Journalists are hearing these words — “no comment” or “was unavailable” — or variations thereof with increasing frequency in 2014, but the days when that’s the end of the story may be over, thanks to a new blog.
“Couldn’t Be Reached” is the creation of two journalists working for the Center for Public Integrity, an investigative reporting operation founded in the nation’s capital in 1989.
“Lately, whether it’s an investigative, nonprofit newsroom like us, an international outlet like the New York Times, or newer media like Politico or BuzzFeed — when journalists call, officials are choosing to comment less for stories on the record,” write the center’s media relations specialist William Gray and engagement editor Sarah Whitmire.
The purpose of the new blog is “to shine a light on just how often this happens and decided a new blog was the perfect platform,” the bloggers say.
“It will focus on the institutions and people in power — both private and public — who refuse to comment on the record on stories in the public interest. It will be nonpartisan and apply the same high standards to its postings at the Center applies to its investigative reporting,” they say.
Journalists of all stripes are invited to submit their examples of getting the “no comment” treatment. Posts have come from reporters at the Washington Post, Pro Publica, the Intercept and CNN, among others.
The new blog can be found on Tumblr and its Twitter address is @DidNotComment. The hashtag is #nocommentclub.
Mark Tapscott is executive editor of the Washington Examiner.
