Noshing With Steven L. Herman – May 16, 2024

Author, Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story of Covering the President—and Why It Matters

This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira engages in a profound conversation with Steven L. Herman, author of the fascinating book Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story of Covering the President—and Why It Matters. In this insightful episode, Steven shares his firsthand experiences from decades of reporting for the Voice of America (VOA), taking listeners behind the scenes of White House journalism and offering a rare glimpse into the delicate balance between government transparency and press accountability.

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A Journalist’s Journey: Why Steven L. Herman Wrote This Book

In Behind the White House Curtain, Steven L. Herman meticulously details the challenges of covering the U.S. President, from everyday press briefings to monumental national events. His career spans from early days reporting on nuclear testing in Nevada in the 1970s to the heights of covering the White House as chief national correspondent for VOA. The book offers an insider’s perspective on why public access to accurate and unbiased information is critical for democracy.

One key reason Steven wrote this book was to demystify the inner workings of the White House press corps, sharing how journalists navigate the daily pressures of reporting on the most powerful office in the world. He delves into the behind-the-scenes mechanics of news coverage, vetting by the Secret Service, and the rigorous standards that journalists follow to ensure the public gets factual, timely news.

Understanding the Role of Voice of America (VOA)

The Voice of America (VOA) is unlike any other media outlet. Steven explains that VOA is the only news organization mandated to be objective, making it a crucial source of unbiased information, especially in times of political turbulence. He elaborates on VOA’s role in the press pool, which is responsible for disseminating accurate information directly from the White House to other media outlets. Being part of this pool gives VOA unique access to top-level news and policy changes.

Steven also discusses his deep respect for VOA’s journalistic ethics, highlighting the organization’s commitment to accuracy over speed—a guiding principle that contrasts with the hyper-speed of modern news cycles. This approach ensures that every piece of information is fact-checked and verified before it reaches the public, reinforcing the importance of trustworthy journalism in preserving democracy.

The White House Press Pool: What It Really Does

Have you ever wondered how White House journalists are vetted or why there are exactly 49 seats in the press briefing room? Steven takes us into the world of White House journalism, where the White House Correspondents Association determines the seating chart in the press briefing room, and where journalists are frequently vetted by the Secret Service before they can even step foot in the building. These press members play a pivotal role in conveying the administration’s messages to the public while also holding it accountable.

Herman sheds light on how journalists work tirelessly to ask the hard questions and get truthful answers—even in situations where government officials are reluctant to provide transparency. Through anecdotes and personal stories, Steven shows how the press is both the eyes and ears of the public, offering clarity on why freedom of the press is essential for a functioning democracy.

Radio: Steven Herman’s First Love

Despite his impressive career in television and digital journalism, Steven L. Herman reveals that radio remains his first love. He fondly reminisces about the early days of his career when he worked in radio, emphasizing the unique challenges and rewards of audio journalism. For Steven, the intimate nature of radio reporting allows journalists to connect more deeply with their audience, providing critical news coverage in real time, especially during crises such as natural disasters or political upheaval.

Challenges and Surprises in White House Reporting

Throughout his career, Steven has faced numerous challenges, including covering the Trump administration, which often clashed with the press over the concept of “confirmation bias”. In his book, he explains how this bias plays a significant role in the public’s perception of news, especially in today’s politically polarized environment. His experiences during this era led him to the conclusion that unbiased, fact-based reporting is more critical than ever before.

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