An inspiration

‘Washington Post’ editor dies

The death of the legendary Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee on Tuesday is a reminder of the value of good and courageous journalism.

It was primarily his drive and focus that catapulted a hometown newspaper into the first rank of media worldwide and, in doing so, shape newsroom culture not just in the US but around the world. Without his input and his fearless pursuit of the truth, the Pentagon Papers - the secret government study of US involvement in Vietnam - would never have been published and the Watergate scandal would not have been exposed.

Bradlee had the courage to back two young unproven reporters on a story no one cared about but which, eventually led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon.

In the current era of unverified commentary on social media and the constant drone of Twitter, it is worth remembering that the ‘fourth estate’ is worth nurturing and remains a vital cornerstone of democracy.

Bradlee remains an inspiration to all journalists.