Objectivity in Journalism

Objectivity in journalism is a key topic for debate in media, communication and journalism studies, and has been the subject of intensive historical and sociological research. In the first study of its kind, Steven Maras surveys the different viewpoints and perspectives on objectivity. Going beyond a denunciation or defence of journalistic objectivity, Maras critically examines the different scholarly and professional arguments made in the area. Structured around key questions, the book considers the origins and history of objectivity, its philosophical influences, the main objections and defences, and questions of values, politics and ethics. This book examines debates around objectivity as a transnational norm, focusing on the emergence of objectivity in the US, while broadening out discussion to include developments around objectivity in the UK, Australia, Asia and other regions.

Detailed contents vi Acknowledgements x Introduction 1 1 Why and when did journalistic objectivity arise? 22 2 What are the main objections to journalistic objectivity? 58 3 Why is there so much dispute over 'the facts'? 82 4 What are the grounds on which journalistic objectivity has been defended? 104 5 Is objectivity a passive or active process? 122 6 Can objectivity coexist with political or ethical commitment? 140 7 Is objectivity changing in an era of 24/7 news and on-line journalism? 173 8 Is objectivity a universal journalistic norm? 201 References 230 Index 254