Bias and Fairness

These examples show how journalists can make it clear that their goal is to be fair, and their agenda is to serve their community. Some examples include:

Breaking news • Fairness and objectivity • Fake news • Opinion vs. news • Sensationalism

See a few stand-out examples in this gallery, and scroll down for a longer list to get inspired

Looking for additional help on how to implement similar ideas in your newsroom? Check out the below resources. 

“BIAS AND FAIRNESS” HIGHLIGHTS

After getting feedback from the public that the paper wasn’t reflecting the community accurately, the Milton Independent shifted it’s coverage to more fairly and accurately reflect the city.

See more here.

 

After getting questions on Facebook about a crime story, the Coloradoan wrote a column explaining the newsroom’s approach and policies around covering crime.

See more here.

 

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times explained why it started using clearer labels to distinguish between opinion and news.

See more here.

 

Community Impact drew attention to their balanced reporting and continued coverage over time by including an editor’s note at the top of a story directing readers to previous coverage on the topic. 

See more here. 

The Record Searchlight wrote a column explaining the ethics that steer their newsroom, explaining how they strive to maintain objectivity. 

See more here. 

The editor of USA TODAY, Nicole Carroll, wrote a column to talk about the organization’s goals of factual and fair reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

See more here.

 

Bias and Fairness: Full List