Objectivity in Journalism: A Philosophical Perspective

Abstract

The process of interaction between the reporter and the information he or she narrate as led to the expression that journalism is a form of manufactured reality. This paper expounds on the argument challenging the assumed objectivity of journalism and takes the position that while the notion of objective journalism still has some uses, it is often over stated or exaggerated for reasons connecting the professional self-interest of journalists. It concludes that journalism should not be approached as a descriptive discourse instead it should be approached as a performative discourse designed to persuade readers that what it describes is real. By successfully doing so, journalism transforms an interpretation into truth – into a reality the public can act upon. It also resolves that journalism does not derive its performative power from its contents (the facts), but merely from its forms and style.

Keywords: Journalism, Objectivity, Truth, News, News report