AJR  Features
From AJR,   August/September 2004

Nixon's The One   

By Mark Feldstein
Mark Feldstein (prof.feldstein@gmail.com), a veteran investigative reporter, is the Richard Eaton Chair in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Maryland.      


Richard Nixon always seemed convinced that the news media were out to get him, but in fact he received far more positive than negative coverage throughout his career.

During his investigation of diplomat Alger Hiss' alleged Communist espionage, which catapulted him to national fame, Nixon befriended many journalists, adroitly supplying them with tips that helped him win glowing press. The Los Angeles Times, then a very partisan conservative organ, was such a consistent cheerleader for Nixon that its political editor effectively doubled as a campaign strategist, secretly writing many of Nixon's speeches.

As president, Nixon received the same deferential treatment that the White House press corps had previously granted his predecessors. Nixon's presidential campaign put conservative columnist Victor Lasky on its payroll to ensure favorable publicity.

So, Nixon's relationship with the media was far less antagonistic than many — including Nixon himself — believed.


Return to Home

###