ABSTRACT

A GOOD JOURNALIST has a number of advantages over a good diplomat. He usually has ready access, not least because most politicians love publicity. He can ask to see anyone he wants; of course he may be refused, but the same is true of a diplomat whose government may be more sensitive to a rebuff. He can normally ask any question he likes and may be able to press hard for an answer, especially if the interview is on radio or television. But he has his problems. His ‘stories’ generally have to be topical and he can only rarely get longish ‘think pieces’ published (unless he works for, say, the Neue Zuercher Zeitung). He has to work to deadlines. Moreover, he must think of his audience or readership and, unfortunately, he has to pander to the whims and likes or dislikes of the proprietor of his organization.