Journalism is not about presenting “both sides” of an issue.

[benlockwood@ecoevo.social]

@wjmaggos why would the popularity of a perspective on policy be more relevant than its effects? Is every perspective equally justified? I’m not convinced that “this person said x and this person said y” has any net positive impact on society

[wjmaggos@liberal.city]

@benlockwood

I agree that effects are more relevant. it would be nice to know the likely effects of all possible policy choices but that's probably impossible, so I'd favor those most likely to happen, which usually comes down to popularity. but maybe reporting on an option that the reporter thinks is great could make it more popular. IDK.

[benlockwood@ecoevo.social]

@wjmaggos Do you think this comes down to a lack of subject matter education/expertise? I would think that some knowledge of the issues would be required to cover them, along with the experience of following a particular beat long term. Or maybe the whole thing is just cynical posturing at this point

[cascheranno@hachyderm.io]

@benlockwood hear-hear!! When a counterpoint **deserves** voicing, that’s ok. “Folks want ___, but it’ll have ___ side-effect” is a healthy conversation. Not insisting on putting wind into the sails of zealots, propping billionaires’ propaganda, etc.

[wjmaggos@liberal.city]

@benlockwood

not sure I follow. we absolutely need reporters well paid to be knowledgeable on the subject and follow the latest reporting in order to do their journalism.

[benlockwood@ecoevo.social]

@wjmaggos I guess "it's impossible to know the outcomes of policy ahead of time" is a position I just fundamentally disagree with so that's probably where the disconnect is.

[sergedroz@infosec.exchange]

@benlockwood the truth doesn't really have a meaning. But it's context that counts: both sides woul be the majority of scientists thin vaccines worked based on numerous medical studies. A few people refutes, but have not been able to backup their claims with data.

Here where I live we had issues with immigrants. The left said there are no problems, which was not true and lead to a lot of support for rightwing parties. A statement like the majority of immigrants are well integrated but a small minority causes problems (add numbers) I think would have been better.

Truth can change, look at the old views of radiation or smoking being recommended. I feel it's important to show the full spectrum. But Iif you do, you need to report the numbers to create a picture

[pedestrianerror@towns.gay]

@benlockwood In fact, believing that there are exactly two sides to every issue and that in most cases those sides are represented by Democrats and Republicans is utterly disqualifying from being a journalist as it demonstrates a complete lack of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

[bit@ohai.social]

@benlockwood Hold on a sec there Ben, lets be balanced and hear the liar's side now.

[rustyring@universeodon.com]

@PedestrianError @benlockwood

Or even believing that the Democrats and Republicans are separate parties. Probably the single most destructive obligatory conclusion of our times.

[yakyunightowl@mastodon.world]

@benlockwood Advocating for the cold in reports of people who froze to death.

[tuban_muzuru@ohai.social]

@benlockwood

Journalism should be about afflicting the comfortable, etc. It seldom is.

We've had this longish period where we were told not to argue with people who bought ink by the barrel but it's about access to power now.

Journalism needs a new credibility model, too.

[regendans@todon.eu]

@benlockwood 👏 Thank you, finally a post which summarizes this increasing problem very well.

Lots of them need to go back to school and learn again about "journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy". Too many of them appear to have sold their soul to sensationalism, greed and protecting the status quo. Utterly shameful. 🤬

#journalism #press

[joriki@infosec.exchange]

@benlockwood @wjmaggos

100%

substituting "storytelling" ability for "knowing wtf you're talking about" is one of my top complaints about the practice/ethics of journalism 🤬

[joriki@infosec.exchange]

@benlockwood

related:

"Quote Origin: News Is What Somebody Does Not Want You To Print. All the Rest Is Advertising"
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/01/20/news-suppress/

[axomamma@mastodon.online]

@benlockwood You confuse what is preferable with what is in fact happening. Journalism today is not "about finding the truth and telling it." Have you ever seen a newspaper or TV news program? I don't think you have.

[benlockwood@ecoevo.social]

@Axomamma yeah no shit, that’s very obviously implied

[tehstu@hachyderm.io]

@benlockwood "United beat Chelsea 5-0. We interviewed some Chelsea fans who claim it was actually 4-2 to them. It's not clear when this divisive issue will be resolved."

[raymierussell@mastodon.scot]

@tehstu @benlockwood
Yup, another classic is a journalist sitting in room with two other people, one claims it has been raining very heavily for 5 hours and the other than it has been warm sunshine. The journalist can look outside for signs of rainy or dry weather and report their findings.

[axomamma@mastodon.online]

@benlockwood Oh, really? "Obviously implied"? I'm sorry, but words have fucking meanings, Mr. Smarty Pants.

PS: There's a reason I didn't follow you back. And you've just confirmed that I was correct in my initial judgment.