Objective Journalism Vs. Advocacy Journalism

The aim of objective journalism is to stick to the facts.

The Hutchins Commission, established to protect the freedom of the press and define its role within the society, published a five-point guideline in 1947 that outlined the relationship between the media and society. The first guideline was that the media should be truthful and that it should separate fact from opinion. Perhaps the biggest difference between objective journalism and advocacy journalism is that the former strives to present information in a factual and non-biased manner, while the latter incorporates opinion into articles. Many media experts argue that true objectivity is not possible for the simple reason that reporters, being human, cannot prevent personal biases from entering into their work.

Objective vs. Reflective

In objective journalism, the journalist strives to keep all personal beliefs and opinions out of the story, and instead incorporates only facts pulled from evidence. Advocacy journalism, on the other hand, is reflective in nature. It incorporates opinion and even supports a certain outcome.

Display Facts vs. Promote Cause

Objective journalism relies heavily on third-party statements to build the body of a story. Reporters are expected to use quotes to support the facts. Advocacy journalism often promotes a particular cause, whether it is social, environmental or political. In these articles, quotes might be framed to support a point of view.

Quote Major Players vs. Support Specific Point of View

Objective journalism features the findings of all major participants in a story. The journalist strives to present both or all sides evenly. Advocacy journalism often supports one specific point of view. Journalists tend to give people with this point of view precedence over others, even to the point of leaving out information about the other perspective entirely.

Intent

A journalist practicing objective journalism begins a story with the intent of uncovering truth by giving equal weight to all sides. He strives to put his personal beliefs and opinions aside for the sake of the story. A journalist practicing advocacy journalism, on the other hand, often begins a story to promote a certain cause or belief. He uses his beliefs and opinions to help shape the story.

References

• Utah State University; Intro to Mass Comm - The Hutchins Commission: An Historical Perspective; Dr. Ted Pease; March 2010
• Socio Sphere: Advocacy Journalism
• Washington State University; The Myth of Objectivity in Journalism: A Commentary; Richard F. Taflinger; May 1996
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Public Journalism and the Problem of Objectivity; Phillip Meyer; Sept. 1995

Resources

• Grist; Top Environmental Reporters Talk About Journalism vs. Activism; Aug. 2006