news

Today's New York Times has an interesting op-ed by "Public Editor" Clark Hoyt about reporters who also write columns, that is, opinion pieces, on the same subjects they cover.  His question: Is that appropriate?

The question is interesting but largely passe to the point of almost being quaint. Print reporters routinely get interviewed on television and radio about the stories they cover and are often treated as experts in their field.  Many print and on air journalists these days also have blogs in which they provide their opinions on many of the same subjects they write about as reporters.

It's not surprising, therefore, that the publications for which these journalists report also want them to provide the opinion-oriented content instead of allowing them to provide it elsewhere.

There's also a bottom line consideration that Hoyt doesn't mention: Having one of your reporters write a column in most cases means that you don't have to pay someone to provide that additional content.

Will new OMB Director Jim Nussle ever be heard from again?

That's the question I I try to answer in this week's "Budget Battles" column on nationaljournal.com. 

There's little doubt that Nussle's preference is to get out there and score points for the White Houset.  He is combative, partisan, and likes to mix it up.  (Remember, this is the representative who made a speech on the House floor with a bag over his head to criticize the Democratic leadership. )