The legendary anonymous source 'Deep Throat' of the Watergate scandal that single-handedly toppled a US President was revealed by Vanity Fair magazine and The Washington Post as W. Mark Felt, the FBI second in-command at the time. The information he provided to Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein helped them break many of the stories that led to the resignation of President Nixon.
The revelation came about after Felt's role was revealed to Vanity Fair by his family. Felt's repeated denials, and the stalwart silence of the reporters he aided - Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein - kept the cloak of mystery drawn up around 'Deep Throat'. In place of a name and a face, the source acquired a magic and a mystique which lasted for 30 years. The reporters had always said they will only reveal the identity of 'Deep Throat' after his death. With the family's own revelation, they felt there is no secret to keep anymore.
However, Felt's revelation as the secret source has received much praise and condemnation, even claims that the family's motives for the relevation was motivated by money and the family could expect a financial windfall from all this.
Whatever it is, it sure was a great example of professional journalism. Protecting the source is as much important as protecting the journalists and they kept this doctrine sacred throughout. Well done!
The revelation came about after Felt's role was revealed to Vanity Fair by his family. Felt's repeated denials, and the stalwart silence of the reporters he aided - Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein - kept the cloak of mystery drawn up around 'Deep Throat'. In place of a name and a face, the source acquired a magic and a mystique which lasted for 30 years. The reporters had always said they will only reveal the identity of 'Deep Throat' after his death. With the family's own revelation, they felt there is no secret to keep anymore.
However, Felt's revelation as the secret source has received much praise and condemnation, even claims that the family's motives for the relevation was motivated by money and the family could expect a financial windfall from all this.
Whatever it is, it sure was a great example of professional journalism. Protecting the source is as much important as protecting the journalists and they kept this doctrine sacred throughout. Well done!
No comments:
Post a Comment