Mission Possible: Objectivity

Justin Smith

COMS220

Alban

2/16/11

Mission Possible: Objectivity

            After reading through the two opposing articles on objectivity in journalism, I’ve gathered some thoughts. I’m here to answer the question, “Can journalism be objective,” and for a short answer, up front and vulnerable, I will say yes.

            The first article that I read, which promoted objectivity in journalism, simply made more sense to me than the second article. Essentially, the message that was conveyed was that objectivity in journalism is a reality; you just have to play your cards right and state facts. You may have to betray friends in the process of being objective, or you may have to be a little more modest than you normally would when writing about the high accolades of your company. However, the fact still stands, objectivity in journalism is possible.

            Taflinger’s opposing article went heavily into the senses of the body and how we have the ability to detect external things with our physical body. He used holding a cup of coffee as an example of this. He said that when holding a cup of coffee, the brain is able to realize that it is hot, while another part realizes it’s weight, and another realizes it’s shape, and so on. He says that not everyone interprets these signals the same way, which I would agree with. However, I don’t believe that the physical senses of the body and objectivity in journalism are very comparable. When objectivity in journalism is done right, there shouldn’t be much, if any, room for interpretation, but simply factual content. The objective writer takes a “third party” position and evaluates the pros and cons of either side, discovers facts of either side, whether positive, negative, or neutral, and then states them in a clear, concise, and consistent manner.

            If the writer can do this, then objectivity has been achieved. Now to sum it up: I believe that objectivity is possible, but not necessarily easily achieved. It takes a great deal of skill, and not to mention self-control to be an objective writer, but it is possible to achieve objective journalism.