Are Political journalists too close to their subject

I have written a couple of pieces about journalists relationships with the people that they cover and the theme continued last night when the political blogger Guido Fawkes appeared in a five minute piece on Newsnight last night.

He accused journalists such as Jeremy Paxman and Nick Robinson of timidity,of hiding behind the impartiality line and of not wanting to upset what he described as "cosy relationships with politicans"

Whereas bloggers such as himself can effectively go after politicans,it is something that you rarely see in commercial broadcasting.The reason why is that he doesnt have to do political interviews and can jeopodize his relationships with politicians.

He cites the example of Sky sending a junior reporter to interview David Cameron,when the newly elected Tory leader lost both his thread and temper.As a consequence,Sky lost access to the inner world of Tory politics for several weeks.

Journalists should break more stories than simply toeing the party line.

Nick Robinson who was interviewed for the piece is less than happy with its conclusions

"Attempting to engage with him in a grown up way I told "Guido" the truth. Namely, that in order for specialist journalists (whether health or legal or political reporters) to know their subject inside out they have to build working relationships with those they report on. Having worked at Panorama for some years, I know that it is sometimes easier for someone coming from outside to make the big "mother of a blow out" investigation without fear of burning their contacts. I went on to argue that this does not stop me asking the big and tough questions when they need asking.
Silly me. "Guido" uses my interview to argue that I don't "need to be so craven" and that "I should worry less about my relationship with politicians and more about my relations with viewers".

Guido's response

"Nick Robinson regrets speaking to Guido, well that may be, he probably won't give Guido an interview again. Bovvered.Maybe he thinks Guido should "pull his punches"?