The objectivity norm in American journalism*

Abstract

Why did the occupational norm of ‘objectivity’ arise in American journalism? This question has attracted the interest of many journalism historians but it has not previously been examined as an instance of a more general social phenomenon, the emergence of new cultural norms and ideals. Four conditions for the emergence of new norms are identified – two having to do with the self-conscious pursuit of internal group solidarity; and two having to do with the need to articulate the ideals of social practice in a group in order to exercise control over subordinates and to pass on group culture to the next generation. Reviewing the history of the professionalization of American journalism, this essay identifies the late 19th and early 20th century as the period when these conditions crystallized. Alternative technological and economic explanations of the emergence of objectivity are criticized and the difficulty of understanding why objectivity as a norm emerged first and most fully in the United States rather than in European journalism is discussed.

Towards A Typology of Conflict Frames

“…In political news, conflict frames are showcased through critique or attacks from and towards political actors, or the visibility of diverging political views in the media. The popularity of conflict frames in the Western media may be explained by the fact that Western journalists greatly value objective reporting (Schudson 2001). Part of this objectivity norm is the routine of balancing between competing positions (Neuman, Just, and Crigler 1992).…”

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

“…In order to derive, explain and defend how truth is being told it is crucial to employ visible and clearly demarcated indicators of adequate truth-telling whether the norm is transparency or objectivity (Karlsson, 2010;Tuchman, 1972). Traditionally, this has been achieved by, for instance, using different sources, verifiable facts and keeping the journalists personal opinion out of the news text (Schudson, 2001;Shoemaker & Reese, 1996;Soloski, 1997).…”

Beyond Vox Pop: The Role of News Sourcing and Political Beliefs in Exemplification Effects

“…One of the core tenets of journalism is the norm of objectivity (Schudson, 2001), and to maintain the appearance of neutrality-and to collect information efficiently-journalists use a news beat system heavily dependent on elite sources (e.g., Bennett, 1990;Sigal, 1973). "Ordinary" people rarely appear in the form of exemplars, especially regarding political issues.…”