Sam Whitmore: WSJ’s Bill Bulkeley laid off

In what world does something like this happen? The Wall Street Journal basically shuts down its Boston bureau and, in so doing, jettisons one of its top reporters.

There are too many high profile, top-of-their-game reporters in free agency these days. The Fourth Estate is more than profits and losses…it’s the core of the checks and balances that make up the bedrock of a democratic society. Unfortunately, the last few years have seen the erosion of media’s role as a recorder of history and public watchdog. As an industry, media has allowed Trumponian ideals to overtake Cronkiteian roles and responsibilities.

Journalism’s heartbeat gets weaker each time it abandons its best players.