At that point he wouldn't be a reporter anymore. While the views of people who are in the proverbial trenches (or have been in the past) are interesting they a

At that point he wouldn't be a reporter anymore. While the views of people who are in the proverbial trenches (or have been in the past) are interesting they are not a substitute for journalistic coverage. Whether or not you would be your choice to act rather than observe isn't important. It is important that the industry is covered by journalists.