Bill Keller, op-ed writer for the New York Times, and Journalist Glenn Greenwald engaged in a lengthy debate in a New York Times piece on wheter journalists can be impartial. Keller believes reporters should be objective, and not put their personal opinions into their reports.
On the other hand, Greenwald, known widely for his reports on the NSA is unapologetic in presenting his point of view in his work, and thinks more reporters should also work this way. Keller argues reporters should let readers draw their own conclusions based on just the facts.
Greenwald argues that by nature human beings are not objective, so there is no need to hide opinions. The two go back and forth with their points in the lengthy piece. There is no doubt the journalism landscape is changing.
But, whose side are you on? Is the future of journalism for activism and advocacy? Is impartial and objective journalism necessary for the future?
Guest:
Rick Edmonds, Media Business Analyst, Poynter Institute