On the Media: Bob's Grill #1 – Interview with Judith Miller

Podcast Information:

• Title: On the Media
• Host/Author: WNYC Studios
• Episode: Bob's Grill #1: Judith Miller
• Release Date: August 3, 2016

Introduction

In the premiere episode of the "Bob's Grill" series, hosted by Judith Miller herself, On the Media delves into the complexities of journalistic integrity, source confidentiality, and the repercussions of reporting in high-stakes political environments. This in-depth conversation explores Miller's controversial reporting on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), her involvement in the Valerie Plame affair, and the broader implications for media and government transparency.

Judith Miller's Journalistic Journey

The episode opens with a nostalgic nod to summer grilling, setting a relaxed tone before transitioning into a discussion of Miller's pivotal role in shaping media narratives during the early 2000s.

Bob: "Summer and grilling, they're made for each other, right? And that's why all this August, you're invited to Bob's Grill, a collection of interviews from over the years where one person takes on the role of the chef."

Judith Miller: Briefly joins the conversation with a casual “Mmm.” (00:34)

Miller, a former national security reporter for the New York Times, gained national attention for her reporting on Iraq's WMDs, which significantly influenced public opinion and policy decisions leading up to the Iraq War.

The Plame Affair and Legal Challenges

A central theme of the interview revolves around Miller's entanglement in the Valerie Plame CIA leak investigation.

Narrator: "Miller was jailed for contempt of court in the Valerie Plame leak investigation... she refused to give up her source and chose to sit behind bars for 85 days..." (01:02)

Miller's steadfastness in protecting her sources, particularly Scooter Libby—a senior White House official—led to significant legal and professional consequences. The discussion highlights the tension between national security and journalistic freedom.

Judith Miller: "Some people still felt that, you know, under no conditions should I have testified... Every journalist, in the absence of a federal shield law, has to decide what constitute a voluntary and explicit waiver." (03:10)

Source Confidentiality and Attribution Disputes

A critical moment in the interview addresses Miller's interactions with Scooter Libby regarding source attribution.

Interviewer: "By your own retelling in the New York Times, you said that you agreed in conversations with Scooter Libby that you would identify him not as a high White House official, but in fact, as a former Capitol Hill staffer." (03:44)

Judith Miller: "No, I did not... I never agreed to identify Scooter Libby in print by that attribution." (04:04)

This exchange underscores the complexities and potential misunderstandings in journalist-source relationships, especially when dealing with sensitive political information.

Critique of WMD Reporting and Source Reliability

The conversation shifts to Miller's reporting on WMDs in Iraq, a subject that attracted substantial criticism post-war.

Interviewer: "Were you played for a chump by these sources, Ahmed Chalabi in particular?" (06:05)

Judith Miller: "I think that the sources that I relied on were reliable... these tubes weren't kind of theoretical tubes or reports of tubes. These were tubes the CIA had." (10:10)

Miller defends her reporting by emphasizing the credibility she attributed to her sources at the time, while also acknowledging that intelligence assessments were flawed.

Reflections on Journalistic Standards and Intelligence Failures

Miller reflects on her approach to journalism amidst the backdrop of intelligence community missteps.

Judith Miller: "I do think that there was a difference here... we did the best we could with the information we had available." (10:10)

Interviewer: "The US Intelligence apparatus has gotten a great number of things wrong going back decades." (09:43)

The dialogue highlights the challenges journalists face in reporting accurate information when relying on imperfect governmental intelligence.

Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

As the interview wraps up, Miller reiterates her commitment to journalistic principles despite personal and professional setbacks.

Judith Miller: "Every time I make a mistake in a story, I go back and I look and I say to myself, how did I get this wrong... I wish that people were more concerned about how the US Intelligence community... got it so wrong." (09:05)

The episode concludes by reaffirming Miller's dedication to the integrity of her reporting and the ongoing scrutiny of media's role in shaping public discourse.

Key Takeaways

• Journalistic Integrity: Miller's steadfastness in protecting sources, even at personal cost, underscores the ethical dilemmas journalists face.

• Source Reliability: The reliability of sources is paramount, yet not infallible, as evidenced by the flawed intelligence on WMDs.

• Media Responsibility: The media's role in informing the public must balance accuracy with the complexities of government information.

• Intelligence Critique: A critical view of the intelligence community's historical inaccuracies highlights the need for cautious and thorough journalism.

Notable Quotes:

• Judith Miller (03:10): "Every journalist, in the absence of a federal shield law, has to decide what constitute a voluntary and explicit waiver."

• Judith Miller (10:10): "We did the best we could with the information we had available."

• Interviewer (09:43): "The US Intelligence apparatus has gotten a great number of things wrong going back decades."

This episode of On the Media provides a comprehensive look into the trials and tribulations of high-stakes journalism, highlighting Judith Miller's role in some of the most contentious reporting of the early 21st century. Through candid dialogue, listeners gain insight into the delicate balance between reporting truthfully and navigating the murky waters of political influence and governmental secrecy.