Nov 30, 2008 - 04:05:25 CST
A reader suggested last week that if news is negative, it is published on the front page of the newspaper. The charge, which is far from the truth, wasn't that shocking, as some people think the media is the root of all evil. Some want to kill the messenger as quickly and often as possible.I've heard that sort of emotional and outlandish overreaction before, mostly tied to economic downturns, disasters and other big news events. In such times, a newspaper can be an easy target. But blaming the media is nothing more than a sort of con-game of words, similar to bait-and-switch and three-card Monte ruses, designed to fool, move the heat from one target to another or apply pressure.
Contrary to what some, I'm sure, believe to be true, newspaper reporters and editors don't conspire to tell only negative news, or even give preference to what is perceived as negative news. Sometimes we are right, sometimes we are wrong, but in all times at the Tribune we try to place the news onto Page 1 and throughout the newspaper that we believe interests the greatest number of people.
Even so, a story, about anything, can be perceived as negative by some and positive by others, depending upon individual life perspective, business-career allegiance, politics or many other factors.
Still, you can be assured that we don't sit around the newsroom asking questions like these:
"So, Ken, what dirt do we have today?"
"Hey Steve, who can we bring down?"
Seriously, we don't have the time to be so organized or devious. Putting out a daily newspaper is a whirlwind of activity.
"This is a true statement" is a biblical phase written to influence readers of the importance of the words to follow, so please take note and think about this true statement: Newspaper journalists, in general, have no lists or agendas in reporting news.
We, like you, have biases, but part of our job is admitting them and then doing all within our power to set those influencing thoughts aside. Like an earlier statement, sometimes we do a good job, sometimes we aren't as successful, but in all times, for most journalists, we try to set aside our preferences in reporting of news; personal opinion columns or institutional editorials are a different matter.
For instance, I am biased against drunk drivers. But as a professional journalist, I should be able to write a news story during a manslaughter trial without personally referencing the defendant as a "baby killer" even if I believe the driver is guilty of just that. I should report fairly the events that transpired, as well as the prosecutor and defense arguments, and let the judge and/or jury make the call.
Journalists believe they are often tainted unfairly as liberal, insensitive snoops who invade privacy, just to find bad news so we can sell newspapers. Some are. But similar and more specific brush strokes could color any profession. Some careers are obvious, but for the sake of remaining positive, I won't name them.
Here is another true statement. Many journalists are not liberal, at least by some definitions of the word. Still, many journalists will liberally admit to favoring progress or reform, believing in defending laws and governmental protections of civil rights and liberties, of being open-minded or tolerant, and seeking to be free from prejudice or bigotry.
What's wrong with that? Those are some important job requirements for a journalist as newspapers are important in a democracy that, at least on the record or surface, is based on freedom to think and speak. We, as journalists, might not like what you say or how you think, but we defend your right to say it and think it. And, we realize the responsibility that comes with freedom.
But let's return to negative and positive news. It is our job to report both and we do. You deserve to know about a Bismarck business that shuts its doors without notice or comment. And you deserve to know about an FFA championship team from Napoleon. You deserve to know about national economic concerns as well as how North Dakota has more to rejoice about.
Adlai E. Stevenson once said: "Newspaper editors are men who separate the wheat from the chaff, and then print the chaff."
His statement was only partial true.
Here's our pledge: We will attempt to print the wheat and chaff, and the page each appears on will be based on overall interest and relevancy.
(You can reach Editor John Irby at 250-8266 or john.irby@bismarcktribune.com and go to www.bismarcktribune.com/blog/?w=thepaper&e_id=2671/ to read his blog.)
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