Simon Hoggart Quotes

In my experience with print journalists, the distinction between remarks being uttered on- or off-the-record is held sacrosanct, but the distinction between truth and falsity sometimes isn't.

We need ethical journalism. There is also capacity limitations in journalism.

One of the differences between what happens when an author and a gossip columnist sit down to write a book is that the former tends to make every effort at disguising and protecting their sources, while the latter doesn't particularly care.

There was an honorable tradition of using anonymous sources that was ruined by Jayson Blair.

Sure, some journalists use anonymous sources just because they're lazy and I think editors ought to insist on more precise identification even if they remain anonymous.

But the reporter has the responsibility to determine, number one, whether that is true, and number two, to make a judgment as to whether it's in the public interest and whether or not it should be part of the debate.

The first duty of a newspaper is to be accurate. If it be accurate, it follows that it is fair.

If someone tells you something is off the record, I don't print it. If they don't tell me something is off the record, then it's fair game.

I think every journalist understands when they are the beneficiary of hot information that, yes, they have a scoop, but they're also being used. Part of your responsibility as a journalist is to tell the story of why that information is coming to you, consistent with the ground rules of your sourcing.

I do think that there are gray lines of morality in a newsroom, when it comes to some stories. The best-intentioned journalist still has a difficult mission, to try to boil down people.

Journalism without a moral position is impossible. Every journalist is a moralist. It's absolutely unavoidable.

The newspapers turn a blind eye to how they get their material as long as they have great photographs.

Media is just a word that has come to mean bad journalism.

You know, I was at CBS News for 28 years. I may have run an unidentified source. Frankly, I don't remember.

With the press there is no 'off the record.'

Business pages of American newspapers should not read like a scandal sheet.

I always thought it would be a terrible mistake, and I would hope that none of my news journalist colleagues would ever consider it.

Journalists should wear a white uniform to indicate the purity of their character.

I was increasingly disappointed how people in the media do their job or, rather, don't do their job. They are not there for the facts or pursuit of the truth; they are there to see, 'How do I get on TV or become a YouTube star.'

One of the great things about journalism, at its best I mean, is its forensic, investigative truth seeking instincts.

It's the broadcaster's dilemma. Are we true journalists? I don't know if I am or not.

As a straight news correspondent I would never make an issue of someone's personal life unless they have put it out there for public consumption.

My humble request to journalists - It only takes one phone call or an email to check facts.

I encourage members of the media to attempt to Be Best in their own professions.

So often on CNN, there's a world-class journalist interviewing campaign rejects and ideologues and silly, craven people who do not care about informing people, that aren't there to help people understand what's going on in the news.