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December 9, 2003
Bias and Objectivity -- An Editorial Dilemma
By the Editors
Objectivity and bias are dirty words in journalism.
Readers, reporters and editors have come to recognize that "objectivity" can frequently dress a biased political agenda in the clothing of honest, fair, balanced reporting.
It is fair to presume that any reporter has an opinion about a particular story. And the thought of an opinionated reporter, editor or publisher pushing a covert agenda doesn't make the heart swell with hope for democracy.
On the flip side we have the reporter who doesn't hide his or her bias. We at Newsdesk.org find this problematic, because it alienates readers who may not share the reporter's opinion.
Standards Time
At this time, Newsdesk.org does not publish signed opinions or editorials. We focus on straight-up hard news reporting, "without fear or favor" -- really.
We work to ensure that our reporting is fair, accurate and accountable. A general -- and always in development -- method includes:
We encourage readers to scrutinize our reporting, check our sources, challenge our assumptions, and demand that we live up to the high standards we espouse.
Partisan Politics
"All politics are personal," so the saying goes, which leads to the question, "Which side are you on?"
As a nonprofit, public-interest news website, we are on the side of communities, readers, voters, consumers, taxpayers and citizens in general.
We're working to be recognized as "honest brokers of information," to paraphrase John Leach of the Arizona Republic.
Newsdesk.org covers basic issues of public health, environment, labor and economy, civics and democratic participation. We dig into the glossed-over details that directly affect people every day.
Is this a political stance or philosophical approach? You be the judge:
Keep Us Honest!
We take your opinions and concerns seriously, and work to address any inadequacies on our part as journalists. Please send all bias alerts to:
bias_alert@artsandmedia.net
