objectivity

According to the dictionary, objectivity is judgement based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.  The true definition however is different for almost every journalist.  Every journalist should practice objectivity, but every journalist has a different opinion on how to really express objectivity.  Journalists are obligated to present information that the public needs to know.  Their number one priority is to the citizens.  For me, objectivity is telling a news story with enough information to get the point of the story across, but not allowing emotions to take control.  Without emotions playing a part in the story, it is easier to see both sides of the story and not be biased.   

"The new journalism tends to be more personal.  It prefers transparency to objectivity or self-effacing neutrality.  Across journalism programs, there is a trend toward teaching a perspectival journalism that draws conclusions, and argues for interpretations.  This challenges the previous dominance of objectivity as an ideal."  -Stephan Ward

(for his article click here)

Like Ward said, objectivity is different for every journalist.  For some, transparency is enough. For me, objectivity should be shown by providing a story with sufficient information to make the readers feel like they have obtained knowledge or useful information.  Objectivity includes refraining from letting emotions take control in a story.  Journalists should not be cold hearted when covering a story, but they need to remember their first priority is providing the public with the information they need to be self-governing.