Neill Goltz: Let's Not Call It An Investigation
I don't think that what
The Northwestern is doing can be classified as "investigating".
It's a profile, a news story, an attempt to stir the soup, something. But it's
not "an investigation".
The reporter is asking questions, seeking facts, forming an opinion. He may
be making the facts fit the story that he already intends to write. But it's
not an "investigation".
He may be seeking to change or influence "public opinion." He may
be trying to discredit Commentary (to the advantage of The Northwestern?). But
it's not an investigation.
An "investigation" at its heart is an examination into wrongdoing.
There is no wrongdoing here. So there can't be an investigation.
A better headline or title would be, "Northwestern accuses Commentary Host
Tony Palmeri of conflict of interest". People can read the story, review
the Commentary files and draw their own conclusions.
But let's not call it an investigation; it just doesn't sound right, to my ear.
"Neill"