Bias: A Bane or a Benefit?

Today's reading and group presentation were centered on bias in journalism. Having bias prevents the truth from being presented in an honest and accurate way. "Journalism's first obligation is to the truth." Unfortunately, not only is truth the first principle of journalism, it is also the most confusing one (according to our class handout). Why is truth so complicated? I believe it is because, despite being fundamental in professional and religious aspects, truth can also be misleading. According to my religion, God's truth never changes. However, man's truth does.

Take this, as an example. During World War II, Hitler was able to use his charisma to convince countless people that killing the Jews was a righteous endeavor. Because journalism in Germany follows a Democratic Corporatist model (one of the three media system models we studied) Hitler had more power through his nation's press. Without an unbiased press to act as the public's "watchdog," he was able to spread his personal vendetta across the nation like wildfire.  For the people that supported him, Hitler's creed was their "truth." It was not the truth to many other people, however, and so a war began over the "truths" of two different factions.

However, everyone has opinions; it makes us unique as individuals. Our personal beliefs define us. But, we must keep our biases from polluting our writing. Journalists should honor their duty to the citizens by keeping their obligations to the truth. Now, articles should have personality. Today's journal article hardly compares to America's first newspaper articles. In order keep an audience's attention, it is encouraged to instill a level of humanity and personality in journal writing. Having said that, journalists should not let their engaging writing style mask a personal agenda. They should not write with bias. They should not, under any circumstances, lie.

Besides, every lie is caught.