Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism?

Topics: Culture

Public Release Date: August 25, 2023

For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's highest guiding principle and the gold standard. "Being objective" promised that journalists would stick only "to the facts" and deliver both sides of the story, keeping their personal views to themselves. This way, news consumers would have all they need to form their own opinions. As a mandate, it was enforced by editors and advertised as a virtue that built trust with readers.

Now, however, the objectivity rule is being challenged. Some in today’s more diverse newsrooms say it suppresses viewpoints that would add clarity to coverage of social issues and ask whether some issues and personalities do not merit the "both sides" treatment. Further, they argue it is impossible to be objective in the first place, which makes it an even more misguided professional aim.

Against this push-and-pull, we debate this question: Is Objectivity Essential in Journalism?

ARGUING YES:

• Bret Stephens: Opinion Columnist at The New York Times

ARGUING NO:

• Leonard Downie, Jr: Former executive editor of The Washington Post

GUEST MODERATOR:

• Nayeema Raza: Journalist and Host of “Smart Girl Dumb Questions”