"I think when money starts to corrupt journalism, it undermines the journalism, and it undermines the credibility of the product, and you end up not succeeding"

Walter Isaacson's quote highlights the intricate relationship between journalism, money, and reliability. At the core, Isaacson highlights the detrimental impacts of monetary influence on journalistic integrity and success.

To start with, the expression "money begins to corrupt journalism" suggests that when monetary factors to consider overshadow journalistic integrity, the essence of journalism is compromised. This corruption may manifest through prejudiced reporting, sensationalism, or prioritizing earnings over truth. Wire service may indulge advertisers or political entities who offer financial backing, thereby compromising their ability to stay unbiased and independent. As an outcome, such practices can wear down the foundational principles of journalism, which intend to notify the general public with honesty, accuracy, and fairness.

Isaacson keeps in mind that this corruption "weakens the journalism" itself. When financial gain determines material, the quality of journalism suffers. Investigative pieces might be shelved due to lack of success, or stories might be affected to align with sponsors' interests. This dilutes the depth and scope of reporting, depriving the public of thorough and truthful narratives.

Additionally, Isaacson mentions the weakening of the "trustworthiness of the item." When readers pick up that journalism is tainted by financial interests, trust erodes. Credibility is journalism's currency; without it, news outlets lose their audiences' self-confidence. People rely on reliable journalism for info that forms their understanding of the world and affects decision-making. Therefore, when trustworthiness is questioned, the function of journalism in society is decreased.

Finally, Isaacson concludes that with credibility compromised, companies risk "not prospering." Success in journalism is sustained by trust, dependability, and stability. Financially driven practices may yield short-term gains but endanger long-lasting sustainability. Ultimately, audiences turn away from sources viewed as unreliable, leading to a decrease in readership, viewership, and impact.

In summary, Isaacson's quote is a cautionary reminder of the fundamental dangers when financial inspirations eclipse journalistic values, essentially arguing that stability and credibility need to remain journalism's directing concepts for enduring success.