Meaning: The quote by Daniel Okrent, the first public editor of The New York Times, addresses the issue of reporting on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Okrent's statement reflects on the failures in journalism during that time and the implications of such reporting. The context of the quote lies in the aftermath of the Iraq War, where the presence of WMDs, which was cited as a primary reason for military intervention, was not found. This led to widespread criticism of the media's role in disseminating information that ultimately proved to be inaccurate.

In his quote, Okrent suggests that the reporting on WMDs was not driven by a conscious intent to deceive or manipulate, but rather by a failure in journalistic standards and practices. By acknowledging that it was "bad journalism, even very bad journalism," he emphasizes the severity of the lapse in journalistic integrity and the impact it had on public perception and policy decisions.

The reporting on WMDs in the early 2000s is a significant and controversial chapter in the history of journalism. Many news outlets, including prestigious publications, reported on the alleged presence of WMDs in Iraq based on information provided by government sources and intelligence agencies. This information was then disseminated to the public, shaping the narrative and justifying the military action taken by the United States and its allies.

However, as events unfolded and no WMDs were found, the credibility of the media and its role in informing the public came into question. The failure to critically examine and verify the information provided by government sources highlighted a critical shortcoming in journalistic principles. This failure had far-reaching consequences, impacting public trust in the media and the government, as well as the lives affected by the war.

Okrent's observation that the reporting on WMDs was not consciously evil but rather a manifestation of bad journalism raises important questions about the responsibilities and ethical obligations of journalists. It underscores the need for rigorous fact-checking, independent verification of sources, and a commitment to presenting an accurate and balanced account of events.

In the aftermath of the WMD reporting debacle, media organizations faced intense scrutiny and criticism. The episode served as a wake-up call for the industry, prompting soul-searching and calls for reforms to prevent similar failures in the future. It also led to a reevaluation of the relationship between the media and government, with increased emphasis on maintaining independence and skepticism in reporting on official narratives.

The quote by Daniel Okrent encapsulates the gravity of the WMD reporting issue and its reverberating impact on journalism and public discourse. It serves as a reminder of the vital role of the media in upholding the truth, informing the public, and holding those in power accountable. By acknowledging the failure as "bad journalism, even very bad journalism," Okrent challenges the industry to learn from its mistakes and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in its pursuit of truth.