A publication of the World Editors Forum   Thu - 23.10.2014
Objectivity v Transparency - does journalism need a new
ideology?  Objectivity v Transparency - does journalism need a
new ideology?  What is the hallmark of good journalism?
Objectivity would be one of the standard replies: neutral
journalism that is not partisan and that steers clear of
disseminating personal opinions.  Actually, the answer is just
not quite as simple as that. Hang on to your hats, people, it's
time for an ethics class...  Wait a second, I hear you cry,
before you take me back to journalism school - what's wrong with
objectivity? Here's the thing: now it's obligatory for every
journalist to have their hand hermetically sealed to a
smartphone so they can dutifully maintain a Twitter account. It
is becoming increasingly essential and easy to maintain an
online presence; you need a Facebook page, a Linkedin profile
and a FourSquare account. These are all useful tools in their
own way. However, all this social media activity means tha