The Jeremiad Over Journalism

Schlüter, ― could as of yet only dream of.‖ Second of all, the information that USIA sent out in
Europe was illegal to distribute in the United States. 360
However, bitter complaints over Jakobsen‘s article, and discussion over USIA‘s role in Denmark,
was published in the four subsequent issues of Journalisten. Danish journalists‘ letters-to-the-editor
argued that direct information feeds from the United States was no different than what was received
in the form of other press releases, and that Danish journalists could critically sift through the
information presented to them. 361
A few year later, and in a different context, freelance journalist Birthe Lauritsen, nevertheless made
a distinction between information from private corporations and foreign powers. In an article
discussing Danish journalists‘ alleged public relations work for Israel and Oman, Lauritsen argued,
―I think it is disturbing enough that journalists do paid PR-work for companies they also cover
in their media outlets, because even if they can differentiate between one thing and the other,
it can leave a different impression among the readers/listeners/viewers that the journalistic
credibility is at the level of politicians. Ugh. It is, however, totally mistaken when we run
errands for foreign powers.‖ 362
To journalists like Jakobsen and Lauritsen the information provided by USIA thereby raised three
potential problems. For one the American government with the USIA-printers got more direct
access to Danish newsrooms than the Danish government. Second, the information providede by
USIA was illegal within American borders but distributed freely in Denmark. Third, for some a
distinction should potentially be made between information flowing from private companies and
information flowing from foreign powers. 363
360 Ibid. Page 5. See also John M. Crewdson and Joseph B. Treaster, "Worldwide Propaganda Network Built by the
C.I.A.," The New York Times, December 26, 1977. Page 1.
361 See for example Otto Jensen, "No One Out!," Journalisten, May 4, 1988. Page 24.
362 Birthe Lauritsen, "For Fremmede Magter [for Foreign Powers]," Journalisten, March 24 1993. Back page.
363 The relationship between journalists and intelligence officers was also problematized in the American press where it
was argued that it was acceptable for journalists to seek information for intelligence officers, but that the journalists
should draw the line if the intelligence officer attempted to solicit information as well. Terence Smith, "C.I.A. Contacts
with Reporters: Officials and Newsmen Call Method Legitimate," The New York Times, December 25, 1977. Page 13.
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