Journalists as public intellectuals have their own paths to independence. By focusing on synthesis, analysis, and informed criticism, rather than straight day-to-day reporting, knowledge journalists are less restrained by the need to maintain access to sources, and thereby may have more freedom to challenge prevailing assumptions and conventions. Moreover, their popularity and ability to produce work across multiple platforms can give them greater freedom to choose their subjects and to frame issues as they see fit.
Read the full piece at Forbes
See the underlying study report at Harvard University