[ExI] Robert Ettinger's obituary in NYT

[Dan]

Are you a regular reader of the NY Times? In my view, they do not present a neutral view. Nor do they strive to present all views on a topic. For instance, the anarchist or libertarian positions hardly ever grace its pages. Why is that?
 
Regards,
 
Dan
From: BillK <pharos at gmail.com>
To: ExI chat list <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 2, 2011 12:40 PM
Subject: Re: [ExI] Robert Ettinger's obituary in NYT

2011/8/2 Dan wrote:
> As far as I'm aware, there is no such rule regarding print media in the US.
> Also, the Fairness Doctrine is basically, in my understanding, no longer in
> force in regard to broadcast media in the US. In other words, nothing legal
> prevents the NY Times or any newspaper in the US from taking a pro- or anti-
> cryonics stance. (Add to this, the NY Times does have opinion columns that
> do take controversial stances on issues. AFAIK, that paper is not obligated
> to provide equal column inches to opposing viewpoints.)

I think you are right to say there are no applicable laws for general
news. (The Equal Time rule is for politics only).

But see:
<https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Objectivity_%28journalism%29>

Quote:
In the context of journalism, objectivity may be understood as
synonymous with neutrality.
It refers to the prevailing ideology of newsgathering and reporting
that emphasizes eyewitness accounts of events, corroboration of facts
with multiple sources and balance of viewpoints.

Some historians, like Gerald Baldasty, have observed that
"objectivity" went hand in hand with the need to make profits in the
newspaper business by selling advertising. Publishers did not want to
offend any potential advertising customers and therefore encouraged
news editors and reporters to strive to present all sides of an issue.
----------------

BillK
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