Since I am working at Algemeen Dagblad (one of the largest newspapers in the Netherlands), I am more interested in journalism in general. What makes a journalist a good one? Do have papers a political preference? (YES!) and is it possible for a writer or journalist to be hundred per cent objective?
The last question is a interesting one. A large number of researchers proved that it is impossible for a journalist to be one-hundred per cent objective. However, almost all the interviewers, writers or presenters claim that they are one-hundred procent objective. For example, Pauw en Witteman, a dutch late night talkshow with a TV-interview setting, say that they are not 'left' or 'right' on the political frame, but just theirselfs (Are they objective by saying this?). Varwijk and Huls (2008) did a research on this topic and concluded that Pauw and Witteman have a preference for left-sided politicans. They indicated a bias in question design, which means that left-sided politicans were approached less aggressive than right-sided politicans.
Why is there a taboo on this topic? Is it forbidden for journalists to say or write what they think? Take a look at Italy! In most of the political facets a strange country, but they know how to report a soccer match. If you want to watch the game AC Milan against Juventus on television, you have the choose between two channels: one with an AC Milan-commentator and one with Juventus-commentator. Objectivity? NO! Pleasure? YES!
Will it be an idea to introduce more subjective television programs in Holland? Studio Sport Feyenoord and Studio Sport PSV, a news program with right presentators or left-sided presentators.
At the moment, I work on my thesis and the subject is comparable to the study of Varwijk and Huls (2008). However, I am studying a talkshow with two presentators who are more right-sided. These two people, Andries Knevel and Tijs van de Brink, both say that they are hundred per cent neutral, but the results will be clear: left-wing politicans will be approached more aggressive than right-wing politicans. Objectivity? NO! Solution: be brave and tell your public your preference: Give all the people their platforms and be honest.
Objectivity does not exist...
