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10 Plus 1: From President Clinton To Justice Roberts With Correspondent Barry Bagnato

By Hillary Profita

January 11, 2007 / 10:25 AM EST / CBS News

(CBS)

CBS Radio News correspondent Barry Bagnato covers everything from cancer research to the Supreme Court from his post in Washington, D.C. With that wide range of responsibilities, Barry has some interesting tidbits to share – from people's fascination with Bill Clinton to the benefits and the drawbacks of covering more than just one beat.

What do you do at CBS News?

I am a correspondent for CBS Radio News, covering a variety of stories and issues in Washington, D.C., and outside. Because I have no single beat, I have to be flexible and versatile. The Supreme Court and medical stories are the closest things I have to regular responsibilities. For the court, for instance, I read briefs for cases, choose issues that I believe will interest our audience, and develop them.

What single issue should be covered more at CBS News?

Global warming.

Give us a great behind the scenes story.

Covering the first Bill Clinton campaign from start to finish was fascinating -- seeing a person go from bus rides in the cold in New Hampshire to the whirlwind of a Presidency. He was always running late for campaign stops. At the end of one long day, we landed in Dayton, Ohio, well past midnight. Even so, people who had no chance of meeting him were pressed up against a chain link fence yelling and reaching through with such hope in their eyes, they looked as if they were on the other side of the Berlin Wall. That moment, for me, makes Clinton's failings in office all the more inexcusable.

Have you ever been assigned a story you objected to? How did you deal with it?

Yes, it happens all the time. I discuss my objections, argue if I have to, and then just go do it if my bosses insist it be done. Their judgment, though, is generally strong. The differences often are between what they think the stations want ... and what I believe our listeners should know.

If you were not in news, what would you be doing?

Teaching, probably. I started out doing that.

Do you read blogs? If so, which ones? If not, what do you read on the Internet?

I read blogs, mostly relating to the Supreme Court and the law. The best, by far, are the ones written by our own legal analyst here at CBS News, Andrew Cohen. Smart, edgy, funny.

What's the last really great book or movie you found?

Hmmm. The last movie I'd consider really great? "Good Night, and Good Luck." I've always loved "American Beauty" for the truths it tells. Overlooked great movies..."Central Station" and "The Fog of War" come to mind. Can't wait to see "Pan's Labyrinth."

What is your first memory of TV news?

Kennedy assassination. Trite but very true.

If you could change one thing about the profession of journalism, what would it be?

Getting rid of opinion-driven "journalism."

Who is the most fascinating person you've covered and who is the biggest jerk?

Fascinating? There are so many, especially "everyday" people around the country who leave a lasting impression. If I have to pick one ... Cal Ripken, Jr. ... off the top of my head. Biggest jerk? O.J. Simpson comes to mind quickly.

What are the advantages and drawbacks of not having a single beat?

The advantages are I get the opportunity to learn about a variety of issues and gain a wide range of perspectives, rather than get locked into a single focus that can give me tunnel vision. I meet a range of people, and have my views challenged constantly. The most obvious drawback is that I can't develop and maintain genuinely close sources that I can depend upon when I need totally trustworthy information. That limits my ability to break stories.