3 Reasons Why Unbiased Journalism Is Impossible

The "unbiased journalism" many long for never existed because it's impossible.

Understanding why, as explained by a former journalist, will give you insight into the people who produce the news you consume every day.

1. Journalists Are Biased

A bias is "an inclination of temperament or outlook," according to Merriam-Webster.

All people have biases and prejudices, especially in the realm of politics. And journalists are people, too, despite how some act. Therefore, all journalists are biased!

Saying journalists are capable of being unbiased is saying they're capable of being superhuman.

2. Journalists Pursue Agendas

Journalists pick the stories they present to you because they think those stories are important.

They also think those stories will provoke a reaction out of you, whether it be to read more news, share your opinion on the article, or even vote a certain way. Journalism is done for a purpose—to get people to do things. Normally things in the journalist's interest.

3. Journalists Have Limitations

Being unbiased requires telling the whole story—how can journalists be expected to do that?

Telling "the whole story" requires examining every angle, knowing every relevant fact, talking to every possible source, etc. You couldn't do all of that, let alone fit it in an 800-word article. Journalists and the news they publish see and present a small picture of what's going on because that's all they can do.

But just because journalists can't be unbiased doesn't mean they can't be untruthful. More on that later.

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Matthew Giffin is an independent journalist based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Follow him on X and send him story tips at matthewgiffin2002@gmail.com.

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