tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105020302989183056.post2044905857592337429..comments2023-05-12T04:06:39.831-04:00Comments on Horswill on political seamanship: Do political journalists need informal time with politicians?Les Horswillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228684169934792598noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-105020302989183056.post-30311090360690157472011-12-10T14:17:10.486-05:002011-12-10T14:17:10.486-05:00Trouble is Les, that even for the most virtuous jo...Trouble is Les, that even for the most virtuous journalists truly dedicated to the strict separation of Church (journalism) and State (our political lords and masters), proximity to power is strangely seductive. <br /><br />It is exceeding hard to write nasty things about a powerful politico who, over a couple of drinks and fine sushi, has once charmed you with inside tales of (other) politician's abuses and misuses of power, particularly if said abuses and misuses are sordidly sexual and/or result in career-warming scoops for you.<br /><br />When I was Executive Producer, CBC News in Ottawa, I made it a point to refuse invitations to dine or drink alone with any politicians, diplomats or bureaucrats who might be trying to influence the news.<br /><br />Going to formal receptions was, of course, part of the job. Huddling in a corner with the lobbying powerful eager to explain the magnificence of his/her latest project, was certainly not.<br /><br />However, I do miss the occasional midnight exchange of scandal at the bar of the now defunct Press Club …Tim Knighthttp://www.timknight.orgnoreply@blogger.com