During the panelists' ranking of the media's performance, Robert Rosenthal is called away to handle a breaking news story for the Chronicle.

Harris: I've just been told that there is an emergency of some sort, hopefully not involving a higher level of terrorist alert, but Mr. Rosenthal has to step away. Rosey, if the terrorist alert has gone up more than two colors, would you please come back and let us know? Don't worry, The Commonwealth Club has a very substantial supply of duct tape and plastic tubing. Not to worry, we'll just clear, seal the room and continue to be smart together.

A few minutes later...

Harris: I want you all to know that you are in the presence of a real newsman. He went out and he got some news, and he came back, and he's now going to share with us what has happened.

Rosenthal: The top brass in the police department has been indicted over the Fagan case. When the young Fagan was arrested, we broke the story that he'd been involved in beating somebody; we stayed on the story, we found people, we have some incredible stories we haven't written yet - they'll be ready for Sunday. We were criticized by every politician in the city: "Why are you doing this? You're picking on the police." I don't know what the exact indictments are, but I'm making an assumption it's about a cover-up. The police commissioner, the police chief really criticized us; the mayor blew us up. But there are times when a newspaper gets on something, it stays on, and you get results - that's part of the crucial role despite everything else the media does: drive and hold public officials accountable. That's a core of what a newspaper should be. The watchdog role is tremendously traditional, but it's something I hope the Chronicle does more and more of. It is part of our responsibility.