James Madison and Freedom of the Press

This past summer, the revelation of former FBI assistant director Mark Felt as “Deep Throat,” Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s secret informant, prompted many Americans to revisit the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s. Published in the Washington Post, Woodward and Bernstein’s investigation began with an inquiry into a seemingly harmless break-in at the Watergate Hotel, but eventually resulted in the downfall and resignation of the President of the United States.

For many, the reporters’ watchdog journalism was the finest example of James Madison’s belief that the press should serve the citizens, and not the government. In 1789, prompted by fears of the federal government’s abuse of power, Madison wrote: “The people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, to write, or to publish their sentiments; and the freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable.” For your post, I want you to discuss the role of journalism in today’s society. Do you think the press is living up to Madison’s expectations? Is it a defender of liberty, or an uncritical defender of the status quo? Do journalists question authority, or do they simply relay the government’s version of the “truth?” Do you think watchdog journalism similar to the Watergate investigation could happen in today’s political climate? Use specific examples in your response.