I am pleased that my interview with the New York Times continues to resonate. James Freeman features the piece in the Wall Street Journal's "Best of the Web" column. It begins:

This column sometimes notes the shortcomings of the New York Times so it seems only fair to credit the Gray Lady when she gets it right. With refreshing humility and openness to constructive criticism, a Times editor considers the manner in which the newspaper addresses a speaker's point of view.

And it ends:

Kudos to Patrick Healy. Let's hope that people across the media industry will take Josh Blackman's criticism to heart.

Let's hope so!

After reading about Bob Woodward's new book this morning, I've reflected about the relationship between journalists and sources. I take very seriously my connections to reporters, though I never pretend they are friends who owe me anything. The bond is transactional, sometimes counterproductive, but often fruitful. Some of these relationships have developed over the course of nearly two decades.

Most reporters do not finish their career where they started. More often than not, they start at smaller outlets, and if they're successful, move up the ranks. I always take care to respond to journalists at smaller outlets, in part, knowing that that is a relationship I can foster over time. Indeed, one reporter who started out at the Houston Chronicle moved onto the Wall Street Journal. Other reporters who started out in print moved into TV. And os on.

You never know when a relationship with a reporter will come in handy. Over the years, I've had pieces of information that I could provide to just the right person at just the right time, only because of the relationship I've built.  Anecdotally, I've noticed that the reporters who are best at fairly reaching out to both sides are the ones most likely to move up in the world. I hope the reporters at the Times can now set the tone for media balance, and it trickles down.

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