Time for courage in journalism

The Washington Post's Walter Pincus believes "a new kind of courage is needed in journalism in this age of instant news, instant analysis, and therefore instant opinions."

Writing in the Summer 2006 issue of Nieman Reports, Pincus says:

Therefore, this is the time for reporters and editors, whether from the mainstream media or blogosphere, to pause before responding to the latest bulletin, prepared event, or the most recent statement or backgrounder, whether from the White House or the Democratic or Republican leadership on Capitol Hill. Of course, I'm not talking about reporting of a bomb blowing up in a restaurant, soldiers being shot, police caught in a firefight, a fire, an accident, a home run in the ninth to win a game, an Oscar winner, or a drop in the stock market.