FEATURED DEBATE

Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism?

For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's highest guiding principle and the gold standard. "Being objective" promised that journalists would stick only "to the facts" and deliver both sides of the story, keeping their personal views to themselves. This way, news consumers would have all they need to form their own opinions. As a mandate, it was enforced by editors and advertised as a virtue that built trust with readers. Now, however, the objectivity rule is being challenged. Some in today’s more diverse newsrooms say it suppresses viewpoints that would add clarity to coverage of social issues and ask…

0 seconds of 49 minutes, 39 secondsVolume 90%
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49:39
49:39
 
August 25, 2023
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FEATURED DEBATE

0 seconds of 49 minutes, 39 secondsVolume 90%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
49:39
49:39
 
August 25, 2023
LEARN MORE

Is Objectivity Essential to Journalism?

For decades, objectivity has been cited as journalism's highest guiding principle and the gold standard. "Being objective" promised that journalists would stick only "to the facts" and deliver both sides of the story, keeping their personal views to themselves. This way, news consumers would have all they need to form their own opinions. As a mandate, it was enforced by editors and advertised as a virtue that built trust with readers. Now, however, the objectivity rule is being challenged. Some in today’s more diverse newsrooms say it suppresses viewpoints that would add clarity to coverage of social issues and ask…

Bret Stephens

ARGUING YES

Bret Stephens
Opinion Columnist at The New York Times
Leonard Downie Jr.

ARGUING NO

Leonard Downie Jr.
Former Executive Editor of The Washington Post 
0 seconds of 48 minutes, 45 secondsVolume 90%
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48:45
 
March 14, 2025
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UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting?
Founded directly after Israel’s establishment, UNRWA was established to temporarily assist Palestinian refugees displaced by the war. Decades later, it continues to provide services to almost six million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank,…
March 14, 2025
0 seconds of 52 minutes, 18 secondsVolume 90%
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52:18
 
March 28, 2025
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Think Twice: About Abundance with Derek Thompson
It’s a tale as old as time: we see the environment in which we grow up, along with all the issues plaguing it, and aspire to leave the world better than we’ve found it. If…
March 28, 2025

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