To err is human but to really foul up requires a computer

To err is human but to really foul up requires a computer

Dan Rather, a renowned American journalist and former CBS Evening News anchor, is no stranger to the impact of technology on the news industry. Throughout his career, Rather has witnessed firsthand the evolution of media and the increasing reliance on computers for reporting and broadcasting. In this context, the famous quote "To err is human but to really foul up requires a computer" takes on a new significance.

In the fast-paced world of journalism, accuracy is paramount. Journalists like Dan Rather are expected to deliver news quickly and accurately to the public. However, the introduction of computers into the newsroom has brought about new challenges. While computers have streamlined the news-gathering process and made it easier to disseminate information, they have also introduced the potential for errors on a much larger scale.

One of the most infamous examples of a computer-related error in journalism occurred in 2004, when Dan Rather reported on a story about President George W. Bush's military service based on documents that were later found to be forged. The incident, known as "Rathergate," tarnished Rather's reputation and raised questions about the reliability of computer-generated information in news reporting.