A notable journalist, Gary Webb, became well-known for his article series entitled “Dark Alliance” that entailed the conspiracy of the CIA’s involvement in distributing crack cocaine in predominantly Black neighborhoods in Los Angeles back in the 1980s. The distribution profited the freedom fighters in Nicaragua to benefit the U.S. in the Iran-Contra Affair. The series suggested there was linkage to this producing the drug scandal of the 1990s and received immense backlash from the findings.
One primary action Webb did that is consistent with the role of a journalist is he chose to reveal the truth for the sake of the people to have the right information to function in a democracy. He did this regardless of what he could possibly lose.
An example of Webb revealing the truth was when he went on the trip to Nicaragua to receive more information regarding the CIA’s connection to the freedom fighters in Nicaragua to benefit the U.S. in the Iran-Contra Affair. He went out of his way to receive this valuable information. Unfortunately, due to the CIA’s connections, when it was time for Webb to show he was credible, the people in Nicaragua he spoke with acted as if they never spoke with him. Even in this situation, he still had the desire to expose the truth for the people to see.
His story, which was thankfully told, showcases the resilience of a journalist, and how important they are in any society to get the truth to the people. They are a true necessity for a functional society and it is important journalists be credible and honest.
Respected Reporter Today
A reporter I respect by the name of Lester Holt is the first Black person to individually anchor a weekday network nightly newscast. The newscast he has anchored is “NBC Nightly News” since 2015 in addition to serving as an anchor for “Dateline NBC”.
Holt has been associated with “NBC” since the year 2000. Preceding his position at “NBC”, he was with “CBS News” for 19 years, according to the New York Film Academy.
Opinion by Ke’Lena Thomas
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
New York Film Academy Student Resources: Top 12 Most Influential Journalists Of Today; by Helen Kantilaftis
IMDb: Kill the Messenger
BBFC: Kill the Messenger
Featured Image Courtesy of Victor Carreon’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Gage Skidmore’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
