Changing Lanes on the Inside Track: The Career Shuttle Between Journalism, Politics and Government

A paper by James McEnteer, spring 1990 fellow, evaluates the phenomenon of the revolving door between journalism and politics or government. McEnteer challenges the idea that moving from government roles to journalism is always a conflict of interest. Journalists should be detached from the subjects they cover, yet “insider information” also has value. Based on case studies and interviews from around the country, McEnteer suggests that reporters who get their education about politics from the inside are better equipped to deliver information about the political process than those who have not had inside experience.

Download the paper (PDF).