You're emotionally involved in a story you're covering. How do you keep your reporting objective?

1 Acknowledge Bias

The first step in maintaining objectivity is acknowledging your own biases. It's natural to have preconceived notions or emotional ties to certain topics. Recognize these feelings and understand how they may color your perception of the story. By being mindful of your biases, you can actively work to prevent them from influencing your reporting. This self-awareness is a powerful tool in ensuring the accuracy and fairness of your coverage.

2 Seek Facts

Your primary allegiance is to the truth. No matter how emotionally involved you may feel, your reporting must be anchored in verifiable facts. Delve into research, corroborate information with multiple sources, and present data without letting your personal feelings sway the narrative. By focusing on the facts, you can build a solid foundation for your story that stands apart from your emotions.

3 Diverse Perspectives

Incorporating a variety of perspectives into your reporting is essential for objectivity. Actively seek out voices that differ from your own and give them equal weight in your coverage. This practice not only enriches your story but also helps to counteract any unconscious bias. Listening to diverse viewpoints can also provide you with a broader understanding of the issue at hand, which is invaluable for balanced reporting.

4 Emotional Distance

Creating emotional distance can be tough, but it's necessary for objective reporting. Strive to detach yourself from the story and approach it as an observer rather than a participant. This doesn't mean you should be cold or unfeeling; empathy is an important trait for a journalist. However, when it comes time to write, aim for a tone that is neutral and focused on the facts, not on personal sentiment.

5 Peer Review

Don't underestimate the value of a second pair of eyes. Having colleagues review your work can help catch any inadvertent bias. They can provide feedback on whether the story reads as objective or if there are elements that reveal an emotional slant. This peer review process is a critical checkpoint in ensuring that your reporting remains impartial and adheres to journalistic standards.

6 Reflect and Adjust

Finally, take time to reflect on your work and be willing to make adjustments. If you find that your emotions have crept into your reporting, don't hesitate to revise. This may involve rephrasing, reordering information, or even conducting additional research. The goal is to produce a piece that is both informative and unbiased, and sometimes that requires revisiting and refining your work until it meets these criteria.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?