This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
Resident: I can’t believe that’s what the City Council decided to do with our money. How do you feel about that?
Me: I don’t really have an opinion. I’m just getting the information for an article. Resident: Elected officials always get away
Resident: Elected officials always get away with this stuff. It’s not morally right. Wouldn’t you agree?
Me: Well, I don’t agree nor disagree. I’m just here listening.
Citizen: And Samsung. Oh, my goodness. Do you think that was the right thing to do?
Me: When I’m covering a story, I never voice any opinions. This is one of those times.
This is a fictional conversation based on actual events. In other words, I hear things like this all the time, and on both sides of most issues.
On several occasions, I’m asked about my opinion on the matter at hand. Without fail, my answer is some form of, “I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t really have an opinion.”
If not, my response is, “I’m the one asking the questions.”
While I do have my own views and thoughts, it’s not my job as a journalist to tell people what they are. My job is to write the article down the middle, to remain objective and unbiased. To give both sides of the story and allow readers to make their own judgments.
Not everyone understands that. However, it is how I approach every news story.
If I agree or disagree with a topic, it will not come out in my news coverage. The only time you will read my opinion is on the editorial page – this page, which is normally page 4 on Sundays. This page is clearly marked as an opinion page.
An unwritten rule for sports reporters is, “Don’t be a homer.” Basically, that means don’t show favoritism to one team.
Sports reporters should not wear a team’s shirt to cover a game. In small communities like Taylor, we can get away with it more often. The problem comes when Thrall plays Granger or Taylor plays Hutto. What team shirt would the reporter wear?
The answer should be a Taylor Press shirt.
One advantage of being in a small community is that we know most of the people. So, at an event like PRIDE Day, we can talk to folks who support the event, as well as protesters. It makes it easier when you have a relationship with people from different walks of life. For us, we can approach or be approached without hostility.
When you ask my opinion, I want people to understand I’m not withholding my views to be rude or secretive. I’m just doing my job and keeping my personal opinions to myself. I’m going to get off my soapbox now and go
I’m going to get off my soapbox now and go shopping for the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament July 9-10 at Taylor Middle School, sponsored by Taylor Press. I’m still picking up prizes, and I have some good ones in mind. Want to know more? Call me at 512-352-8535 or email [email protected].
“If there’s anything that’s important to a reporter, it is integrity. It is credibility.”
— Mike Wallace
