Objectivity Vs Transparency: Where is the line drawn?

By Nico Shorack, Charlie Quane, and Kevin Le | Nov. 20, 2023

In the digital age, the concepts of objectivity and trustworthiness in journalism are evolving, as illustrated by Brooke Gladstone's NPR interview and Guy Oron's "Block the Boat" article. Gladstone argues that journalists cannot be entirely objective but can aim for fairness through transparency and disclosure. This approach is mirrored in Oron's essay, which provides balanced perspectives by incorporating primary sources and diverse viewpoints, such as interviews with protest organizers.

The article reflects the modern journalistic trend of engaging readers critically, fostering trust through a narrative that invites active participation. Gladstone's emphasis on individual judgment and the shift from institutional trust to personal credibility in the era of citizen journalism further highlight these changes. Overall, news organizations are adapting by prioritizing transparency and reader engagement over traditional notions of objectivity.

Image Credit: Carlos Carmonamedina for NPR Public Editor, NPR,

https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2021/07/28/npr_ethics_custom-e91055349cd1d16452eff02a5e3d1afbb26b1191-s300-c85.webp