#11 // Independence in Journalism

What does it mean to be independent as a citizen journalist or blogger? Why is independence considered one of the most fundamental precepts in journalism?

1. Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover

Independence is an underlying requirement of journalism, a cornerstone of its reliability. Independence of spirit and mind, rather than neutrality, is the principle journalists must keep in focus. While editorialists and commentators are not neutral, the source of their credibility is still their accuracy, intellectual fairness and ability to inform–not their devotion to a certain group or outcome. In our independence, however, we must avoid any tendency to stray into arrogance, elitism, isolation or nihilism.

And 2. They must serve as an independent monitor of power

Journalism has an unusual capacity to serve as watchdog over those whose power and position most affect citizens. The Founders recognized this to be a rampart against despotism when they ensured an independent press; courts have affirmed it; citizens rely on it. As journalists, we have an obligation to protect this watchdog freedom by not demeaning it in frivolous use or exploiting it for commercial gain.

(http://www.journalism.org/resources/principles-of-journalism/)

This article gives a good overview of how to create a complete journalistic profile using a “Independence and the guide:”

http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/2128/the-ethics-of-civic-journalism-independence-as-the-guide/

Oh hey also, watch this seven minute video. It rules:

http://www.kcnn.org/principles/independence_in_journalism