The End of Objectivity (Version 0.91)

Dan Gillmor is arguing that we should abandon the golden standard of “Objectivity” in American Journalism. Undoubtedly some in the old guard will label him a heretic; however, like most heretics, he is being condemned for speaking the truth:

Again, the idea of objectivity is a worthy one. But we are human. We have biases and backgrounds and a variety of conflicts that we bring to our jobs every day.

Gillmor recommends that instead of worshiping the great “O”, journalists should hold themselves accountable to the four pillars of good journalism: Thoroughness, Accuracy, Fairness, and Transparency. I think he’s on to something; his four pillars even make a good acronym: TAFT. Read Gillmor’s full explanation here.