To say that today’s media environment is hyper-partisan is an understatement.
And many people are stepping away from TV news outlets and turning to social media platforms that further promote divisiveness with dis- and misinformation.
This climate has certainly increased the challenges broadcast journalists face.
Challenges Broadcast Journalists Face
The timing is far from ideal. Disengagement comes at the same time that Chat GPT and other generative AI are upending the norms of how content is generated and by whom. Plus, platforms are ridding themselves of the fact-checkers who once kept information relatively safe.
As such, broadcast journalists are digging into how to respond to this so that people can access important information they need to make informed decisions. The following actions are essential (but far from easy these days) for broadcast journalists to take.
Don’t Resort to Clickbait Journalism
Given the withdrawal of viewers, there’s an appeal to attract them with clickbait headlines or overly in-depth reporting. This is a guaranteed way to get noticed by TV news talent agents. But for all the wrong reasons. And you can be sure you’ll have a hard time getting placed with any respectable news outlet.
Good broadcast journalists with integrity prioritize facts over sensationalism and provide analysis and context that go beyond the headlines. They focus on stories that are of interest to the public and hold powerful entities accountable.
Maintain Objectivity
Broadcast journalists are under fire to present a fair and balanced story. Unfortunately, this often results in giving equal weight to claims that aren’t substantiated. And the number of fringe viewpoints seeping into the mainstream is ever-increasing – making the line between news and opinion blurry.
To maintain objectivity, broadcast journalists must prioritize factual information from verifiable sources when presenting both sides. Using clear and concise language also goes the distance in sensationalizing or editorializing a story.
Present Multiple Perspectives
Well-rounded reporting is crucial in establishing the credibility of a story. Even so, providing a variety of viewpoints without proper context can create confusion and undermine that credibility. Broadcast journalists must be able to identify credible sources based on relevant expertise and a proven track record. Any opposing views presented should be in the context of factual information that highlights areas of disagreement and consensus.
Allow the Facts to Speak for Themselves
Broadcast journalists – and in particular investigative journalists – serve a critical role in maintaining a democracy. They do this by uncovering truths and holding institutions accountable. In this polarized environment though, such reporting is often dismissed as biased based on the target of the investigation.
This is why broadcast journalists must uphold the highest journalistic standards and ensure that evidence is well-sourced and verified. In this way, they can allow facts to speak for themselves.
Are You a Broadcast Journalist Seeking Representation?
Broadcast journalists play a critical role in a healthy democracy. But the challenges broadcast journalists face in this divided landscape make their jobs all the more challenging.
If you’re an anchor or news reporter who’s committed to unbiased reporting, you need a TV news talent agent who shares this vision.
Mort Meisner is that agent. Contact him today to see how he can make you a name to remember (for all the right reasons) in broadcast journalism.
