Seven Oaks Magazine.

Jayson Blair made headlines in 2003 when news broke that he had plagiarised or fabricated all or parts of dozens of articles written for the New York Times. The former national correspondent’s plight sparked a spirited debate about journalistic standards and practices at the Times and in the press. Blair’s biography, Burning Down My Master’s House, hit bookshelves in March.

Seven Oaks editor Stephen Hui interviewed Blair about the aftermath of his journalistic misdeeds and the state of the press.

1. Since you left the New York Times, has the newspaper, in your opinion, reformed its newsroom procedures and culture enough to prevent future fabrications and plagiarism from making it to print?

They have taken some steps in the right direction, but for the most part, if you are to believe what information they have made public, they have not taken any steps that would prevent this type of mishap or deal with the broad issue of media bias that seems to be foremost in the mind of members of the public. It is a culture of denial.

2. How much of an impact has the discovery of your journalistic misconduct had on the press?

Very little. They write about it because of the culture of narcissism in the press, not because anyone is coming forward with any real solutions. Once again, they are operating in a culture of denial.

3. Much has been made of the alleged liberal bias in the media. Do you think it exists, and have you seen it in action?

No. I think that the bias is based in elitism, not liberalism. Often this comes off as a liberal bias, but if you talk to members of media groups, look at statistics on who is watching television news and reading newspapers, you will find that the media caters to the wealthy because that is who advertisers want to attract. Elitism, not liberal bias, is the biggest problem.

4. According to the Associated Press, your book Burning Down My Master's House has suffered from lacklustre sales and negative reviews. Why do you think it has received such a response?

There have been negative reviews, but I would not call the sales lacklustre. The first week sales were lower than some members of the media expected, but they were higher than I expected, and they continue to go strong.

5. Recently, Angele Yanor resigned from the Vancouver Sun after she was accused of plagiarising an article from the New York Times. Afterwards, she wrote on her personal website that she plans to write a book. What advice would you give to Yanor?

I don't have the details of her case and I would not trust what I have read in the news media to make any characterisations. I would not give her any advice.

America has not vilified me. Actually, most of the responses from average readers have been positive. The attacks in the press are expected because the issues that are dealt with in the book strike close to home.

As much as I trust anything else I hear or read. I think it should be read with a critical eye just like everything else.