"In Journalism, ‘Objective’ Is A Good Word With A Noble History. But ..."

"Just because journalists choose to be neutral about some things does not mean they have to be neutral in all things."

"For the purpose of this exploration, I will not rely on the word “objective.” It is a good word with a noble history. But it has taken on so many problematic and confusing connotations that it may have lost all practical meaning. I’ll replace it with more useful terms.

Here are five: neutral, disinterested, nonpartisan, impartial and independent. If someone painted a word cloud on the side of an old journalism school, I can imagine these words being included.

It is in that constellation of words that many but not all journalists and public writers find their duty. The current moment is calling those words — and the standards and practices associated with them — into question. If I am a journalist, or work in any news organization, especially if I am a reporter representing the place, may I march in protest or in support of something, may I donate money to a presidential candidate, may I slap a bumper sticker on my Mustang?"

Roy Peter Clark writes for Poynter April 21, 2022.

SEE ALSO:

"No Books. No Money. Just the Truth." (The Warning - Steve Schmidt)

"How Do You Know?" (Columbia Journalism Review)