When I became a journalist (more than 60 years ago) I was always conscious of what my readers expected. Essentially, they were not particularly interested in my opinions, but rather in my interpretation of the facts which I was bringing to their attention. Of course, there were, and still are, columnists whose role is specifically to provide opinions.
Thinking recently about what the purpose of basic journalism should be, I constantly return to this principle — the interpretation of facts. For this, journalists need to be well informed and up to date with information.
This requires continuous attention to the facts. Political situations change, and the journalist’s job is to keep up to date with the changes. Covering national politics provides a good example of this. In the U.K., for example, great arguments are going on about how Brexit will evolve, and how Britain will amend its relationship with the EU. The arguments are complex, and they are closely linked to the role of the Prime Minister, her relations with fellow Ministers, and public reactions to these issues.
What makes a journalist?
There is no simple way through all this, but it is surely the case that the public, the readers of the newspapers, expect the journalists to keep up to date with changing information and present it analytically, in a way that leads to greater understanding.
This, of course, applies to news coverage in other countries as well. In India, to take one example, changes are taking place over sexual harassment laws, which the Indian government is considering tightening. This follows many recent complaints of abuse lodged by women. The issue has been brought to the forefront of politics. The question of the role of women in India is important, and it requires balanced reporting and analysis.
In the EU, the likely effects of Britain’s planned departure are the subject of continuing discussion. The issues raised include not simply the changing relationship between Britain and the EU, but also the changes that are occurring within the EU, and the effects which they are having on individual EU countries, and their relationship with each other. The EU will not remain the same — and accurate and balanced coverage of the changes is important and needs careful analysis.
Another important area where changes are taking place is the U.S. The role and behaviour of President Donald Trump is very clearly highly controversial. He is, to put it mildly, an eccentric President. His actions are always newsworthy. But in covering them it is important both to assess the facts, and to consider carefully their implications — not just for the U.S. but also for the rest of the world.
What this underlines is the basic purpose of journalism — the accurate reporting and analysis of facts.
The writer is an Emeritus Fellow and former vice president of Wolfson College, Cambridge University