But he didn't ask why or suggest that some argue Clinton's proposal would add to the problem. This is part of a long pattern in network reporting on higher education. No reporter in any of the stories mentioned the argument that federal aid helps fuel the escalation in tuition costs. To be sure, reporters often do point out that tuition costs are increasing dramatically. Many of the stories on higher education focus on families trying to deal with such costs.
Many stories are helpful to consumers by pointing out which colleges are the best buys.
But reporters rarely ask why college costs are rising. And when they do, they accept, without challenge, answers they would never accept from industry. A college administrator told her that he would like to cut costs, but it might hurt the reputation of his school. People might think the quality of education had been cut as well. CBS had a different attitude toward the recent gasoline price increases.