6.6 Watergate reporting
8 min read•august 21, 2024
The reshaped American politics and journalism in the 1970s. Investigative reporting during this period set new standards for political accountability, making Watergate a pivotal moment for the profession of journalism.
Key journalists like and led 's investigation, exposing White House involvement in and cover-up. Their innovative techniques, including following the money trail and cultivating inside sources, revolutionized .
Background of Watergate scandal
- Watergate scandal fundamentally reshaped American politics and journalism in the 1970s
- Investigative reporting during Watergate set new standards for political accountability
- Literature of Journalism studies often focus on Watergate as a pivotal moment for the profession
Nixon administration and politics
Top images from around the web for Nixon administration and politics
Watergate scandal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Richard Nixon, Time cover April 30, 1973, "The Watergate S… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Watergate scandal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Watergate scandal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Richard Nixon, Time cover April 30, 1973, "The Watergate S… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Nixon administration and politics
Watergate scandal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Richard Nixon, Time cover April 30, 1973, "The Watergate S… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Watergate scandal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Watergate scandal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Richard Nixon, Time cover April 30, 1973, "The Watergate S… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Richard Nixon's paranoid leadership style fueled illegal activities
- () engaged in dirty tricks and sabotage
- Nixon's enemies list targeted political opponents and critical journalists
- Administration's attempts to manipulate media coverage backfired spectacularly
Break-in at DNC headquarters
- June 17, 1972 burglary at Democratic National Committee office in Watergate complex
- Five men arrested while attempting to bug DNC chairman's phone and photograph documents
- Burglars had connections to Nixon's reelection committee and CIA
- White House immediately began cover-up efforts, denying any involvement
Initial media coverage
- Most news outlets initially treated break-in as minor political caper
- Washington Post assigned young reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein to the story
- Early articles focused on court proceedings and basic facts of the break-in
- Persistence of Post reporters gradually uncovered wider
Key journalists and publications
- Watergate reporting revolutionized investigative journalism techniques
- Coverage demonstrated power of press to hold government accountable
- Case study in Literature of Journalism on impact of determined reporting
Woodward and Bernstein
- Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein led Washington Post's Watergate investigation
- Duo's reporting gradually exposed White House involvement in break-in and cover-up
- Used innovative techniques like following money trail and cultivating inside sources
- Woodward's secret meetings with "" source became journalistic legend
- Bernstein's contacts in telephone company provided crucial phone records
Washington Post vs other outlets
- Washington Post took early lead on Watergate story while other papers were slow to follow
- New York Times eventually ramped up coverage, creating friendly rivalry with Post
- Time and Newsweek magazines provided important analysis and background
- CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite's coverage lent credibility to unfolding scandal
- Many local papers relied on wire services for Watergate news, limiting investigative depth
Role of editor Ben Bradlee
- Washington Post executive editor backed Woodward and Bernstein's reporting
- Bradlee pushed for aggressive coverage despite White House pressure and threats
- Insisted on thorough and multiple source confirmation for major stories
- Shielded young reporters from criticism and encouraged them to keep digging
- Bradlee's leadership cemented Post's reputation for fearless investigative journalism
Investigative techniques
- Watergate investigation pioneered many modern investigative reporting methods
- Techniques developed became standard practice in journalism schools and newsrooms
- Literature of Journalism studies analyze Watergate reporting as model of persistence and
Deep Throat and anonymous sources
- Woodward's confidential source "Deep Throat" provided crucial guidance and confirmation
- Secret parking garage meetings became symbol of investigative reporting mystique
- Source later revealed to be FBI Associate Director Mark Felt
- Reliance on sparked debate on journalistic ethics and credibility
- Watergate popularized use of unnamed sources in political reporting
Follow the money approach
- Reporters traced financial connections between burglars and Nixon campaign
- Examined bank records, campaign finance reports, and money transfers
- Strategy revealed wider conspiracy beyond initial break-in
- Approach became standard tool for investigating political corruption
- Inspired famous line "" in film
Fact-checking and verification
- Post insisted on confirming information with multiple sources before publishing
- Woodward and Bernstein cross-referenced details to ensure accuracy
- Editors scrutinized every word to protect against libel and errors
- Meticulous fact-checking built credibility as story grew more explosive
- Process set new standards for investigative reporting rigor
Impact on journalism
- Watergate fundamentally altered relationship between press and government
- Inspired generation of
- Literature of Journalism examines Watergate as turning point in profession's history
Watchdog role of press
- Watergate reinforced importance of adversarial press in democracy
- Emboldened journalists to aggressively question authority and expose wrongdoing
- Public came to expect media to serve as check on government power
- Led to expansion of investigative units at major news organizations
- Critics argued press became too antagonistic toward politicians after Watergate
Investigative reporting renaissance
- Watergate sparked surge in investigative journalism across U.S. media
- News organizations devoted more resources to in-depth, long-term projects
- Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) founded in 1975 to promote techniques
- Pulitzer Prize created new category for investigative reporting in 1985
- emerged as powerful tool for data analysis
Public trust in media
- Initial skepticism of Watergate reporting gave way to increased faith in press
- Poll numbers showed rising confidence in media as watchdogs through 1970s
- Journalism became more prestigious career, attracting top talent to field
- Over time, some argued Watergate led to corrosive cynicism toward institutions
- Trust in media has declined in recent decades, complicating Watergate's legacy
Legal and ethical considerations
- Watergate reporting raised numerous press freedom and ethics questions
- Case continues to inform debates on journalistic responsibilities and limits
- Literature of Journalism courses examine legal and moral dimensions of coverage
First Amendment protections
- attempts to block publication ultimately failed
- Supreme Court's decision provided legal shield for Watergate reporting
- Established high bar for prior restraint on press in national security cases
- Reaffirmed broad protections for reporting on government misconduct
- Led to passage of to limit government surveillance of citizens
Confidentiality of sources
- Woodward's protection of Deep Throat's identity became ethical touchstone
- Courts generally upheld reporters' right to shield confidential sources
- Some argued overreliance on anonymous sources undermined accountability
- Debate continues over proper use and vetting of unnamed sources
- Shield laws passed in many states to protect journalists from revealing sources
Balancing public interest vs privacy
- Aggressive reporting tactics raised questions about invasion of privacy
- Some targets of investigation claimed unfair treatment and reputational damage
- Journalists argued public's right to know outweighed individual privacy concerns
- Led to development of ethical guidelines on undercover reporting and surveillance
- Courts generally sided with press in libel cases stemming from Watergate coverage
Political fallout
- Watergate had profound and lasting impact on American political system
- Scandal eroded public trust in government institutions for generations
- Literature of Journalism examines interplay between media and political change
Nixon's resignation
- President Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974 as impeachment loomed
- First and only U.S. president to resign from office
- Televised resignation speech watched by 100 million Americans
- Vice President assumed presidency, later pardoned Nixon
- Nixon's downfall seen as vindication of press's watchdog role
Congressional investigations
- held televised hearings from May to November 1973
- Revelations about White House tapes led to constitutional crisis
- House Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment in July 1974
- Bipartisan cooperation in investigations contrasted with today's polarized climate
- Hearings educated public about extent of Watergate crimes and cover-up
Reforms in campaign finance
- Federal Election Campaign Act amendments of 1974 imposed new restrictions
- Created to enforce campaign finance laws
- Limited individual contributions and required detailed financial disclosures
- Established public financing system for presidential elections
- Some argue reforms were undermined by subsequent court decisions and loopholes
Cultural significance
- Watergate left indelible mark on American culture and collective memory
- Scandal continues to shape popular understanding of politics and media
- Literature of Journalism explores Watergate's influence on storytelling and myth-making
All the President's Men
- 1974 non-fiction book by Woodward and Bernstein became instant bestseller
- 1976 film adaptation starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman was major hit
- Popularized heroic image of investigative reporters as truth-seekers
- Book and film educated public about complexities of Watergate investigation
- Inspired many young people to pursue careers in journalism
Watergate in popular culture
- "-gate" suffix became shorthand for any political scandal (Irangate, Deflategate)
- Conspiracy theories and paranoid thrillers flourished in Watergate's wake
- Nixon character became staple of political satire and alternative histories
- Deep Throat's identity sparked decades of speculation and guessing games
- Washington, D.C. settings gained cachet in political dramas and thrillers
Legacy for future scandals
- Watergate became measuring stick for all subsequent political scandals
- Media tendency to search for "next Watergate" in every controversy
- Politicians learned lessons in crisis management and damage control
- Public expectations for transparency and accountability increased
- Some argue Watergate comparisons oversimplify complex modern scandals
Criticism and controversies
- Watergate reporting faced scrutiny and backlash despite ultimate vindication
- Debates over methods and impact continue in discussions
- Literature of Journalism examines critiques to understand profession's evolution
Accusations of media bias
- Nixon supporters claimed "liberal media" was out to get the president
- Some argued Washington Post was motivated by partisan animosity
- Conservative media figures like Pat Buchanan defended Nixon administration
- Debate over media bias intensified in wake of Watergate
- Led to creation of conservative outlets positioning themselves against "mainstream media"
Ethical debates on methods
- Use of anonymous sources criticized as potentially unreliable
- Some argued aggressive tactics amounted to harassment of officials
- Questions raised about boundaries between reporting and law enforcement
- Debate over whether ends justified means in pursuit of story
- Led to development of more explicit ethical codes in many newsrooms
Long-term effects on politics
- Some argue Watergate led to excessive scandal-mongering in political coverage
- Concerns that focus on wrongdoing crowds out substantive policy reporting
- Politicians became more guarded and reliant on professional communication staff
- Decline in trust of institutions blamed partly on Watergate's cynical aftermath
- Partisan polarization intensified as Watergate shaped political narratives
Lessons for modern journalism
- Watergate reporting techniques adapted for digital age
- Case study remains relevant for tackling contemporary challenges
- Literature of Journalism considers Watergate's lessons for today's media landscape
Digital age investigative tools
- Computer-assisted reporting and data analysis build on "follow the money" approach
- Social media and crowdsourcing expand potential for cultivating sources
- Encryption and secure drop systems protect confidentiality of whistleblowers
- Collaborative investigations across outlets echo cooperation of Watergate era
- Digital archives and databases facilitate deeper background research
Watergate's influence today
- Adversarial relationship between press and government continues
- Emphasis on fact-checking and verification remains central to reporting
- Tension between speed of online news and need for thorough investigation
- Financial pressures on news organizations threaten resources for long-term projects
- Rise of nonprofit investigative outlets seeks to fill gap left by legacy media cutbacks
Challenges to watchdog journalism
- Fragmented media environment makes it harder to focus public attention
- Accusations of "fake news" echo Nixon-era attacks on press credibility
- Economic struggles of news industry limit resources for investigations
- Increasing government secrecy and surveillance threaten confidential sources
- Social media amplifies misinformation and conspiracy theories alongside reporting
Key Terms to Review (31)
All the President's Men: 'All the President's Men' is a non-fiction book by journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, detailing their investigative reporting on the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The work highlights the importance of diligent journalism in holding those in power accountable and showcases how two reporters unraveled a complex web of corruption and deception that permeated the highest levels of government. This landmark reporting not only changed the landscape of American journalism but also emphasized the critical role of investigative journalism in democracy.
Anonymous sources: Anonymous sources are individuals who provide information to journalists without revealing their identity, often due to concerns about personal safety, legal repercussions, or potential professional consequences. This practice is crucial in investigative journalism, allowing reporters to uncover sensitive information and expose wrongdoing while protecting the identities of their informants. The use of anonymous sources raises important ethical questions about transparency, accountability, and trust in journalism.
Ben Bradlee: Ben Bradlee was an influential American journalist and executive editor of The Washington Post, best known for his leadership during the Watergate scandal. He played a crucial role in fostering investigative journalism and overseeing the publication of critical stories that revealed governmental corruption, significantly impacting public perception and trust in the media.
Bob Woodward: Bob Woodward is a renowned American investigative journalist and author, best known for his reporting on the Watergate scandal, which helped bring down President Richard Nixon. His work exemplifies the power of investigative journalism and its role in holding those in power accountable, demonstrating how thorough research and tenacity can uncover hidden truths.
Carl Bernstein: Carl Bernstein is an acclaimed American journalist best known for his role in uncovering the Watergate scandal alongside Bob Woodward. His investigative reporting not only exposed corruption at the highest levels of government but also helped reshape the landscape of journalism, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency. Bernstein's work exemplified the power of the press and its role in a democratic society, particularly through his dedication to thorough research and fearless reporting.
Committee to Re-Elect the President: The Committee to Re-Elect the President (often abbreviated as CRP or CREEP) was a fundraising organization for U.S. President Richard Nixon's 1972 re-election campaign. This group became infamous during the Watergate scandal due to its involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up efforts. The actions of CRP highlighted issues of political corruption and abuse of power, which were pivotal in shaping public trust in government institutions.
Computer-assisted reporting: Computer-assisted reporting (CAR) is a journalistic technique that uses computer technology and data analysis to enhance reporting and uncover stories. This method involves using software and statistical tools to analyze large data sets, which can reveal patterns, trends, or anomalies that traditional reporting might miss. It represents a shift in journalism where digital skills are increasingly vital for effective storytelling and investigative work.
Conspiracy: A conspiracy is an agreement between two or more individuals to commit an unlawful act or to deceive others, often involving secret plans and covert actions. In many cases, conspiracies are linked to significant events or scandals where the parties involved work in unison to achieve hidden agendas that can have far-reaching implications.
Creep: Creep refers to the Committee to Re-elect the President, which was involved in the Watergate scandal during the early 1970s. The organization played a crucial role in the political scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. This term connects to the broader themes of political corruption, abuse of power, and the impact of investigative journalism during this tumultuous time in American history.
Deep Throat: Deep Throat is the pseudonym used for the secret informant who provided crucial information to journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during their investigation of the Watergate scandal. This informant played a pivotal role in uncovering the details of the scandal that ultimately led to President Nixon's resignation, becoming a symbol of whistleblowing and investigative journalism.
Executive privilege: Executive privilege is the constitutional principle that allows the president and other high-level executive branch officials to withhold information from Congress, the courts, and ultimately the public. This privilege is grounded in the separation of powers, ensuring that the executive branch can function independently and protect sensitive communications. Its application has been a topic of significant debate, especially during critical moments in U.S. history, such as during political scandals and investigations.
Fact-checking: Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of information, statements, or claims, often employed in journalism to ensure that reports are truthful and credible. This practice is essential for maintaining the integrity of news stories and is particularly relevant in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly through various channels.
Federal Election Commission: The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent regulatory agency created by the United States Congress in 1974 to administer and enforce federal campaign finance laws. It plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency in the electoral process by overseeing the financing of federal elections and enforcing laws that govern how much money individuals and organizations can contribute to political campaigns.
Follow the money: 'Follow the money' is a key phrase often used in investigative journalism that emphasizes the importance of tracing financial transactions to uncover corruption or misconduct. This approach encourages reporters to examine where funds originate, how they are used, and where they ultimately end up, allowing them to connect dots that reveal larger stories, particularly in political scandals and financial fraud cases.
Gerald Ford: Gerald Ford was the 38th President of the United States, serving from 1974 to 1977, after Richard Nixon's resignation due to the Watergate scandal. His presidency is marked by efforts to heal the nation and restore public confidence in the government, as he navigated the political fallout from Watergate while facing economic challenges.
Government accountability: Government accountability refers to the responsibility of government officials and institutions to be answerable for their actions and decisions to the public, ensuring transparency and ethical behavior. This concept is fundamental in democratic societies, as it fosters trust between citizens and their government while encouraging active civic engagement. Accountability can be enforced through various mechanisms, including laws, regulations, public reporting, and investigative journalism.
Impeachment articles: Impeachment articles are formal charges brought against a public official, such as the President, in the context of an impeachment process. These articles outline specific allegations of misconduct that justify the removal of the official from office and serve as the basis for the impeachment trial in the Senate. The creation and approval of these articles are critical steps in holding officials accountable for actions that are deemed to be high crimes and misdemeanors.
Investigative Journalism: Investigative journalism is a form of journalism that seeks to uncover hidden information, often involving in-depth research and reporting on issues of public interest, corruption, or social injustices. This type of journalism plays a critical role in holding powerful entities accountable and informing the public about matters that may not be immediately visible or accessible.
Investigative reporters and editors: Investigative reporters and editors are journalists dedicated to uncovering the truth behind complex issues, often involving corruption, fraud, or abuse of power. They conduct in-depth research, interviews, and analysis to produce comprehensive stories that expose wrongdoing, inform the public, and hold powerful entities accountable. Their work requires critical thinking, persistence, and a commitment to ethical journalism.
Journalism ethics: Journalism ethics refers to the set of principles and standards that guide the practice of journalism, ensuring that reporting is fair, accurate, and responsible. These ethics help journalists navigate complex moral dilemmas, maintain credibility, and protect the rights of individuals while serving the public interest. It encompasses values such as truthfulness, accountability, integrity, and respect for sources and subjects, all of which are crucial in high-stakes reporting situations.
Nixon Administration: The Nixon Administration refers to the presidency of Richard Nixon, who served from 1969 until his resignation in 1974. This period is marked by significant political events, including the escalation of the Vietnam War, the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to Nixon's resignation. The administration's policies and actions had lasting effects on American politics and journalism.
Pentagon Papers: The Pentagon Papers were a classified Department of Defense report that detailed the United States' political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967. This document played a crucial role in exposing the government's misrepresentations of the war, leading to debates about government transparency and journalistic ethics, particularly in relation to objectivity in reporting, the Watergate scandal, and the evolution of investigative reporting.
Privacy Act of 1974: The Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that establishes a code of fair information practices to govern the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information by federal agencies. It aims to protect individuals' privacy rights while balancing the need for government transparency and accountability, particularly in the context of sensitive information that surfaced during events like Watergate.
Resignation of nixon: The resignation of Nixon refers to the decision made by President Richard Nixon to step down from office on August 8, 1974, in the wake of the Watergate scandal. This historic event marked the first time a sitting U.S. president resigned, demonstrating the power of investigative journalism and the importance of accountability in government. Nixon's resignation came after mounting pressure from the public, Congress, and the media, which revealed widespread abuses of power and misconduct during his administration.
Senate Watergate Committee: The Senate Watergate Committee was a special committee formed by the United States Senate in 1973 to investigate the Watergate scandal, a major political scandal involving President Richard Nixon's administration. The committee played a crucial role in uncovering the truth behind the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up efforts, leading to significant political consequences and increased scrutiny of government accountability.
The break-in: The break-in refers to the unauthorized entry into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., on June 17, 1972. This incident became a pivotal moment in American political history, as it led to a major investigation into the activities of the Nixon administration and uncovered widespread abuses of power, ultimately resulting in President Nixon's resignation.
The tapes: The tapes refer to a series of recorded conversations made by President Richard Nixon during his time in office, which became crucial evidence in the Watergate scandal. These recordings revealed discussions about the cover-up of the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and other activities related to the abuse of power by the Nixon administration. The tapes were pivotal in uncovering the truth behind the scandal and led to increased public scrutiny and demands for accountability.
The Washington Post: The Washington Post is a major American daily newspaper known for its influential journalism and in-depth political reporting. It has played a crucial role in significant historical events, particularly during times of governmental scrutiny and crisis, shaping public discourse and informing citizens about important issues.
Verification: Verification is the process of confirming the accuracy and truthfulness of information or claims before they are published or broadcasted. It ensures that journalists uphold the integrity of their work by using reliable sources and evidence, which is crucial in maintaining public trust in news media. This process becomes especially vital during investigations and breaking news, where the stakes for accurate reporting are high.
Watergate Hearings: The Watergate Hearings were a series of congressional investigations that aimed to uncover the details and implications of the Watergate scandal, which involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent attempts by the Nixon administration to cover it up. These hearings were pivotal in exposing the abuse of power and corruption at high levels of government, leading to significant political consequences, including President Nixon's resignation.
Watergate Scandal: The Watergate Scandal was a major political scandal in the United States during the early 1970s, following a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up by members of the Nixon administration. This scandal led to a significant decline in trust toward government institutions, raising questions about ethics in journalism and the role of media in holding power accountable.