The topic this week is 'Truth and Objectivity'. It is my belief that telling the truth is the easy part. If you stick to the facts, quote correctly and provide a balanced account, you can't go wrong. Objectivity, however, can be quite hard to achieve. Can we really ever be 100 percent objective?
The definition of objectivity provided in class this week is as follows: "the ability to perceive or describe something without being influenced by personal emotions or prejudices" (Encarta Encyclopedia).
It is my belief, as was discussed in class, that the extent to which journalists can achieve objectivity is questionable. We will always have subjective influences. Whether it be the relationship we have with our coworkers, the connection we may have with a particular story or even our mood on that particular day.
These type of influences are hard to disconnect with. However, there are many other practices that can be avoided and will assist in reaching the goal of objectivity. These include conflict of interest, commercial interests and accepting gifts or personal gain.
Unfortunately many journalists do not strive to achieve objectivity and give the profession a bad name. You only have to watch Media Watch to get a taste of the many journalists failing to remain objective.
Just last month on Seven's Sunrise, a 'news story' was run about Jet Star's latest deals. Coincidentally (or not), Jet Star also happen to be sponsor Sunrise. The story was treated as news. I think this is a perfect example of a situation where conflict of interest has played its part.
Here is a story about it from Media Watch.
While we can learn about all about this at University, it won't be until we are out there in the industry until our ability to remain objective can really be tested.
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