Power, but scant responsibility

Abstract

Journalists working in the British press need now to be part of the answer and not the cause of a continuing crisis, writes Marsh, editor of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. To this end, they need five characteristics. First, toughness - to resist the hypocrisy that values a scalp, that values a resignation or public humiliation while professing indifference to the effects of the press on the public sphere. Second, belief - belief that finding the truth and telling it is a public good. Third, responsibility - an individual sense of responsibility for journalism's purpose in scrutinising government and public institutions fairly and with the intent of enabling them to work better. Fourth, accountability - accountability for the results of the profession and the acceptance that journalism isn't something you just do and walk away from. Fifth, ambition - ambition for a profession built on values; fairness, impartiality, open mindedness, inclusivity. Britain needs journalists who read from both sides of every balance sheet and who know that a partial truth - in both senses of the word - is more lethal than a blatant untruth.