The idea of reporters as truth-tellers is an important part of democracy.
It keeps people on their toes — in business, in sports, in entertainment, in politics. Sure, a lot of reporters cross ethical lines. Sure, there are gazillionaires who use their control of media outlets for their personal advantage. Such corruption is routine.
But this lesson has not been driven home. There are enormous long-term benefits in accepting the role of reporters as truth-tellers.
To insisting on it.