Objectivity is a core value of journalism, but it can be challenging to maintain when you work with other journalists who may have different perspectives, biases, or agendas. How can you collaborate effectively without compromising your journalistic standards and ethics? Here are some tips to help you navigate this complex issue.
The first step to being objective is to recognize your own biases and how they may affect your reporting. Biases can be conscious or unconscious, and they can stem from your personal background, education, ideology, culture, or experiences. They can also be influenced by your sources, colleagues, editors, or audience. To acknowledge your biases, you can try to reflect on your assumptions, motivations, and emotions when you cover a story. You can also seek feedback from others who may have different viewpoints or expertise, and be open to constructive criticism.
Allow inputs from everyone included in the research or storytelling. Make sure that you're including relevant aspects, not only the aspects that seems agree with what you agree.
The second step to being objective is to verify your facts and evidence before you publish or broadcast your story. This means checking the accuracy, reliability, and credibility of your sources, data, and information. It also means providing context, balance, and transparency to your audience. To verify your facts, you can use multiple and diverse sources, cross-check them with official records or documents, and cite them clearly. You can also use fact-checking tools and organizations to help you identify and correct errors or misinformation.
The third step to being objective is to respect your colleagues and their professional roles and responsibilities. This means acknowledging that they may have different opinions, approaches, or styles than you, but that they are also committed to the same journalistic principles and standards. It also means communicating clearly, honestly, and respectfully with them, and avoiding conflicts of interest or undue influence. To respect your colleagues, you can listen to their ideas and suggestions, share your own insights and feedback, and collaborate on finding solutions or compromises.
The fourth step to being objective is to challenge your narratives and how they may affect your storytelling. Narratives are the stories or frames that you use to make sense of the events or issues that you report. They can help you engage your audience and convey your message, but they can also limit your perspective and omit important details or nuances. To challenge your narratives, you can try to explore different angles, perspectives, or questions that may not fit your initial narrative. You can also seek input from other journalists who may have different narratives or expertise.
The fifth step to being objective is to update your knowledge and skills regularly. This means staying informed and curious about the topics that you cover, and the trends and developments that affect your industry and profession. It also means learning new tools and techniques that can help you improve your reporting and storytelling. To update your knowledge, you can read widely and critically, attend trainings and workshops, join professional networks and associations, and seek mentorship or guidance from experienced journalists.
The sixth and final step to being objective is to reflect on your practice and how it may impact your audience and society. This means evaluating your performance and outcomes, and identifying your strengths and weaknesses. It also means acknowledging your mistakes and learning from them, and seeking feedback and improvement. To reflect on your practice, you can keep a journal or portfolio of your work, participate in peer reviews or evaluations, and engage with your audience and stakeholders.