There have been, broadly, two tracks in what many call 'development journalism'. The 'government' or 'official' mode and the 'non-governmental organization (NGO) or alternative journalism' mode. Both have largely failed. The first, already discredited, requires little argument. (Though there are critical elements in this framework too which are not to be dismissed offhand.) The NGO or alternative mode of development journalism has also failed. Worse, its virtuous halo deflected critical comment. Somehow, there is often a willing suspension of disbelief when journalists begin to interact with NGOs.