Conflict
: Reynolds is right (and thus Kaus is wrong) about Washington Post media critic Howard Kurtz and his conflict of interest criticizing the media while in the media. First, as Glenn says, it’s enough to reveal one’s conflict and let the audience decide. Second, if he doesn’t criticize the media in the media then who will hear him (besides bloggers)? Third, it’s nearly impossible these days to live without a conflict. I was clothed in conflict as a critic and editor at both Time Inc. and News Corp. and, in the end, it came down to my own integrity and that of my own boss to maintain our credibility and careers. If you have Jayson Blair criticizing media in media, you’ll get a stinking heap of lies. If you have Howard Kurtz, you’ll get his honest view.
Byline
by Jeff Jarvis