Editorial roundup

Nov. 17 The Dallas Morning News

White House press corps

In the melee that passes for press briefings at the White House these days, it can be easy to lose sight of a basic fact. In our system where the government is accountable to the people, the media can play an important role in ferreting out crucial facts and pressing officials who otherwise might prefer to obfuscate.

But as with all important leadership roles, the role of the press comes with a set of responsibilities. It is that set of responsibilities that we hope Jim Acosta is focused on as he and CNN have prevailed in court to have his White House press credentials reinstated. …

Reporters who attend the White House press briefings or news conferences with Trump have a difficult job. It’s not easy to get answers from an administration that often shows a callous disregard for the truth.

But journalists have a responsibility to report the news, not become the news. With the 24-hour cable news stations, the internet and social media, reporters who attend the press briefings are in a powerful position and have the ability to ask probing questions that can put pressure on the subject and force him or her to explain an issue or position. If an official dodges under the glare of such public attention, he or she might just be subject to more questions or public criticism for deflecting on an important topic.

Reporters such as Acosta have a great deal of responsibility along with the privilege of being in a position to inform the public and drive public debate. It’s obvious (and perhaps by design) that this administration can challenge the patience of any person, including seasoned journalists.

Regardless of whether it is a role he ever wanted, Acosta’s task now is to demonstrate the importance and value of standing up for the right of reporters everywhere to ask tough questions to tough-minded officials.