Nicholas Lemann: Can journalists be objective?

TL;DR

Objectivity in journalism is essential as a goal to strive for, although it is often misunderstood and misrepresented.

Transcript

yes um and uh the the the very widespread critique of objectivity sort of drives me crazy because it's um it has this sort of Eternal quality and it entails a a quite unsophisticated understanding of what I've objectivity means or a way of sort of defining it very tendentiously is an impossibility I think objectivity is really important and as a go... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥅 Objectivity in journalism is often misunderstood and criticized, overlooking its importance as a goal to strive for.
• 📔 The book "Objectivity" by Loren Daston and Peter Gallison provides a historical perspective on the concept, highlighting its connection to subjectivity.
• 😐 Objectivity does not require journalists to be neutral or without opinion; it requires avoiding complete subjectivity and engaging in professional communication and debate.
• 🖤 Thomas Haskell's book, "Objectivity is Not Neutrality," expands on the idea that objectivity does not imply a lack of judgment or opinion.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is there a critique of objectivity in journalism?

The critique often arises from a misinterpretation of objectivity, viewing it as an impossibility rather than a goal to strive for in seeking unbiased information.

Q: How does the book "Objectivity" define the concept?

According to Loren Daston and Peter Gallison, objectivity has different meanings throughout history. They argue that objectivity is about subjectivity and striving to avoid complete subjective responses in information-seeking.

Q: Can objectivity be equated with stenography in journalism?

No, objectivity should not be conflated with pure stenography. Objectivity in journalism involves avoiding taking sides or stating one side is right and the other is wrong, but it allows for analysis and judgment.

Q: How is objectivity practiced in journalism?

Objectivity can take the form of professional debates and communication within a community of information seekers. Academics do this formally, while journalists do it more informally, sharing findings and allowing others to dispute them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The widespread critique of objectivity overlooks its importance and stems from an unsophisticated understanding of what objectivity truly means.

• "Objectivity" in the context of journalism is about striving for subjectivity by avoiding completely individual and subjective responses in information-seeking.

• Professional debate and communication, through a structured and informal approach, are common forms of achieving objectivity in journalism.