The peculiar biases of journalism

Yes, we support motherhood and apple pie

Journalists like to project a veneer of unbiased reporting. But are we biased?

Are we biased in favour of teachers, because more and better teachers make for better students?

Better students make for more knowledgeable people with curious minds.

Knowledgeable people with curious minds are more likely to consume good journalism and understand the information we present and the stories we tell.

Are we biased in favour of libraries, because libraries make for better readers?

Better readers make for more well-informed people.

Well-informed people are more likely to consume good journalism and appreciate the kind of work we do.

Are we biased in favour of universities and colleges, because universities and colleges, through their research and their teaching, make citizens smarter, more dynamic, more innovative and more resilient?

Smarter, more dynamic, more innovative, more resilient citizens make for more successful communities.

More successful communities are more likely to value the key role good journalism plays in the circle of prosperity.

Are we biased in favour of peaceful protests and radical ideas, regardless of the cause or political bent, because peaceful protests and radical ideas — good and bad — lead to community debate and a broadening of perspectives? Community debate and broadened perspectives make for an electorate that is wellversed on the issues.

An electorate that is wellversed on the issues is more likely to be hungry for even more good and reliable information from journalists so it can see new horizons and choose the best leaders.

Are we biased in favour of a healthy democracy: a duly elected legislative body that makes rules and laws; an executive that enforces them without favour; a judiciary that protects the laws and provides justice for all; and a healthy media, which empowers everyone?

A healthy democracy, where all pillars are stable and mutually supportive, make for a stable and mutually supportive society that looks forward, not back.

A stable and mutually supportive society that looks forward, not back, is more likely to turn to media to explore the many ideas and opportunities that await us and prepare us for any obstacles that might challenge us.

Are we biased in favour of freedom, justice, equality, representation, education, accuracy, transparency, kindness, understanding, charity, motherhood and apple pie?

You bet we are.

Paul Berton is editor-in-chief of The Hamilton Spectator and thespec.com. Reach him at 905-526-3482 or pberton@thespec.com