Rachel Smolkin | Off the Sidelines
Smolkin writes about the conflict for journalists when they are required on the one hand to be objective observers and on the other to respond as human beings to suffering and tragedy. Her experience reporting on the inexcusable lack of government help during Katrina changed her from a hard-line view (journalists should only report, never help victims) to feeling that helping out does not compromise one's impartiality and objectivity in reporting a tragedy.
-Journalists' actions during Katrina not only humanized them but also gave them ___________ in challenging the failed efforts of government officials.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Helping out during Katrina gave journalists credibility in challenging the failed efforts of government officials, as it showed they were not only observers but also engaged and empathetic witnesses to the events.