Final answer:
Stephen's initial mistake was assuming a plane crash was merely pilot error, reflecting a failure in critical journalistic investigation. This mistake is serious, emphasizing the importance of journalistic integrity and the role of the press as a watchdog for public interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stephen's first journalistic mistake is the false assumption that the plane crash into the first building was simply a result of pilot error, as indicated in the provided reference from Greenberg (2004, p. 2). This mistake highlights a lack of critical questioning and investigation, which is counterproductive to journalistic integrity. Comparing with the regret expressed by Amanpour for not covering the Rwandan genocide, it becomes evident that the mistake seems serious. Such oversight can have significant consequences, as failing to properly report or investigate events can result in a misinformed public and missed opportunities to instigate or support reforms.
Journalists carry a significant responsibility to report all that they see because they act as watchdogs for the public interest and have an impact on the direction of public discourse and, indirectly, policies. The press must navigate the delicate balance between government and commercial pressures without succumbing to sensationalism or triviality, ensuring that democratic societies remain informed. Journalistic integrity, the need to abide by the principles of truth-telling and fairness, is essential in this context.
The concept of pack journalism is criticized for leading to a lack of original investigation, while attack journalism has raised questions about the motives behind journalistic endeavors, specifically whether the pursuit is for the truth or for notoriety at the expense of the common good. This is exemplified by the coverage of President Bill Clinton's impeachment, where critics argued it was driven partly by a desire to 'bring down' a prominent figure rather than focusing on the public interest.