Nicholas D. Allen

An intriguing suggestion at the Online Journalism Review

Insist that reporters have either professional or academic expertise in the beat that they cover. Simply knowing such sources isn’t good enough anymore, not with professionals having direct access to the public through blogs and discussion forums. Journalists must have the expertise to help the reader sort the accurate from the incorrect. If all we do is repeating what others say, readers won’t need us anymore. They can use Google and social media to find those sources for themselves.

I’m reminded of the saying about getting help fitting shoes in a department store.  The person selling you shoes probably worked in appliances last week.