Partisan News, the Myth of Objectivity, and the Standards of Responsible Journalism. Issue 3 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meyers, Christopher
• Is Part Of: Journal of media ethics. Volume 35:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 180
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• DOI: 10.1080/23736992.2020.1780131
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-0523

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective reporting was once among the foundational norms of U.S. journalism. The emergence of alternative and economically successful partisan models exemplified by Fox News, talk radio, and a range of online sources has forced reconsideration of this norm. In this paper I argue that responsible reporting can also be partisan; the proper standard is not (putative) objectivity, but a commitment to fulfill the public's right to know through accurate and comprehensive reporting. I further argue, however, that the embrace of partisanship fulfills the public good only if, first, it meets the accurate and comprehensive standards and, second, there is a wide range of sources so that committed news consumers can gain an appropriately broad perspective.