Ep 4. Matters Of Fact

The Fourth Estate is a documentary series that follows journalists from The New York Times as they cover the first year of President Trump's administration. In the fourth episode titled "Matters Of Fact," the focus is on the challenges the newspaper faces in covering the new administration amidst the administration's accusations of "fake news" and the rise of alternative media outlets.

The episode highlights the tension between the White House and the press with the introduction of a new press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders. We see Sanders in her first briefing, where she immediately faces questions about the president's unhappiness with the media and her own credibility as a spokesperson. This sets the tone for the rest of the episode as The Times tries to cover the administration's policies and actions while facing hostility and pushback.

The episode also delves into the process of sourcing and fact-checking that takes place at The Times. We see reporters like Michael S. Schmidt and Maggie Haberman digging deep into stories, verifying their sources, and presenting the information in a way that is clear and accurate. The documentary shows how difficult it can be to report on the administration's policies and going beyond the talking points that are often used. It also highlights the importance of the press in holding the government accountable.

Another issue that is explored in this episode is the role of social media in the news cycle. The Times has always been a print newspaper, but they are now taking advantage of social media platforms like Twitter to break news and engage with readers. We see reporters like Jim Rutenberg and Michael Barbaro utilizing Twitter in new and innovative ways to connect with their audience and break news. The episode also shows the dangers of social media in spreading misinformation and propaganda.

Finally, the episode touches on the personal toll that covering the Trump administration is taking on The Times reporters. Haberman, Schmidt, and others discuss the long hours, the constant barrage of criticism, and the potential for burnout. This humanizes the reporters and reminds us that they are not just cogs in a machine but people with families, friends, and lives outside of work.

Overall, "Matters Of Fact" is a powerful episode that shows the importance of a free press in a democracy. It highlights the challenges and obstacles that journalists face in covering the government, and the importance of accuracy and transparency in reporting. The Fourth Estate continues to be an engaging and insightful series that provides a valuable behind-the-scenes look at the workings of one of the world's most respected newspapers.