Frost-Nixon showed journalism could hold power to account even when the justice system failed

The 1977 interviews pushed Nixon beyond ‘mistakes’ to wrongdoing and led to an on-camera admission that he had let the country down

(This article is part of The Poynter 50, a series reflecting on 50 moments and people that shaped journalism over the past half-century — and continue to influence its future. As Poynter celebrates its 50th anniversary, we examine how the media landscape has evolved and what it means for the next era of news.)

After Richard Nixon resigned on Aug. 9, 1974 — the first U.S. president to do so — he retreated into seclusion at his home in San Clemente, California.

His public standing collapsed, his depression deepened and his health deteriorated, with serious vascular issues that at times threatened his life.

But with time came a shift. Nixon grew eager to reemerge and attempt to rescue his reputation from the wreckage left by his presidency and the Watergate scandal. British broadcaster David Frost, best known for the satirical TV comedy show “That Was the Week That Was,” wanted to interview Nixon so badly that he was willing to pay a great deal of money for the chance to sit down with him.