Many forces have eroded public trust in journalism over the years. Additionally, the traditional standard of “objectivity” has lost its relevance for a new generation of journalists and news consumers. This report and accompanying “playbook” offer actionable guidelines to help news organizations restore a belief in the value of fair, fact-based reporting — trustworthy news. We provide a fresh vision for how to replace outmoded “objectivity” with a more relevant articulation of journalistic standards.
With support from the Stanton Foundation and the help of a talented team of students, we were able to interview more than 75 news leaders and other practitioners and draw insights from across print, digital and broadcast news organizations. We hope you find these useful in your efforts to strengthen and transform journalism.
Download the Beyond Objectivity Report
Download the Beyond Objectivity One Sheet Playbook
About the authors
Leonard Downie, Jr., the Weil Family Professor of Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, started at The Washington Post in 1964 as an intern and rose through the ranks. He held the role of executive editor from 1991 through 2008. During his tenure at the Post, he investigated and led coverage of some of the most significant events of the 20th century.
Andrew Heyward, a Research Professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and senior advisor to the new Center for Constructive Communication at MIT, is an award-winning