This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
For a reporter, transparency is a word that is used quite a bit, mostly when it comes to elected officials, school districts and municipal government.
The definition of transparency is the state of being transparent. In other words, not hiding information or hidden motives.
While we journalists expect the agencies and leaders we cover to be transparent, we must do the same. Not only to gain the trust of the person we are reporting on, but also to earn the trust and respect of our readers.
When we write, we contact sources for information. We cite our sources using quotes with attribution. We don’t make assumptions or give our opinion in our articles. That’s reporters being transparent.
A phrase often heard is, “Someone has to ask the tough questions.” That’s our responsibility. Answers range from direct to tiptoeing around the answer to def lecting, and it’s our job to inform our readers about the response, even if it’s not what readers want to hear.
I can think of several people in positions of power who probably cringe when I call because they know what kind of questions I may have to ask. They also know I am going to ask, so they are prepared. They may not look forward to our conversations, but they know I am not trying to embarrass them.
Some, but not all, understand it’s my job; the interview or the story also could even be their platform to clarify any misinformation.
That’s transparency. A writer’s own personal views on politics are not necessarily aspects of being transparent. A journalist’s personal opinions should only be expressed on opinion pages, like this page. In news articles, accuracy and impartiality are vital to our transparency.
In order to be recognized as a credible news source by our readers, we have to be accurate and report objectively.
Several national news outlets are considered biased, with correspondents basing their reports on their own personal thoughts and opinions. Any article that is produced is questioned by some of the audience. It makes it seem like the outlet has an ulterior motive or is pushing a certain agenda.
According to former Granite Publications owner, the late Jim Chionsini, “If you can piss off both sides, then you’re doing your job.”
That is not the goal, necessarily, but that means the story was told with no bias or a hidden agenda.
That’s transparency. I have two phrases I say often: “If you don’t want people to hear it, don’t say it,” and, “If there is more to this story, you are welcome to come to my office and talk to me.”
The first is self-explanatory, the second offers an opportunity to tell your side of the story.
That’s not just me being transparent, that’s a chance for the person involved to do the same thing.
I’m going to get off my soapbox now and get prepared for the Shot in the Dark golf tournament. Hopefully, I won’t lose as many balls this time.
“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.” — Dalai Lama
