The Washington Post and the role of journalism

“The press does not tell us what to think, it tells us what to think about.” This phrase by Walter Lippmann (1889-1974), a pioneer of ethical journalism, captures the essence of the media’s role in society.

Free media is essential in a free society, providing citizens with the information they need to make enlightened decisions without pushing specific opinions.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s largest shareholder, owns The Washington Post, while William Lewis, a seasoned journalist with a strong background in quality British newspapers, serves as its publisher and CEO.

The Washington Post, one of the most respected newspapers in the United States, has historically endorsed a presidential candidate before an election, usually the Democrat (with the exception of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952). These have never been endorsements by the editor-in-chief alone; rather, they have been collective, anonymous endorsements from the editorial board as a whole – which casts doubt on the impartiality of the practice.

Such endorsements could be seen as telling readers what to think rather than encouraging independent thought and decision-making.

There appears to be a growing trend toward uniformity in thought.

 

This year, however, Mr. Lewis decided there would be no endorsement, despite opposition from some Washington Post journalists and editors. The endorsement would likely have favored Vice President Kamala Harris.

Mr. Lewis justified his decision by saying an endorsement would undermine the mission of an independent press. He stated:

 We recognize that this will be read in a range of ways, including as a tacit endorsement of one candidate, or as a condemnation of another, or as an abdication of responsibility. That is inevitable. We don’t see it that way. We see it as consistent with the values The Post has always stood for and what we hope for in a leader: character and courage in service to the American ethic, veneration for the rule of law, and respect for human freedom in all its aspects.

Mr. Lewis described the decision as “a statement in support of our readers’ ability to make up their own minds.”

Speculation immediately emerged that Jeff Bezos might have influenced the decision to avoid potential conflicts for his business under a Donald Trump administration. Even if the motivation was spinelessness in this specific instance, the choice not to endorse a candidate nonetheless demonstrates a commitment to the principle of journalism’s true role in a democratic society.

Regrettably, European media also seems increasingly inclined to guide public opinion toward predetermined views rather than offering diverse information, explanation and commentary. Instead of fostering a marketplace of ideas, which is crucial to a free society and a functioning democracy, there appears to be a growing trend toward uniformity in thought.

This comment was originally published here: https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/washington-post-journalism/