Is Activism the Future of Journalism?

Journalists have traditionally been expected to completely detach their own opinions from their work. But now that standard is beginning to evolve in a way that accepts the inherent bias of reporters. But how much is too much? 

Diving deep into these important topics at the very heart of modern journalism, we bring in two viewpoints from our USC Annenberg community. Myah Genung, chief program officer for Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab, and Jen Byers, a master’s student in specialized journalism who is writing her thesis on objectivity and leading the Activism Desk at Annenberg Media. Led by our host, journalism major Skye Lee, Genung and Byers discuss the definition of activism, the search for truth in journalism, the perils of objectivity, and more. 

Mentioned: 

• “Where Does Journalism End and Activism Begin?” by Michael Blanding for Neiman Reports - https://niemanreports.org/articles/where-does-journalism-end-and-activism-begin/
• “Newsroom Managers Urge Journalists to Keep Abortion Views Under Wraps” by Charlotte Klein for Vanity Fair - https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/05/newsroom-managers-urge-journalists-to-keep-abortion-views-under-wraps
• OpenSecrets - https://www.opensecrets.org/
• USC Annenberg Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab - https://basslab.usc.edu/
• Activism Desk at Annenberg Media - https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/activism/

This episode of “The Annenverse” is hosted and researched by journalism student Skye Lee. Recorded and edited by Areon Mobasher. Produced by Olivia Mowry. Additional editing by Skye Lee.