existed.
2.As I said earlier, journalists must put credibility and truthfulness above many, if not all, things. I didn’t know that journalists had to get as many sources as they do and to what extent they find them. They need to look through every possible outcome and follow every source to make sure they don’t get the facts wrong. The thing that surprised me was how Woodward and Bernstein got their notes almost word for word in order to provide the right coverage.
3.Woodward and Bernstein both seemed to be smart and efficient journalists. The way they went about getting their information was credible as well. The two of them could have easily gotten the information they needed faster if they investigated in a not-so credible way. Bernstein was especially clever in the way he got his information and also considerate yet effective in his interviews.
4.Ben Bradlee came across in a very harsh manner. However, when telling Woodstein that he trusted them with their sources and to run the story, he finally came across as sensitive. Ben Bradlee’s importance in this story is his influence on the newspaper and Woodstein’s progress in the Watergate investigation. Without Bradlee’s relentless driving of the two to get the facts right, they could have made a mistake or left a hole for someone to use against them.
5.Since Watergate, investigative journalism has become easier to accomplish. The use of portable recorders and the vast influence of the internet have also made a positive impact on journalism. Portable recorders have lowered the presence of miscommunications and helped ease the interview process. The internet also provides a means for people to fact check before publishing which lowers the risk of disestablishing credibility.
6.The Washington Post handled the coverage of Watergate very well. Their determination to cover this event helped them stand out in the news world. Woodward and Bernstein were also both very ethical in their means of reporting. Only a few times were they maybe a little sneaky when they were getting their information.
7.I think Woodward and Bernstein gave people the encouragement they might have needed in order to venture into investigative journaling themselves. Their successful coverage of the Watergate scandal showed that hardwork and determination are always beneficial in the end. Without these two men standing up for doing the right thing and exposing the bad, people still might be following the social norm of that time and overlooking the most important stories to cover because they did not want to offend or call anyone out on their wrong.
8.The Watergate story has affected society for the better. Because of this story, journalists have began to be thorough in their investigating and give society the true facts and occurrences. I believe it also led the public to trusting or relying on the newspapers or just journalism in general more for the truth in what they hear in their daily interactions (although some newspapers still aren’t reporting the truth today).
9.I do not see parallels between Watergate and Washington today. However, I do believe that there are always actions between the parties to undermine the other. These ways do not seem as drastic to me or worth determining whether or someone will keep their position in the various offices.
1.) I learned just how much it takes out of a reporter to get even snippets of information. Most of these persons of interest were exuberantly difficult to deal with. Also how hectic a newsroom is, it took me way to long to find even a single set of neatly stacked paper.
ReplyDelete2.) Honestly I didn't learn a lot about how they do their jobs. I figured it was fairly standard detective work, though that's not to diminish what they do at all.
3.) They are guys trying to make their mark in their profession; willing to put in all of the work that they possibly can whilst functioning. Their methods are persistent and methodically put together. Though I wouldn't say they were the most friendly given how hard they pushed some people who were otherwise unwilling to lend information, but it comes with the territory.
4.) Ben Bradlee is a no nonsense boss who wants the truth, but he wants it done right and to "the book". His importance the the story (at least as perceived to the movie) is to keep Woodstien digging for more sources and information to grow their story and make it credible. Ben obviously has faith in the story, but he doesn't want to run down his paper with a tall tale.
5.) The biggest way journalism has changed since Watergate is technology. Everyone has information at their fingertips for better or worse. This changed not only how people consume media journalism, but how it's presented to its audience.
6.) Certainly. There was corruption in a group of powers that control the way our country works and runs. If people aren't pursuing that, then the country is doomed. As per the movie, I did not see anything ethically questionable.
7.) Aside from the obvious change in government, I think they invigorated an entire society of people to question things on a deeper level. There have always been conspiracy theorists, but since this scandal has been brought to light even average people know there's corruption everywhere.
8.) As previously mentioned, people for better or worse are more open and adamant about not trusting everything coming from the white house. There are less and less people who blindly believe everything. On the other hand there seem to be more crackpots who think there's ALWAYS some huge conspiracy taking place.
9.) Well it's obvious that there is at least one parallel in that both administrations have been caught in a lie or two or hundreds. I don't see Trump getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar like Nixon; but they both are very happy to lie against the press. See: fake news claims.
Will Stephan
1. I learned two things, the first was just all the work that goes into getting a story and making sure that story is the truth while remaining ethical. The second thing I learned was how the office works. I always had picture in my head but it wasn't nearly as hectic as the movie showed it.
ReplyDelete2.The part that really shocked me was just the hours of research that they have to do almost on a daily bases. The movie showed them researching every small detail until they had another piece of the puzzle ,looking someone up in a phone book which I haven't done in years.
3. I loved both of the characters. You can tell that they both had a real passion for their job and loved every minute of it. I would consider Woodward the more ethical of the two. Woodward was really smart often finding a way to tick information out of people they were interviewing but he often remained quiet. I think this is most because he is still a bit new. Bernstein on the other had came off as a little too friendly and pushy towards the people he interviewed. For the females he really turned on the charm to get the answers that he wanted.
4. I thought that Bradlee was great. He is the type of boss that wants everything to be the truth and nothing but that. More importantly he wanted everything to be done the way it was suppose to be. I think if it wasn't for the the story would have never gotten the attention that it did. He made sure they both had all the facts before releasing it. The most important thing he did was support them even when it seemed like everyone was against them and the paper.
5. I believe that the way journalist research has changed a lot. With the advancements in technically you can do a quick search of someones name and find almost any information you may want on a person.
6. I believe they had every right to purse the story the way they did. It was something that was a lot bigger then what it may have appeared because apparently something was being covered up. There was a couple times where they were walking on the line between ethical and non-ethical but they never crossed it which was impressive.
7. I think that they two of them showed journalist that they need to ask more questions and to always try to dig deeper to uncover the true story. I think that is especially true when it comes to people of power like government officials.
8. I think Watergate made people question more of the governments actions. Which leads to the government being a bit more transparent about things. As mentioned before people started to ask why when it comes to a lot of the government decisions.
9. I see a lot of things in common . Today government officials are so quick to claim fake news whenever something is said against them. Another thing is common is the attack on the media that has/is happening just because people are tying to figure out the big picture.
1. I learned that journalism is one of those jobs that you have to feel very passionate about and have to have the ability and want to devote your time and effort into what you write and share with whoever reads the articles you may write and publish.
ReplyDelete2. I learned that although it seems kind of an easy job, it still had its moments where it seemed stressful, competitive, and even time-consuming. It surprised me by how much the reporters devoted their time to gathering history and information on a given article topic. It was crazy to see how much time was used out of a day, just to research information needed to write about a subject matter.
3. When watching the movie, I really enjoyed both of the characters. I enjoyed that the movie was able to portray how passionate Woodward and Bernstein were when it came to their job. They devoted so much of their time and effort into figuring out more about the Watergate scandal, which in the end , led them to figuring out the entire story one step at a time.
4. I feel like Ben Bradlee was one of those bosses who cared nothing about a story unless it was “done right” and by the book. People were not able to write their own story basically without following a rubric so that is right and passes Bradlee’s test. I feel that the only reason he had such an important role in the movie is due to the fact that he kept pushing Woodward and Bernstein to uncover more evidence about the Watergate scandal so they could continue to write about it within the Washington Post.
5. I feel like one of the biggest ways in which media has changed since the Watergate scandal, is that of the internet and even computer technology. Not only does everyone have the world wide web at their fingertips, which makes finding the information of people and places important when doing research, but they are also able to more easily share what they have found.
6. I felt like the way the Washington Post handled the story and information they learned was great. I also believe that both Woodward and Bernstein were very ethical when researching for the story but also that they were able to also get information through more of a sneaky tactic, which played a hug role within the movie.
7. I feel like these two men, not only, inspire people to want to venture into journalism, but they also show that if you are passionate about your job, you will enjoy it no matter how long you work in the occupation you choose.
8. Since the Watergate scandal, I believe that journalists have began to become more thorough with their investigation, and have started taking their time with getting information and doing research before making a publication about a topic (that is being said for a few, but not all, due to the fact that there are still journalists that rush into publishing a story without making sure their facts are right).
9. I feel like there are many denials when it comes to situations, although there is nothing so far that comes close to the Watergate issue. I know that there are also trust issues within society against the government, especially when it comes to a conversation about our president.
Part 1 —
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot watching this film! I had no idea how investigative journalism was. I always thought it was really simple get the facts unless your “paparazzi” which I don’t even consider that quality journalism.
Part 2 —
I learned that reporters are extremely dedicated. The guys worked day and night trying to get quotes. They worked relentless. I imagine they could be absent from normal day to day.
Part 3 —
I think they are extremely dedicated! I also think some people could think they are a bit ruthless. They would show up at all times of the day to get quotes from people. They contacted people and dug for paperwork. I think nothing they did was out of line!
Part 4 —
My impression was he was just a boss of a newspaper making sure to get the right story. He was very direct but I never thought he was rude. He didn’t want his paper ruined with a bad story. I think he was very important. The story couldn’t been published without him!
Part 5 —
I think journalism is much about just getting a story out and with fake news it’s become very hard to know the real journalism. So many people just read titles, share and don’t read further into it. I feel like nowadays it’s so much about getting the headline.
Part 6 —
I think the Washington Post was 100% in the right. It was a story of public interest. Nothing about the story coming out seemed wrong. Even more so with so many people being afraid to speak out due to threats.
Part 7–
I think they have given journalists a good model of what to do in journalism. You find the story, dig for the facts and then you write a story as long as it’s still ethic! If it’s public interest don’t hold back!
Part 8 —
I think people are more aware of what government could be doing. People are much more thoughtful when it comes to believing what the government is putting out. Do the research and know the facts before believing.
Part 9 —
Yes, there is still just scandal after scandal trying to be surfaced or are being surfaced.
Hannah Kimble
1. From watching the film, I learned that there is a lot more work that goes into a story than I previously thought. You have to get your information from multiple different sources and be careful yet persistent when getting it. Also, the offices are very hectic.
ReplyDelete2. I learned that reporters must be extremely quick when recording information that is received by word of mouth. For example, when speaking to a source via telephone, one might have to grab the nearest object and begin writing on it. Shorthand is probably used immensely in recording details of a story. It surprised me the techniques they used on some of the people involved in their story. Using things like reverse psychology work, but it would make me nervous.
3. I really liked both Woodward and Bernstein although they were very different. Woodward was somewhat new to the job, so he remained very careful and professional while doing his work. On the other hand, Bernstein was not new to the job, so he was the opposite. (Not that he was unprofessional – he just had a different approach.) He aimed to befriend the people he needed stories from and gained his information through conversations rather than questions. I liked him better in the sense that he tried to relate to those he worked with and form somewhat of a relationship instead of making them uncomfortable with a load of questions.
4. At first, I was frustrated with Ben Bradlee because I believed Woodward and Bernstein to have a good story – as they did. He kept pushing them to get more information, more sources, and more on the record statements. This was difficult for Woodstein because they thought they had everything, but as it turned out, Bradlee was right in his decision to keep pushing them. If it weren’t for Bradlee, the story wouldn’t have been what it was and the truth of the matter may have not come out.
5. I would say that since Watergate journalism has become more technology based. Reporters can get information from sources through facetime/skype instead of having to travel to their home. Stories are right at consumers’ fingertips – they can receive the same story from multiple different newspapers/stations all at once. I also think stories come out in parts. While they have somewhat always done that, it seems as if now stories are talked about longer because details come out a few at a time.
6. I think the Washington Post was right to pursue the story the way it did. There was really no other way to do it. I think most people can agree that the ends justified the means with this particular story. There may have been methods more appropriate, but at the end of the day, this story affected everyone because it involved the president, so there is really no argument over whether or not it was ethical.
7. I think Woodstein has left a huge impact on news and reporters – journalism as a whole. Them and their story have allowed people to not be so quick to trust the government. They have opened up a door to the importance of investigative reporting and how to go about it. They have showed just how important journalism is, because if it weren’t for them, Watergate may have not been exposed or at least exposed in the way it was.
8. Watergate has made people more hesitant to trust their government and their leaders, which is a sad truth, but also good to know people aren’t so quick to believe and trust everything they see/hear. People now are more investigative themselves when it comes to political leaders, the election, etc.
9. Sadly, there are many parallels between Watergate and Washington today. Government officials and politicians love to scrutinize the media and what is written or said about them. The government is under a close watch by the people although there is only so much we know about. Investigative reporting is popular now just as it was back then.
1. From watching All the President’s Men, I learned that journalism can require a lot of tenacity. Woodward and Bernstein had to really try hard to get this story and faced a lot of obstacles. A lot of people didn’t want the story to get out and they were running a big risk by doing what they were doing. I didn’t know that newspaper journalists did all of that work. I assumed that they just reported on it.
ReplyDelete2. I thought reporters let some other investigator get all the info, or just reported what someone else had published in their own words. I was surprised to learn that these two could break a story like Watergate without an entire team behind them doing research nonstop. The way they got info out their interviewees was really interesting, because they couldn’t always just talk openly about it.
3. Woodward and Bernstein were very tenacious and really believed in what they were doing, and I really respect that. Their tactics were sometimes sneaky, but they were smart. They managed to find loopholes like having someone stay on the phone or listening in on a phone conversation that that person thought would be private. Some may say it was unethical, but I believe that the ends justified the means in this situation. If Woodward and Bernstein had been wrong, then it would have been a different story and I suspect that there would have been consequences.
4. Ben Bradlee had to worry about the reputation of himself and his newspaper when deciding whether or not to let the story run, and that took a lot of trust. He had a lot of responsibility and his concerns were well founded, but in the end he put some faith in his reporters and it turned out to be a really good thing for the paper and even the country.
5. Methods of journalism have definitely changed since Watergate. For one, we have the internet. That can help journalists by providing another avenue in which to gather information and to contact people far away, but it is important that Journalists not rely solely on the internet. Not everything can be found on the internet.
6. I think the Washington Post was definitely right to pursue the story. It is important for journalists to keep watch over the actions of the people who are running our country. As for their tactics and ethicality of their actions, I think that they were justified. They didn’t slander anyone or say false things about anyone or hurt the reputations of anyone who didn’t deserve it, and they exposed some very unsettling things that were happening within our government.
7. Journalists definitely keep an eye out for scandals in the political world more than they probably did before Watergate. Today, Trump is the big story that journalists want to cover, and to be honest, it gets out of control. Journalists focus so much on trying to get a presidential story, that sometimes really important things are not covered or are overshadowed because of it
8. We pay more attention to what our leaders are doing with their personal lives and are more wary of corruption. Trust in government has gone down steadily since Watergate. We know that the government keeps secrets from us and that shady things happen in Washington. We’re not as trusting as we used to be.
9. I definitely see parallels between Watergate and the events of today, like the denial of news stories as fake by White House officials, especially in regards to the Russia conspiracy, which may or may not be true. Honestly, I thought the Russia thing was fake, until I saw all of the journalism that has been happening to try and prove the ties, and the White House’s claims that the stories are false become less and less credible to me.
1. I learned a lot. I learned that the newspaper industry is very fast paced and there is very little time for mistakes. I also learned that to be a good reporter, you have to be good at multitasking and you are never going to be able to please everyone.
ReplyDelete2. What I learned about the reporters and their job was that they are very good at multitasking and getting people to tell them what they want to know, sometimes without even asking a straight forward question. Instead they would beat around the bush and almost manipulate people into telling them certain information.
3. To me, Woodward and Bernstein were excellent reporters. They never let anything get in their way and when something or someone did try, they found a way around it and continued their research. When the press called them liars, they didn't just give up on the lead. They used it as motivation to prove the press wrong.
4. Ben Bradley, to me, is an excellent man. He understood the importance of ethics in journalism and believed in Woodward and Bernstein. In the movie he was their boss, but I think he thought of them more than just his employees.
5. The methods of journalism haven't really changed all that much. Reporters still go out and research stories just like Woodward and Bernstein. The only major change is we don't have typewriters anymore and social media and fake news.
6. I think they did have the right. They felt the need to inform the public of the truth regardless what the white house would think about the Washington Post. I don't think they broke any of the ethics rules. When it was all over, everyone could see the ends justify the means behind what they did.
7. They gave reporters after them the incentive to always pursue a lead or story regardless who tries to stop them . Even when half the world says you're wrong, doesn't mean you actually are.
8. I think society feels the need to learn about who our leader is. Society now has the ability to see the falseness within the government. They tell us what they want us to know and how we should think about it. I think society is more aware of that now.
9. Honestly, I do and I do not at the same time. I do believe Trump tells us what he wants us to know and only what he thinks we want to hear. I do not believe he does what he does with the right intentions. I think he does them for the wrong reasons and I can see how that can relate to Watergate.
1. I did not know that you had to do that much investigating when it came to journalism. it almost seemed as if the reporters were the FBI. I learned how much reporters research and dig for information.
ReplyDelete2.I learned that reporters are like the FBI when it comes to finding information about what they are reporting. I was surprised the FBI wasn't doing as much digging as the reporters in the movie. This was a big deal that involved the white house and president. I felt like the FBI should of did the digging that the reporters did.
3.I think they made a great team. I like how they got the lady at their office to get her boyfriend to somewhat admit to them meeting up so that they could get more information. they used reverse sociology when trying to get her to help them. they also where very patient when interviewing others about the case.
4.Ben was basically the gatekeeper. he was the one who had the last say. the reporters both Woodard and Bernstein had to get his approval before they could publish anything. Ben would et most of the blame for anything being published that was not correct. he was great at not allowing any foul play occur he was a great man and leader.
5.Things have changed since Watergate. technology is at a all time high. technology would have had a great impact on how reporters find information and figure out cases to write about.
6. yes because it was a great story that included the president and people needed to know what was going on. it was important for them to handle it the way they did. they did not break any rules they just kept digging for information until they got it right. used great ethics.
7. they inspired reporters to follow in their foot steps when it comes to how to report on a story and find all the facts. they discovered so much information by doing their job the right way.
8. I think it made people pay more attention to people that are in high positions like the president. society learned a lot about how things can be covered up and hidden from the public. it made people more aware.
9.yes I think Trump has a lot of secrets that we do not know about. he tells us a lot but I do not believe he is telling us everything that we should know. after Watergate I think if reporters today really tried to get information the way they did with Watergate a lot of foul play would be discovered.
5.
1. I've learned that newspaper companies and journalists are serious about their work. Some Journalists are willing to put there lives on the line for a story like Woodstein and Bernstein.
ReplyDelete2. I've learned that reporters actually travel all over the country just to ask someone questions. They are always on the move. This surprised me because one would think they just sit at a desk all day, write and make phone calls.
3. My impression on them is that they are very hard working men and are fearless. They don't take no for an answer. They had all kinds of tricks to get answers out of people.
4. Ben Bradlee is the boss and he's a tough one. He doesn't take any b.s. when it comes to stories they have to be correct without any holes in them.
5. Methods of journalism really haven't changed since watergate.
6.They were right to do what they did. That's what newspapers are for, to inform people and the authorities needed to know about this including the public.
7. What they did probably inspired a lot of reporters that any story can be cracked.
8. Society has been more on the up and up since then.
9. Yes because our President now is just as scandalous and Nixon maybe even. He doesn't want anyone to know what he doing in the Whitehouse.