Objectivity is difficult but needed

Objectivity is difficult but needed

On Nov. 29, 2017, “The Today Show” announced the firing of long time anchor Matt Lauer for accusations of sexual assault. Savanna Guthrie looked into the camera and told how it was difficult to report on a story in her work place, but it was a challenge NBC would have to overcome as they put their personal feelings aside and worked as journalists.

NBC assigned investigative reporter Stephanie Gosk to report on the story.

“For me, the important thing has been to report in the same way I would report the CBS story about Charlie Rose,” Gosk said during an interview on “The Rachel Maddow Show.”

At the time of this story, I remember thinking how much poise NBC had for maintaining its professional standard in what most people would consider a losing situation. I sympathized with these reporters, but I did not empathize. Today, that has changed.

The Flor-Ala is now a name on the front page of more than one newspaper. It turns out when a student media adviser is fired and files an investigation against the university for censorship, it becomes quite a story. Although having to cover a story this close to home is not something any journalist dreams of doing, The Flor-Ala has to remember each member has a job to the paper and to the public.

One thing I have quickly realized is there are going to be people who complain if the story is covered too conservative just as people will complain if the story is covered too liberal. The fact of the matter is covering a story inside your own home is nothing but obstacles.

The only thing I can say is I am doing my very best to look at the facts and disconnect myself from the emotion. I am working very hard to hold my staff to the same standard. I can promise I will report in a way I feel best represents the situation.

It is not my job to try to convince the public of one person’s side. The facts will do that in the end.

At this point in time, student media is operating as different groups. Members from the Diorama or the photography staff can advocate for our adviser, Scott Morris, if they choose. As for my staff at The Flor-Ala, as much as we appreciate Scott, as a group we are trying to separate ourselves from the situation so we can better report. We are currently being advised by multiple respected advisers at various colleges. I am sure there will be moments where things are tough and we disagree, but at the end of the day, our loyalty has to be to the public. We encourage the public to hold us accountable as we try to minimize any biases that we may have.