Not only this, but I think the reporter also serves as a reminder that Sinclair's actions are being viewed by people off station, as we get reminded increasingly as the series goes forward. With other sci-fi shows, you have the sense that everything takes place inside a bubble and that the actions of the staff are largely ignored in the outside world - but this is the first time in B5 where we see that Sinclair's decisions do have an impact beyond the station.