"There's no worse crime in journalism these days than simply deciding something's a story because Drudge links to it"

The quote by Chuck Todd critically takes a look at the influence of particular media sources, like the Drudge Report, on the news program. It shows issues about the gatekeeping function that standard journalism when played, which is significantly wearing down in the internet age. Drudge Report, established by Matt Drudge, is well-known for curating and connecting to news stories from numerous outlets, often accentuating mind-blowing or politically charged content.

By stating, "There's no even worse criminal offense in journalism these days than simply deciding something's a story due to the fact that Drudge links to it", Todd highlights an unpleasant pattern: reporters and wire service may be relying too greatly on the causal sequence produced by aggregator sites like Drudge, instead of working out independent editorial judgment. This reliance can result in a cycle where stories that might not require significant attention are artificially magnified, while more deserving topics stay under-reported.

This dynamic raises critical questions about newsworthiness and journalistic stability. Generally, journalism aspires to select stories based upon their public interest, importance, and factual basis. However, when editorial decisions are affected by what's trending or gaining traction on platforms like Drudge, the criteria for news selection can shift towards what generates clicks and views instead of what serves the general public excellent.

Furthermore, Todd's remark shows the wider challenges posed by digital media on journalism ethics. In an era where speed and page views often take precedence, the danger is that journalists might prioritize stories that are sensational or dissentious merely since they are linked by influential aggregators, rather than pursuing strenuous reporting.

In amount, Chuck Todd's quote prompts a reflection on the duty of reporters to maintain editorial independence and underscores the significance of prioritizing journalistic values. It requires watchfulness against external pressures in forming the news program, highlighting the requirement for dedicated, quality journalism that puts the primary focus on reality and significance over benefit and popularity.