[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

I wonder how much "fact gathering" ever got done. The Woodward -Bernstein myth of the "intrepid reporter" may have been mostly that, a myth. In reality reporters are used by various and sundry actors - you want to get your version of the story out - you call your friendly reporter - so it's not wearing out shoe leather pounding the pavement - it's answering the phone.

[ClearCase_guy]

I agree with you. The mythic version of a reporter is basically a sort of private detective. The brave reporter combs through dusty files. The brave reporter stakes out the suspect's house. The brave reporter cross-examines the bad guy late at night. The brave reporter scoops the competition and tells the world the important news.

In reality, as you said, the brave reporter sits at his desk and waits for the press releases to arrive.