Opinion content is killing the news
Whether I like it or not, I might be a killer. A killer of news. I might be part of the problem for media if you believe my opinion contained in this piece is just another stab at the failing body of the news.
Is it time to get rid of opinion content to save the news?
It feels like eons ago that we witnessed the slow descent into oblivion of factual news reporting mostly due to the popularity of columnists. You know those writers who had an opinion about everything and nothing. That could sow arguments based on whims, beliefs and the ubiquitous «common sense» to prove their point. I’m not here to condemn: it was their role and they were clearly identified as such by publishers.
But today, opinion content is much more deceitful and prevalent to the point that the public can’t distinguish between news and opinion.
If you read “Liberals, This is War,” that the NYT published, you will find that it blends beautifully hard facts and political statements. As a reader, I’m left wondering: is this propaganda wrapped in factual information? Or an analysis of the liberal movement?
Even if a publisher sticks to the tried and true clear differentiation of opinion content from the news, the halo effect of the publisher’s reputation taints the reader’s perception. The recent uproar over President Trump’s op-ed in USA Today brings to life the tension between opinion and news content. Glenn Kessler of the Washington Post wrote, “almost every sentence contained a misleading statement or a falsehood.” So, you can easily ask: Why has no one caught the factual errors? Think what you may of the USA today, it is still a legitimate news publisher that employs journalists who cover the news according to a clear editorial line. And indeed, its readers were outraged, because they expect a certain brand of content from the USA today.
Everyone in the journalistic community knows opinion content doesn’t receive the same fact-checking treatment that news does. But we can’t assume that the reader, and in more general terms, the public as a whole know this fact. This, unfortunately, contributes to the trust deficit media is incurring. When you read an article in a media, where are the lines drawn between news, news analysis, and opinion content?
So maybe it’s time to get rid of opinion pieces contained in media. Maybe opinions are undermining the value of the news. But then again it raises the question: do we believe journalism has a special role in the news? Or do we prefer to see the confrontation of opinions? Everyone knows the basis of a great story is confrontation. But should it also be the foundation of journalism?
I would argue that there should be a bigger gap between opinion and news. It is not to say that journalists need to refrain totally from a point of view, but I need the journalist to perform a service more than pushing personal views. It is not like the internet and the world is yearning for opinion content…
One such differentiation solution is being offered by BuzzFeed. Instead of just having a news section they have separated out news onto its own clearly identified sub-brands and domain. One can maybe envision a media taking the same approach for the opinion content.
Perhaps the solution comes down to profit? Paying for quality content should be given a second chance. After all, a profitable news organization would have the means to choose what to publish and be more assiduous in fact-checking.
I hope you guessed it by now, I don’t want to be a killer. I want the news, journalism, and journalists to live on and thrive.
I firmly believe in this special profession. Maybe because I used to be one back in the old days. But certainly, because it has a vital role to play in society. Also, because it is not as easy as it seems. It is an expertise. I believe Journalist provide an expert service delivering us knowledge about what’s happening, what’s going to happen next, what’s the event context, and what it all means.
Opinion content can be informative, and galvanizing. And the goal of this one is to open up a discussion about how to help news shake off its most notorious epithet; Fake.
