The Uneasy Intersection of Politics and Journalism

Abstract

The short suspension of MSNBC commentator Keith Olbermann for making financial contributions to politicians has raised two serious questions about journalism. First, what is the role of journalism in society and second, who qualifies as a journalist? Writing for cnn.com, Jon Avion notes: ‘‘Whole news networks are being transformed into little more than on-air advocates for political parties. The idea of objectivity is now increasingly dismissed as a myth rather than honored as an ideal toward which the news industry should strive.’’ In order to honor that objectivity, some journalists never vote. Others tell no one, even family members, how they vote. A story from journalism professor Ray Neikamp at UT San Marcos illustrates the time-honored separation of journalism and politics. Niekamp writes: On my first job as a TV reporter in the 1970s, one of my colleagues came into the newsroom and announced, ‘‘Last night I was elected a delegate to the county Democratic convention.’’ The news director said, ‘‘Congratulations! When can I expect your resignation?’’ She was perhaps the best reporter in the newsroom. After some give-and-take on the matter, she asked, ‘‘Just because I’m a reporter, does that mean I have to give up my rights as a citizen?’’ ‘‘Yep,’’ the ND replied. ‘‘Some of them, anyway.’’ Such meticulous care to separate news from opinion and to provide objective, unbiased coverage once comprised the gold standard for broadcast journalists. Such evenhandedness contributed to journalistic credibility. In turn, that credibility helped