Good interview. I was a local- and state-level journalist back in the Before Times, when there tended to be a pretty clear line between being an "objective" reporter and an opinion writer at mainstream media outlets. Times have certainly changed, but I'm old school enough that if I were still a reporter, I would avoid using social media …
Good interview. I was a local- and state-level journalist back in the Before Times, when there tended to be a pretty clear line between being an "objective" reporter and an opinion writer at mainstream media outlets. Times have certainly changed, but I'm old school enough that if I were still a reporter, I would avoid using social media to express opinions on topics I was likely to cover. Even in the absence of higher ups with economic interests that compromised their journalistic integrity, it's easier to build trust with a wide range of sources when one isn't viewed as biased.
By the same token, I could see why ABC News would have felt the need to reassign Terry to a role where his "objectivity" was not relevant. But firing an outstanding reporter for posting in his off-hours an opinion that was harsh but accurate? That was a short-sighted move which I hope the journalism profession will loudly condemn.
Good interview. I was a local- and state-level journalist back in the Before Times, when there tended to be a pretty clear line between being an "objective" reporter and an opinion writer at mainstream media outlets. Times have certainly changed, but I'm old school enough that if I were still a reporter, I would avoid using social media to express opinions on topics I was likely to cover. Even in the absence of higher ups with economic interests that compromised their journalistic integrity, it's easier to build trust with a wide range of sources when one isn't viewed as biased.
By the same token, I could see why ABC News would have felt the need to reassign Terry to a role where his "objectivity" was not relevant. But firing an outstanding reporter for posting in his off-hours an opinion that was harsh but accurate? That was a short-sighted move which I hope the journalism profession will loudly condemn.