The Moth Podcast Summary: Lewis Lapham – "The Rookie Reporter"

Episode Information

• Title: Lewis Lapham: The Rookie Reporter
• Host/Author: The Moth
• Release Date: April 5, 2010

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Moth, renowned journalist Lewis Lapham shares a personal and transformative story from his early career as a newspaper reporter. Recorded live at The Moth's main stage in 1999, Lapham's narrative explores themes of mentorship, ethical dilemmas, and the darker facets of journalism.

Setting the Scene: Autumn of 1957

Lewis Lapham begins his story by reminiscing about his introduction to the newspaper business in Oakland, California.

“I am 22 years old and I have just come back to the United States from Cambridge University in England. I have my first job, which is as a cub reporter for the San Francisco Examiner...”
(02:10)

He describes the press room as a relic of the past, filled with typewriters and understated decor, setting the tone for the traditional and somewhat cynical environment he was about to enter.

Meeting the Mentors

Lapham introduces three influential figures who served as his mentors: Crowley of the Examiner, Doogary of the Chronicle, and Swan of the Call Bulletin. These seasoned journalists, all in their fifties, exuded a cynical worldview and maintained their authority through subtle intimidation tactics.

“They never rise from their couch and they are cynical in the old sense of the word.”
(03:20)

His primary task involved procuring bourbon for these mentors, a duty that symbolized his initial foray into the unspoken power dynamics within the newsroom.

“I have to extort this from one of the city officials that inhabit the Oakland City Hall... And that was my primary task.”
(04:15)

The Vice of Journalism: Manipulation and Corruption

Lapham delves into the morally ambiguous practices that were commonplace in the newsroom. The acquisition of bourbon was not merely a casual request but a calculated move to extract information and influence officials under the threat of negative publicity.

“If the judge or the cop didn't come across with the bourbon... [they] would, you know, publish a story in the paper that would leave him for dead.”
(05:10)

This environment of fear and manipulation was further exacerbated by the behavior of photographers like Seymour Snare, who prioritized sensationalism over ethics.

“Seymour was trying to get her to pose in a negligee standing over the dying, the dying man.”
(07:45)

A Defining Moment: The Piedmont Incident

A pivotal moment in Lapham's career occurred when he was assigned to report on the death of a prominent Oakland citizen. Tasked with both informing the widow and obtaining a photograph of the deceased, Lapham faced an ethical crossroads.

“I explained... your husband has been run over by a truck... we are going to [have sex] for three hours.”
(13:30)

The widow's unexpected and intimate response to the tragic news left Lapham conflicted and burdened by the moral implications of his actions.

Consequences and Realizations

Upon returning to the press room, Lapham witnesses his mentors addressing a serious scandal involving the vice squad captain. This revelation forces him to confront the hypocrisy and ethical decay within the newspaper business.

“For the first and only time, I saw Doogaray, Crowley and Swann actually get off their couch and shuffle toward their typewriters to write the editorial...”
(16:05)

The experience serves as a profound lesson on the corrupting influence of power and the importance of integrity in journalism. Shortly after, Lapham is reassigned to San Francisco, bearing an indelible understanding of the media's complexities.

“I had an insight into the American news media that has stayed with me all these many years.”
(16:55)

Reflections and Legacy

Lapham concludes his story by reflecting on the ethical challenges he faced and the lasting impact they had on his career. His journey from a naive reporter to a seasoned journalist underscores the often unseen struggles within the media industry.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. On Mentorship and Cynicism

   “They never rise from their couch and they are cynical in the old sense of the word.”
   (03:20)

2. On Ethical Compromises

   “If the judge or the cop didn't come across with the bourbon... [they] would, you know, publish a story in the paper that would leave him for dead.”
   (05:10)

3. On Personal Conflict

   “I couldn't say this to Seymour. And I tried not to and. But eventually he wrung the story out of me and never spoke to me again...”
   (15:50)

4. On Media Integrity

   “I had an insight into the American news media that has stayed with me all these many years.”
   (16:55)

Conclusion

Lewis Lapham's "The Rookie Reporter" offers a gripping and honest portrayal of the early days in journalism, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and internal politics that shape the media landscape. Through his storytelling, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the personal and professional challenges that define a career in journalism.

Further Information

• About Lewis Lapham: Editor of Lapham's Quarterly, national correspondent for Harper's Magazine, and author of 13 books.
• Support The Moth: Visit themost.org to become a member or support the podcast.
• Listen to More Stories: Explore The Moth podcast on Stitcher and other streaming platforms.