How Objectivity Can be Reached

Objectivity, is the closest thing I can relate to the chapter of Al Thompkins book named “Seek truth, and report it as fully as possible”. Sure, it’s pure human nature to be opinionated on numerous subjects, however, in the realm of journalism, bias must be non-existent. Ultimately, this means that objectivity is the absence of bias, and the reporting of facts.

It’d be silly to say that humans are in fact one hundred percent objective. Whether it be sports, politics, or maybe even religion, every person has their own preference and liking towards one side over the other. What’s important to understand however, is the line that is drawn between reporting on a journalistic purpose, and simply putting one’s word out into the media stratosphere. As a journalist, you should never let biases or subjectivity creep into your reporting. And especially in today’s world, it becomes quite obvious when certain journalists or organizations don’t follow that rule.

To help gain objectivity for a news story, there are multiple ways by which to do so. Going back to the book written by Al Thompkins, his title which includes “[…] report [the truth] as fully as possible” is a great line to remember as a journalist. To report something as fully as possible means to cover all your bases, interview all sides of the story, and be thorough in your reporting. And these are just some of the many ways to work on your objectivity, but remembering each of them when putting a story together can put you on a better track. Fact checking your sources to the core can help maintain that your story be as accurate as possible. And in a day in age where words and numbers are tossed around the internet with sometimes no regard, it’s extremely important to be as precise and accurate as possible. With more accuracy and truth, comes less subjectivity within your story.

As through the perspective of the writer himself/herself, it’s important to remember to clear any bias one has on a story. As I mentioned before, no human is one hundred percent objective; since that’s the case, the journalist must remember to put on their “journalist-hat” and do the job professionally. And if a certain story implies too much bias for a writer, it’s ok simply to choose not to be the writer for that story. Watching some of my favorite journalists of my lifetime, Jim Nantz, Bob Costas, Steve Kroft, etc., not once did I ever notice any bias. They spoke or wrote in the role of a journalist. I’d say replace your personal lens with journalistic one.

Gaining objectivity isn’t simply a matter of writing facts line by line with no details. It’s gathering a ton of info, throwing away your biases, and thoroughly reporting the truth as best you can. There are billions of people in this world with billions of opinions, however there will always be one truth.