Independence vs. Neutrality

So I feel that in class we go over the same things each time.... with a few new information tid-bits thrown in.  My thoughts... well it must be important than.  It's like in the scriptures... when they say something more than once, it's something you better remember!

So last class period we talked about independence in journalism. The New York Times did an article on this very subject that was really interesting. It talked about their independence as a paper.  The Times described independence as, "The best exhibitions of genuine, honest independence have come from journals that are not in the habit of boasting their self-righteousness.  The comments of the Republican Press upon Congressional Salary bill furnish a case in point.  They have criticized fairly and honestly, speaking of individuals and parties in a just and candid spirit.  This is true independence."
   That being said, they went further to give an example of how they have shown their independence.  I'm assuming this was an editorial or a column, but this writer backed up a candidate for mayor, because of what the mayor stood for.  The writer relates that as soon as this candidate was elected and then went back on what he said and turned his back to those who voted for him, the Times "did not hesitate to rebuke him with it's usual plainness of speech. But it was guided by reason and not by passion or caprice." The Times acted independently from their support and presented the story based on facts and not emotions.

In class we discussed the differences between neutrality and independence.... and I think I understood.. so let's just see if I can explain it.
 Neutrality= reporting just the facts, seeking out both sides... but doesn't create an opinion.
Independence= it's a "spirit and mind" thing that bases opinions off of facts.

Dictionary.com defines independence as...

in·de·pend·ence

 /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/ Show Spelled[in-di-pen-duhns] Show IPA

–noun

1. Also, independency. the state or quality of being independent.

2. freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.

3. Archaic . a competency. 

 

So when we compare that to independence in journalism... here are the connections I make and also what we talked about in class. "1. Also, independency. the state or quality of being independent."  In journalism this would mean that you are independent from all outside forces and influences.  In class we talked about acting independently by refusing gifts, favors, fees, etc. Also by remaining free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

What I just said also fits with "2. freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others." I like what was said in class that we should be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable. Just like the example from the New York Times... or the famous Pentagon Papers. It took a lot of guts for all parties to print that about the government... just for the sake of doing what's right.  But that is what this country is all about! That's why we have our independence! So people can question what our leaders are doing and have the freedom to question why things are the way they are.  And this is where the media can help raise this awareness and work together with the people they serve.

What is really interesting right now is the "List".  Many claim it was an infringement on private documents (as was the Pentagon papers) Others are claiming whistle-blowing on illegal activities.  It's a tough call, but it is interesting to see it play out. So far, the news stations and media all seem to be taking the same angle (worried about legal issues), but being in the newsroom you can see people definitely have opinions about what is going on, but are gearing more towards the neutrality side and even borderline siding with the state.  They are more worried about who put out the document (also like the Pentagon papers) instead of what has led up to this, what can be done to fix the problem, etc.  (I think I've gotten off topic... but it's just another example of what's going on today).

What I do agree with is that we do need to keep ourselves independent.  We need to be able to report on what is necessary without feeling like we need to walk on eggshells so that people won't stop advertising with us. I understand and know that money makes the world go round, but money shouldn't have the power to cover-up corruption or facts.  It's important that we have people willing to stand up for things that are right just because it's the right thing to do. Now... I hope I can take my own advise :)