Objectivity and the News: Reexamining Facts, Truth, and Fairness

The social and political upheavals of the past year have sparked renewed attacks on objectivity, a hallmark of American journalism. Does news coverage require a makeover? Or a reaffirmation of core values? On February 16, 2021, the Program in Journalism invited distinguished journalists and scholars to weigh the strengths and limitations of neutrality in the news. This signature event was co-sponsored by the Department of English and the Department of Philosophy.

The panelists:

— Rachel Donadio, Paris-based contributing writer at The Atlantic

— Kimbriell Kelly, Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington bureau chief at The Los Angeles Times

— Joe Richman, Peabody Award-winning founder and executive producer of Radio Diaries

— Gideon Rosen, Stuart Professor of Philosophy and chair of the Department of Philosophy

Discussion moderated by Joe Stephens, Ferris Professor of Journalism in Residence and director of the Humanities Council‘s Program in Journalism. Welcome delivered by Eric Gregory, Professor of Religion and chair of the Humanities Council.