Because New York Times, that’s why!
Bill Keller, the liberal former executive editor of the New York Times, who remains a columnist for the paper, linked to an article in the Times written by David Carr which examines what it takes to be considered a “journalist” and not merely an “activist.”
Carr cuts thru the who's-a-journalist blather. Journalism, Even When It’s Tilted http://t.co/jUXttEOKRk
— Bill Keller (@billkeller2014) July 1, 2013
The short version: You become a journalist when somebody at the New York Times says you are a journalist:
Blather until the Times weighs in. Quoting: @nytkeller "Carr cuts thru the who's-a-journalist blather." https://t.co/eZ3IVEkX1s
— Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) July 1, 2013
https://twitter.com/dangillmor/status/351680202193117184
@jayrosen_nyu remember @nytkeller regarded Assange as "a source, not as a partner or collaborator … a man who clearly had his own agenda".
— Toby Manhire (@toby_etc) July 1, 2013
https://twitter.com/JulLarsen/status/351678385308712960
Possibly because the powers that be at the Times consider those people to be “activists” and “just a blogger” types whose reporting is only legitimized after being vetted by real journalists at the Times.
James O’Keefe had a few questions for the Times’ David Carr:
Hey, @carr2n, while on subject of defining "journalism," why is admitted bugger considered journo by DOJ while citizen journos harassed?
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) July 1, 2013
With over corrections and retractions on our work, @carr2n, does that make the MSM culprits 'not journalists' according your accuracy rules?
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) July 1, 2013
Why, @carr2n, must journalism be something you are, instead of something you do? #EndTheJournalismCartel
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) July 1, 2013
Hey, @carr2n, while on subject of defining "journalism," why is admitted bugger considered journo by DOJ while citizen journos harassed?
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) July 1, 2013
O’Keefe had a final point:
You've disqualified MSM, @Sulliview; 'A real journo is one who..doesn’t shy away from, the adversarial relationship between govt and press'
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) July 1, 2013