A woman holds a sign at the Women's March on January 21, 2017.

Objectivity: What Is It Good For?

On the Media | Feb 3, 2017

As President Trump continues to issue aggressive executive actions of frequently dubious legality, a look at whether journalists must revise the age-old mandate to remain neutral on all political matters.

First, Bob talks with Lewis Wallace, a former reporter for Marketplace. Wallace was fired earlier this week after publishing, and standing by, a piece on Medium declaring that in the age of Trump, "objectivity is dead, and I'm OK with that."

Then, Bob speaks with Kerry Lauerman, executive news director for Mic, about how the millennial-focused media outlet is in the process of crafting a new ethics policy for a new era: one that is less restrictive and allows for certain kinds of political expression. 

You'll also hear from some of our listeners, who have a range of views on journalistic neutrality. Is it more important than ever now, or is it a luxury we can no longer afford? 

Finally, Bob talks with WNYC's Vice President for News, Jim Schachter, about how he sees the role of the journalists at WNYC and whether our current political moment demands a reconsideration of traditional ethics.

Song:

Lullaby by Chargaux feat. Soft Glas

 

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