Platsky, transportation and economics reporter for NY state paper, retires

Jeff Platsky, who covers transportation and the economy for the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin in New York, is retiring.

He writes, “Practicing journalism doesn’t mean being a cheerleader. Journalism, as practiced by pros, means holding the powerful to account. A reporter is, by nature, a skeptic. The adage in the trade: ‘If your mother tells you she loves you, check it out.’

“Let’s be straight. Journalism and a free press, despite claims of its current detractors, have one main purpose: safeguard a fragile democracy.  We, who practice serious investigative journalism take the chore seriously and, I can assure you, without bias.

“Through the years reporting roadblocks have been immense: uncooperative sources; unexplained delays to Freedom of Information requests; sidestepping penetrating questions; and now, most distressing, attacks on press credibility. In the face of obstacles, we march on.”

Read more here.