Meaning: The quote you provided is from Daniel Okrent, who served as the first public editor of The New York Times from 2003 to 2005. The quote reflects an issue that arose during his tenure, where there was a distinction made between the news department and the opinion pages at the newspaper.

In the quote, Okrent mentions a person named Gail who didn't want him to comment on the opinion pages. This indicates that there was some resistance to Okrent's involvement in matters related to the opinion section of the newspaper. He then goes on to emphasize that he was hired by the news department and asserts that despite the claims of the Times' critics, the news department and the opinion pages are separate entities with no direct connection to each other.

This quote sheds light on the complexities and internal dynamics of a major newspaper like The New York Times. It highlights the delineation between news reporting, which is expected to be objective and based on facts, and the opinion section, which allows for the expression of personal viewpoints and commentary. This distinction is crucial in maintaining the journalistic integrity and credibility of a publication.

Daniel Okrent's role as the public editor, also known as the ombudsman, was to represent the readers and address their concerns about the newspaper's content and practices. His position was created to enhance transparency and accountability within The New York Times, and to provide an avenue for readers to voice their feedback and criticisms.

The resistance Okrent faced in commenting on the opinion pages suggests that there may have been internal tensions or differing perspectives on the extent of his oversight as the public editor. It also raises questions about the perceived boundaries between the newsroom and the editorial or opinion departments within the newspaper.

The reference to "the rabid assertions of the Times' enemies and detractors" indicates that The New York Times was facing external criticism and scrutiny during Okrent's tenure. This could have potentially influenced the internal dynamics and decision-making processes within the newspaper, including the delineation between the news and opinion sections.

Overall, this quote from Daniel Okrent provides insight into the challenges and nuances of maintaining journalistic standards and independence within a renowned publication like The New York Times. It underscores the importance of upholding editorial integrity, managing internal relationships, and navigating external pressures while fulfilling the responsibilities of a public editor.