content analysis

slow news – April 30, 2008:

Breaking the Wiretap (interview by Brooke Gladstone)

In 2005, Times reporters Eric Lichtblau and James Risen won the Pulitzer for breaking the story of the Bush administration’s warrantless wiretapping program.  Brooke Gladstone, one of the fearless hosts of the great radio show On the Media, interviews him, giving us much of the backstory on how the Bushies tried to suppress the story and how the Times editorial team went along all too willing.  A great behind-the-scenes story for anyone interested in journalistic practices and a disturbing tale for those concerned by political elites’ capacity to influence the press.  Audio recording and transcript available.