Who is a journalist?

My first job in journalism was as a copyboy at the NBC News Bureau in Washington, D.C. In my early 20s, I asked Bill Corrigan, the newsroom manager, “What must I do to get on the air?” He replied, “Get a college degree and a minimum of five years writing experience with a newspaper or wire service.”

In those days every reporter at NBC News and the other two networks came from print because television was relatively new and as network news president Reuven Frank noted in his book “Out of Thin Air,” we were making it up as we went along.

I got the college degree, but avoided the wire service and newspapers (until later) and have managed to enjoy a decent career in broadcast and print journalism.

The rules of the road to journalistic success have changed dramatically, as has the definition of journalist. Today, one can self-identify as a journalist without any background or experience.

Which brings me to George Stephanopoulos, the ABC News anchor and co-host of “Good Morning America.” Stephanopoulos donated $75,000 to the Clinton Foundation, but neglected to disclose that information while interviewing Peter Schweizer, author of “Clinton Cash,” a book critical of the foundation and the Clintons.

Stephanopoulos apologized and his bosses at ABC News said no disciplinary action is planned, except that he has removed himself from moderating or appearing on any debate panel during the 2016 election cycle. It doesn’t matter because anyone who replaces him will likely have the same worldview — Republican candidates bad; Hillary Clinton good.

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