It’s the critics of the New York Times’ bias who are the enemies of good journalism, in Raines’ eyes. Here’s the relevant quote:
The most important development of the post-war period among journalists, American journalists, was the acceptance throughout our profession of an ethic that says we report and edit the news for our papers, but we don’t wear the political collar of our owners, or the government, or any political party. It is that legacy we must protect with our diligent stewardship. To do so means we must be aware of the energetic effort that is now underway to convince our readers that we are ideologues. It is an exercise of, in disinformation, of alarming proportions. This attempt to convince the audience of the world’s most ideology free newspapers that they’re being subjected to agenda driven news reflecting a liberal bias. I don’t believe our viewers and readers will be in the long-run misled by those who advocate biased journalism.-But perhaps those of us who work for fair-minded publications and broadcasters have been too passive in pointing out the agendas of those who want to use journalism as a political tool, while aiming an accusing finger at those who practice balanced journalism. I believe as Coach Bryant used to say, ‘The fourth quarter belongs to us.’
Bottom line: he knows criticism of his ideological trashing of the New York Times’ reputation for fairness has had an effect. Did the critics win the first three quarters, Howell? But rather than change, or admit his crusading left-liberalism, he wants to smear the critics. He’s still part of the problem, isn’t he?
The Dish 