Is there danger that such Principles will erect barriers to investigate journalism and other good reporting?
A. No. We believe adherence to the Principles will enhance the credibility of stories. The document says explicitly: “Aggressive, hard-hitting reporting is honorable and often courageous in fulfilling the press’ First Amendment responsibilities, and it is encouraged.” The first three items under Serving the Public Interest support this. In fact, it is our hope that there will be more investigative reporting at our newspapers, and that high ethical standards will make that reporting even more credible and therefore have more impact with readers.
