The Paper

The Paper, along with being one of the most light-hearted films we have watched, was also one of the only ones with a happy ending. I especially admired Alicia Clark who, though she doesn’t seem like a very admirable person, redeemed herself in the end. Yes, they could have just changed the story the next day and yes, maybe no one takes their paper seriously, but in the end, there are no excuses. She realized that what she did was journalistically unethical went through ridiculous lengths to make it right. I noticed that even though Henry would do anything to get a story, his first obligation was to truth and his first loyalty was to citizens. He would not sacrifice journalistic integrity, and he even fought (literally) Alicia to maintain that integrity.

A Washington Post review of The Paper

Broadcast News and The Paper

Broadcast News

Jane Craig of Broadcast News makes every effort practice good journalism, and to rebuke those who don't. Her passion for reporting and doing her absolute best is apparent throughout the film. She is very much a control freak and at times, it can get her into trouble. Though a complete exaggeration, this film is also a good illustration of the inner workings of a more modern television news room. This is especially evident during the scene where Jane takes over the set as executive producer passing on guidance into the ear piece of anchor Tom Grunick. As the film progresses Tom and Jane begin to fall for each other. Jane's co-worker and long time friend Aaron Altman watches their relationship develop with great frustration, as he too has feelings for Jane. Much to his dismay, Tom and Jane do wind up together and eventually prepare to take a week trip to a tropical island. Aaron feels the need to tell Jane that Tom shot footage of himself after having completed an interview and had inserted the later footage into the final cut. This made Jane realize that Tom epitomized everything everything that she hated most about the direction journalism was heading. The movie ends with neither Tom nor Aaron winning Jane, who has found another man.

The Paper

The Paper tells the story of another passionate individual, Henry Hackett, who is an editor at the New York Sun. Henry's only problem is that he takes his passion to an unhealthy level when it comes before his pregnant wife Martha. When there's a story brewing, Henry's every thought is focused on finding the next detail of the story that will bring it closer to print. He generally practices good journalism and his conscious is actively involved in his decision making process. He did steal a lead from the editor of a rival paper during an interview, but he refused to go to print with a false story. He went to any lengths necessary to obtain the quote he needed to set the story right before going to print.